Health and wellness have understandably been important talking points in recent months, particularly among the workforce. Over the past 20 months, companies have had to restructure their strategies, digitise internal processes and adopt remote working practices. These changes have undoubtedly had a negative effect on motivation, productivity and mental health, which led to soaring levels of absenteeism and cost the economy R15 billion in 2020.

Psychosocial stressors have always been predominant in the workplace, which includes high job demands, job insecurity, and inflexible working schedules. Add the current pandemic and a sharp rise in influenza cases in South Africa into the equation, the effects of stress, anxiety, and social deprivation on mental and physical health cannot be overstated enough.

With work-related stress and healthcare costs on the rise, the need for corporate wellness is more important than ever. The good news is that many South African employers are recognising the benefits of investing in the well-being of their employees. As such, companies like Health Central are blazing the trail in the health and wellness space and taking it to new and innovative heights with its recently-launched shared value initiative. This gives businesses the opportunity to join forces to help working South Africans take care of their mental and physical health.

“Health Central is currently the only e-tailer in South Africa with a prime focus on shared value initiatives,” says General Manager Daniel Nel. “This campaign sees employees from business partners receive significant discounts on all listed products while employed, as well as rebates on sales. These rebates can be put back into their organisation or donated to selected charities. We invite all companies, organisations, nonprofits and government entities whose values align with ours to benefit from this campaign” added Nel.

As such, all proceeds are earmarked and dedicated to improving the lives of South African citizens and organisation members through skill development. “What’s more, being an e-tailer means shoppers can purchase their products online without the hassle of visiting a brick-and-mortar store. This adds to the convenience of the shopping experience.”

More accessibility to natural alternatives

Health Central has steadily been making a name for itself in the wellness industry in South Africa. The online store grew consistently in less than a year, doubling the number of high-quality wellness products available through their e-commerce platform while remaining affordable to the average consumer. This provides South Africans with more accessibility to a wider range of natural, healthy alternatives to traditional pharmaceutical medication.

But Nel’s eyes are set on even loftier goals. The company is expanding its network to include professionals offering expert advice in fields such as nutrition, dental hygiene, physiotherapy, fitness and more. “Our mission is to become the most progressive online health and wellness e-retailer who cares about our people. Our ultimate goal is to provide free healthcare advice via technology to everyone in South Africa,” concludes Nel.

Health Central products are available online. Alternatively, visit the Health Central store in Cape Town CBD.