{"id":70244,"date":"2022-10-07T13:25:59","date_gmt":"2022-10-07T11:25:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/?p=70244"},"modified":"2025-05-07T15:50:37","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T13:50:37","slug":"strategies-for-creating-a-mentally-healthy-workplace","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/strategies-for-creating-a-mentally-healthy-workplace\/","title":{"rendered":"Strategies for creating a mentally healthy workplace"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/category\/people-leadership\/managing-people\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Managing people<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tStrategies for creating a mentally healthy workplace\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2022-10-07T13:25:59+02:00\">October 7, 2022<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Strategies for creating a mentally healthy workplace\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/strategies-for-creating-a-mentally-healthy-workplace\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/author\/ingebarry\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/Inge-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/Inge-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/06\/Inge.jpg 744w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Inge Barry<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">It\u2019s World Mental Health Day on 10 October, and as awareness around mental illness grows, it\u2019s a good time to discuss how companies can make mental wellbeing a key part of their overall employee wellness initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This is becoming even more crucial in South Africa, which was recently ranked as the lowest country when it comes to mental wellbeing in the latest <a href=\"https:\/\/health-e.org.za\/2022\/03\/18\/mental-wellbeing-sa-hits-rock-bottom-on-global-list\/\">Mental State of the World report<\/a>. The report assesses the Mental Health Quotient (MHQ) of countries against 47 elements. Reasons for<strong> <\/strong>South Africa scoring the lowest MHQ of 46% (down from 56% in 2020) include high unemployment and low education rates, and feelings of fear and anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">There\u2019s more to mental health and wellbeing than feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious at work. In fact, people face various mental health challenges, making it even more critical for HR to communicate with and get to know employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In this blog, we explore mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and how HR can support employees to create a healthy and positive working environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mental health versus mental wellbeing: What\u2019s the difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Although closely related, mental health and mental wellbeing are not the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Mental health refers to a person\u2019s ability to cope with everyday stresses and has to do with their internal state of mind. For example, someone diagnosed with depression might need the support of mental health programmes, counselling, or medication to help them cope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Mental wellbeing, on the other hand, refers to the external factors that could impact a person\u2019s state of mind. For example, a person&#8217;s environment, such as working conditions, relationships, and confidence in their abilities, could impact their mental wellbeing through feelings of fatigue of being undervalued and unappreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><strong>Are South African businesses doing enough?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">A recent <a href=\"https:\/\/iqbusiness.net\/employees-may-be-experiencing-extreme-stress-depression-and-anxiety\/\">survey<\/a> by South African management and technology consulting firm, IQBusiness, revealed that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Over 66%<\/strong> of office-based employees experience extreme stress, anxiety, and depression,<\/li><li><strong>92%<\/strong> are concerned by the state of the country\u2019s economy and the potential implications for them and their loved ones, and<\/li><li><strong>Over 69%<\/strong> are mentally affected by the state of poverty in the country.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.michaelpageafrica.com\/advice\/insights\/latest-insights\/are-companies-south-africa-addressing-mental-health-workplace\">Another survey<\/a> found that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>44%<\/strong> of respondents think that a company\u2019s wellbeing and mental health initiatives will impact their job searches,<\/li><li><strong>44%<\/strong> feel more under pressure since the start of the pandemic,<\/li><li><strong>37%<\/strong> feel that their work-life balance worsened,<\/li><li><strong>35%<\/strong> feel they get less credit for their work, and<\/li><li><strong>23%<\/strong> feel that their manager is neglecting their mental health.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There\u2019s hope for HR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">As an HR leader, you have the most influence over employee health and wellbeing, especially when it comes to encouraging the C-suite and other leaders to prioritise it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">What\u2019s more, there\u2019s a ton of research proving the benefits of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/how-to-create-a-holistic-approach-to-employee-wellbeing\/\">holistic employee mental health and wellbeing.<\/a> These include increased productivity, employee retention, engagement, and collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">But how can you support all your employees when stresses keep adding up?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">First, it\u2019s important to understand what causes work stress. So, look at your organisation\u2019s communication, support structure, career development opportunities, autonomy, workloads, and payment structures, and identify areas where you can <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/why-business-flow-is-essential-for-success\/\">make things flow better<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Asking your employees for feedback also helps to determine where they are mentally and what they might need from the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">When it comes to promoting mental wellbeing in the workplace, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ilo.org\/wcmsp5\/groups\/public\/---ed_emp\/---ifp_skills\/documents\/publication\/wcms_108152.pdf\">International Labour Organization<\/a> lists five main elements for HR professionals to consider:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" type=\"1\"><li><strong>Time structure<\/strong>: Clear and realistic time structures give employees room to plan their tasks, which minimises feelings of pressure and anxiety.<\/li><li><strong>Social contact: <\/strong>Although this is not always physically possible in remote work set-ups, there are virtual tools that make social contact possible.<\/li><li><strong>Collective effort and purpose:<\/strong> Employees appreciate seeing that the business and HR department makes an effort to care about and address issues.<\/li><li><strong>Social identity:<\/strong> People spend most of their time at work, whether physically or cognitively, so <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/support-employees-work-evolves\/\">how they are treated at work<\/a> has a significant impact on how they define themselves.<\/li><li><strong>Regular activity:<\/strong> Employees want to feel included in the workplace, whether it\u2019s by asking for feedback or having a seat at the decision-making table.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Tips for promoting employee wellbeing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Every business is different, which means there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reducing stress, burnout, and mental issues at work. However, the good news is that you can try a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/7-hr-trends-for-2022\/\">few techniques<\/a>, and at the very least, your employees will notice and appreciate the effort!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Apart from regular check-ins, frequent recognition, more breaks, and increased engagement initiatives, here are a few specific initiatives to try:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Mental health training<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Both employees and employers can benefit from training programmes that help them identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental struggles. The more equipped employers and HR are to identify red flags, the better they\u2019ll be at addressing the problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Designated wellbeing professionals<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Hire a trained external or in-house professional to collaborate with HR to develop programmes, policies, analyses, and best practices across the organisation. This gives both HR and employees confidence knowing that support is readily available whenever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Integrate wellbeing into company policies<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The moment wellbeing becomes ingrained in the company\u2019s policies, people will be more likely to follow and appreciate them. For example, there\u2019s a phenomenon called \u201cHelper\u2019s High\u201d to refer to the positive emotions people feel when they help others. In making volunteering part of performance KPIs\u2014for example, giving employees Paid Time Off to do charitable work\u2014you can give employees a dose of feel-good emotions during working hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Use cloud HR software<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/cp\/cloudtechnology\/\">Cloud HR technology<\/a> frees up HR\u2019s time to focus on strategic imperatives of the business instead of mundane administrative issues, while <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/how-to-choose-the-best-employee-self-service-software-to-increase-staff-engagement-customer-satisfaction-and-business-results\/\">self-service tools<\/a> empower employees to own their personal data, ultimately driving accountability and autonomy. In addition, it centralises data, which supports efficiency, reduces manual or mundane tasks, and gives employees more time to focus on work, reducing stress in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Technology also increases real-time collaboration and data tracking, giving you more insight into employee wellbeing\u2014even in a remote or hybrid working environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Mental health and wellbeing in the workplace have become equally important to physical health and wellbeing. And the more your employees see that you\u2019re making an effort, the happier your workforce will be.<\/p>\n \n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Transform your HR and payroll with Sage 300 People<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">Sage 300 People gives employees the freedom to engage and collaborate with their managers through their performance interactions. This not only empowers them but also builds a greater sense of belonging, increasing their wellbeing.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1288428995.jpg\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-70245\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Learn more<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice enewsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-84fe79b5-668d-41f8-a0cc-6229018c4ac9\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tag\/hr-payroll\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHR &amp; Payroll\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-73627 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership tag-business-management tag-employing-people-for-the-first-time tag-hr-payroll tag-trending-topics business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-944060494-1300x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-944060494-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-944060494-768x478.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-944060494-1300x810.jpg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-14T12:28:58+02:00\">May 14, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">15 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/employee-onboarding-process\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe ultimate employee onboarding guide\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tShaping a workforce that fully embraces your company mission starts with captivating the talent you\u2019ve worked so hard to recruit. A solid employee onboarding experience is the first step in this process.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-76011 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership category-trends-insights tag-business-intelligence tag-employing-people-for-the-first-time tag-hr-payroll tag-trending-topics business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/the-hr-and-payroll-leaders-report\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/The-HR-Payroll-Leaders-Report-CTA-Image-684x384.jpeg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A woman looks to camera with the Sage glow line in the background.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/The-HR-Payroll-Leaders-Report-CTA-Image-684x384.jpeg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/The-HR-Payroll-Leaders-Report-CTA-Image-768x518.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/03\/The-HR-Payroll-Leaders-Report-CTA-Image-1200x810.jpeg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-03-10T12:31:22+02:00\">March 10, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">5 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThe HR and Payroll Leaders&#8217; Report: How 1,000 professionals are adapting to change\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-75887 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-accountants tag-bookkeeping tag-business-intelligence tag-compliance tag-financial-insights tag-hr-payroll tag-making-financial-decisions tag-news-insights tag-staying-competitive tag-tax tag-trending-topics business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/tax-year-end-checklist\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/07\/fringe-benefits-blog-header-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Two women in an office discussing fringe benefits types and rules\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/07\/fringe-benefits-blog-header-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/07\/fringe-benefits-blog-header-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/07\/fringe-benefits-blog-header-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-02-27T14:40:07+02:00\">February 27, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tTax year-end 2026: calendar and checklist for South African SMEs\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-69426 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-compliance category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-compliance tag-hr-payroll tag-tax business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/how-to-get-your-business-ready-for-tax-year-end\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/HRP-Image--684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/HRP-Image--684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/HRP-Image--768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/12\/HRP-Image--1213x810.jpg 1213w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-02-12T12:47:25+02:00\">February 12, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">5 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to get your business ready for Tax Year-End\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-69417 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-compliance category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-compliance tag-hr-payroll tag-regulation tag-tax business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/checklist-preparing-for-and-processing-tax-year-end\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1400801126-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-02-12T12:33:19+02:00\">February 12, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">4 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tChecklist: Preparing for and processing Tax Year-End\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It\u2019s World Mental Health Day on 10 October, and as awareness around mental illness grows, it\u2019s a good time to discuss how companies can make mental wellbeing a key part of their overall employee wellness initiatives. This is becoming even more crucial in South Africa, which was recently ranked as the lowest country when it [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1265,"featured_media":69783,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[42,26],"tags":[201],"business_type":[3],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[10,11,14],"imagine_tag":[57,354],"coauthors":[443],"class_list":["post-70244","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-managing-people","category-people-leadership","tag-hr-payroll","business_type-medium-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-za","author_name":"Inge Barry","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1271693425.jpg","imagine_tags":{"57":"HR and Payroll","354":"Looking after employees"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice South Africa","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70244","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1265"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=70244"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/70244\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/69783"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=70244"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=70244"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=70244"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=70244"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=70244"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=70244"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=70244"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=70244"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=70244"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=70244"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}