By Alvin Lansana Kargbo

NP (SL) Limited on Saturday, 10 January 2026, conducted its monthly staff health walk from the Freetown Golf Club to Aberdeen and back, reaffirming the company’s commitment to employee wellness as a key pillar of productivity and workplace sustainability. The early-morning exercise brought together the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Mohamed S. Kanu and staff drawn from various departments, creating an opportunity for physical activity, team bonding and open engagement around health challenges increasingly associated with modern work environments.

The health walk, which has become a regular feature of NP (SL)’s internal wellness agenda, is designed to encourage employees to adopt healthier lifestyles by integrating exercise and health awareness into the company’s work culture. Management explained that the initiative aims to reduce stress, boost morale and build a resilient workforce capable of meeting the demands of daily operations without compromising personal wellbeing.

As part of the programme, medical practitioner, Dr. Abdul Kalokoh, delivered an interactive session focused on workplace ergonomics and stress management. He explained that many office-related health complaints, including back pain, waist strain and joint discomfort, are often caused by poor sitting posture and improper body positioning rather than underlying medical conditions. He demonstrated correct sitting techniques, appropriate ways of bending, neck-stretching exercises and proper joint alignment to help staff minimize physical strain during office duties.

Dr. Abdul Kalokoh noted that it is common for employees to feel persistently unwell even when medical tests show no disease, stressing that such symptoms are frequently linked to stress and burnout. According to him, sudden changes in work responsibilities or personal circumstances can trigger stress responses that manifest as fatigue, discomfort and reduced concentration. He warned that extended work schedules without adequate rest push individuals beyond their natural limits, increasing the risk of burnout and diminishing overall performance.

He further highlighted poor time management as a major driver of workplace stress, explaining that postponing tasks until deadlines creates unnecessary pressure, lowers the quality of output and leaves employees overwhelmed. Describing NP (SL)’s operations as demanding across all roles, including support services such as security, he said neglecting self-care often results in repeated medical visits for stress-related conditions.

Dr. Abdul Kalokoh encouraged staff to understand their personal capacities, energy cycles and physical limits, noting that awareness of individual rhythms, including menstrual cycles for women, allows for better task planning and reduces last-minute pressure that fuels burnout. He cautioned that unmanaged burnout can progress to serious health conditions such as hypertension, stroke and depression, adding that younger workers are increasingly affected due to financial obligations and family pressures.

He also outlined behavioural signs that may indicate mental health strain, including persistent irritability, excessive complaints, disruptive behaviour and unusual emotional expressions, urging early recognition and professional referral. He emphasized that identifying burnout should not be left to medical personnel alone, but should be a shared responsibility across the workforce, from security staff to senior management.

The health walk and medical awareness session form part of NP (SL)’s broader strategy to institutionalize employee wellness as a core operational priority, reflecting the company’s focus on building a healthy, productive and sustainable workforce through proactive health and wellbeing initiatives. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/np-sl-boosts-staff-wellbeing-with-health-walk-and-burnout-awareness-session/