African Population and Health Research Center – SME Employer – Awards 2026
Awards Finalist, 2026
At the African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), the Healthy Workplace program is not just a set of rules, it is a living “Culture of Care” that is being built together. What makes the approach unique is how the WHO Healthy Workplace Framework has been directly woven into daily operations, moving far beyond basic safety checklists. APHRC focuses on five interconnected dimensions of wellness: Physical, Mental, Social, Professional, and Financial. This means caring about everything from safe lab equipment and fitness center access to mental health support, fair career growth, and even helping staff build smart financial habits. A systems-thinking lens means everyone, from the top executive level to the newest intern, shares responsibility. The health and wellbeing goals are clear and rooted in action. Occupational safety and health is integrated into every part of the strategy so it feels natural, not forced. Second, the Center aims to strengthen employee resilience by getting more people involved in wellness programs and genuinely addressing the real drivers of mental and professional stress. Third, workplace hazards are proactively spotted and fixed through regular audits and safety inspections. Ultimately, everyone should feel protected, supported, and empowered to do their best work without compromising their wellbeing.