Abigail Cuyler is embracing change as a new employee at the Stellenbosch Business School

In just a short time at Stellenbosch Business School, Intern for Alumni Relations and International Affairs, Abigail Cuyler has already witnessed and experienced the impact made in promoting women's health and well-being in the workplace. The focus on responsible leadership and women empowerment is evident for Cuyler. 

"Though I have only been at the business school for six months, I have observed a strong emphasis on responsible leadership and women empowerment," Cuyler said. "Initiatives like flexible working hours and dedicated wellness programs reflect a growing understanding of women’s needs within the workplace as well as outside of it." 

Her experience at the business school has been enriched by the remarkable women who have guided and supported her during her transition into the corporate world.  

"The firm yet gentle leadership of Samantha Parsadh, the open-door policy of Megan Luiters, and the genuine interest shown by Christelle Cronje in the lives of her colleagues beyond the office space have made a lasting impression on me. 

"These women and many more have made coming to work feel like less than a task and more like a space to grow within the office space but also as an individual." 

Cuyler highlights the importance of cultivating a strong distinct culture that she has experienced and the fact that everyone's well-being is placed in high regard. 

"One of the key strengths in Stellenbosch Business School in supporting women’s health is the inclusive culture which promotes open dialogue about health and well-being," she added. "This culture encourages women to speak openly about their health concerns and seek the help and support they need without stigma." 

Looking ahead, Cuyler hopes for a future where there are continuous and intentional conversations about mental health and general well-being. She acknowledges that the needs of women in the workplace have changed drastically over the decades and will continue to do so. 

"We live in an ever-evolving world. What women required in the workplace 30 years ago is different to what women require now. Because of this, I envision the promotion of women’s health and well-being to evolve as women do too and I hope to be able to contribute positively to this." 

When asked about how workplace satisfaction can be enhanced, Cuyler would like to see the role out of innovative people-centred practices.  

"I would love to see initiatives where younger or newly appointed women in the workplace are paired with some of the women that have been here for longer to see how they go about their work," Cuyler notes.  

"We learn by seeing and then doing and learning from the other seasoned women in the workplace can potentially contribute positively to the standard of the work, this can then be repeated with the intake of new employees."