The Calsan Mindset: Strong Minds, Strong Teams.

In today’s fast-paced work environment, managing stress and emotions is essential for both individual well-being and team effectiveness. Mental health forms the foundation of a productive, resilient, and harmonious workplace. At Calsan, we embrace the Calsan Mindset, which emphasizes that strong minds build strong teams. Our approach goes beyond policies by fostering a supportive environment where emotional intelligence is key. By recognizing and managing our own emotions, understanding those of our colleagues, and communicating with empathy, we create a workplace where everyone feels heard, valued, and empowered. Through practical strategies and a culture of care, Calsan helps employees navigate workplace challenges with confidence and clarity, while always prioritizing safety and well-being.

Why Mental Health Matters in the Workplace.

Workplace stress affects more than just the individual—it impacts teamwork, focus, and overall productivity. Research shows that around 8 out of 10 employees experience work-related stress, and when left unmanaged, it can lead to burnout, mistakes, and low morale.

Developing emotional intelligence (EI) is key to handling these challenges. By recognizing our own emotions, empathizing with colleagues, and responding thoughtfully, employees can communicate better, resolve conflicts faster, and contribute to a healthier, more connected workplace.

At Calsan, we also prioritize safety above all else. Alcohol or drug use on the job is strictly prohibited because it puts individuals and the entire team at risk. By fostering a safe, supportive environment, we help employees manage stress responsibly and maintain strong minds for strong teams.

Promoting Mental Well-Being: The CalSan Mindset highlights the need for strong mental health to build a resilient and effective team.

Calsan’s Commitment to Mental Wellbeing

At Calsan, our people are our greatest strength, and their well-being is central to our success. Supporting mental health isn’t about big programs, it’s about creating a workplace culture where employees feel safe, respected, and valued.

We live this commitment by prioritizing safety first with strict standards and a zero-tolerance stance on alcohol and drug use, because a safe team is a healthy team. We foster open communication where challenges can be shared without fear of stigma, and we encourage empathetic leadership that listens, supports, and leads with understanding. Above all, we empower our people to do their best work with confidence, knowing they are trusted and supported.

As one of our guiding principles reminds us:

“When our people thrive, we all thrive.”

Practical Tips for Everyday Wellbeing

Taking care of mental health doesn’t always mean big changes—small, consistent habits go a long way. Here are a few simple practices that can make a real difference:

• Pause and Reset – Take short breaks to breathe, reflect, and recharge.

• Set Boundaries – Protect your time outside of work to rest and reconnect.

• Use Emotional Intelligence (EI) – Respond with empathy, listen actively, and manage reactions thoughtfully.

• Stay Connected – Talk openly with a friend, colleague, or family member; sharing lightens the load.

• Look After Your Body – Sleep well, eat mindfully, and stay active to support your mental resilience.

When we look after ourselves, we are better able to look after each other.

#CalSan Cares : Strong Team, Strong Minds.

Resources Available at CalSan

We may be a small business, but we believe that no one should face mental health challenges alone. That’s why we focus on what we can do best: keeping an open-door culture, encouraging peer support, and maintaining safe and fair workplace practices.

For additional help, we also guide employees to trusted external resources:

• SADAG (South African Depression and Anxiety Group) – 0800 567 567 (24-hour helpline)

• Lifeline South Africa – 0861 322 322

• Wellness apps like Headspace or Calm for mindfulness and stress management.

Lichtenburg CalSan team engaging in a discussion about mental health, standing in front of stacks of recyclable materials.

Embracing the Calsan Mindset

At Calsan, mental health is not a side note, it’s central to how we work, connect, and grow. Strong minds build strong teams, and strong teams build strong businesses.

We invite every member of the Calsan family to join us on this journey by practicing self-care, supporting one another, and keeping conversations around mental health open. Together, we can create a workplace where resilience, empathy, and emotional intelligence guide the way we work and thrive, today and for the future.