As Botswana’s economy continues to diversify, one truth remains clear: people are every organisation’s most valuable asset. Yet in many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), employee protection is still treated as optional rather than essential. That mindset no longer fits the realities of modern work.
“The world of work has changed. Employees today want more than a salary – they want stability, protection, and the confidence that their families are secure if the unexpected happens,” says Reason Nyamambi, Managing Director of Old Mutual Life Botswana.
Globally, the World Health Organisation estimates that depression and anxiety cost the world economy US$1 trillion each year in lost productivity, with 12 billion working days lost annually. About 15 per cent of working-age adults are living with a mental disorder. These figures highlight that financial insecurity, stress, and lack of protection are no longer personal problems, they are business risks.
For over 30 years, Old Mutual Life Botswana has helped employers build financial resilience among their teams through innovative benefit solutions. As Nyamambi explains, “Our focus has always been on providing protection that fits the realities of Botswana’s workforce – solutions that give peace of mind to both employers and employees.”
A New Chapter for SMEs
To address the needs of smaller businesses, Old Mutual Life Botswana has introduced SME Staff Cover, a simplified group benefit that combines Group Life Assurance and Group Funeral Cover into a single, flexible package. The product allows SMEs, often the backbone of local communities, to offer their employees affordable, accessible cover that safeguards both lives and livelihoods.
“When a small business loses a valued employee, the impact is personal and financial,” says Nyamambi. “Our SME Staff Cover helps employers protect their people and ensures that families are supported while the business continues to function.”
Unlike traditional corporate schemes, SME Staff Cover is easy to administer, designed for lean operations, and scaled to fit local budgets. It delivers professional-grade protection without unnecessary complexity, empowering small enterprises to provide benefits once reserved for larger firms.
Why Benefits Now Mean Business
Employee well-being is no longer a ‘nice-to-have.’ When staff feel secure, they perform better, remain loyal, and contribute more to long-term growth. Financial distress and uncertainty, on the other hand, erode focus and productivity.
Old Mutual Life Botswana complements its risk-cover solutions with financial-education initiatives such as On The Money, a programme that teaches practical money-management skills to help employees reduce debt, build savings, and plan for the future. “When people understand how to protect what they earn,” Nyamambi adds, “they make better decisions for themselves, their families, and the organisations they serve.”
Building Resilient People and Businesses
As Botswana’s SMEs continue to create jobs and drive innovation, protecting the human capital behind that growth is critical. Redefining employee benefits is not only about compassion, it is about competitiveness and sustainability.
“We’re redefining benefits for the Botswana of today, making protection practical, personal, and inclusive,” concludes Nyamambi. “When employees are protected, businesses thrive and together, we build a stronger Botswana.”