Page 20 - SAMRC AnnualReport 2025-26

CHARTING A COURSE FROM
LANGUISHING TO FLOURISHING

The term “languishing” was first coined by › Not performing to your full potential, either at
sociologist Corey Keyes in 2002, but gained work, in personal projects, or social roles
prominence in 2021 when an article on the › Feeling that life lacks purpose, direction, or meaning.
phenomenon titled “There’s a Name for the
Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing” was Studies elsewhere indicate that around 20% of
published in the New York Times by organisational employees are experiencing languishing, translating
psychologist Adam Grant. Associated with a rise in to a significant impact on productivity and the
the use of social media and devices, as well as the potential for institutional flourishing. Preliminary
COVID-19 pandemic (being in a “COVID state of data collected at the SAMRC indicate that a similar
mind”), languishing is described as a state of being proportion of employees may be affected. In this
light, it is reassuring to find that interventions
characterized by a lack of vitality or zest for life, implemented under the umbrella of the SAMRC
and a sense of stagnation and emptiness. Individuals Transformation programme may serve as an antidote
experiencing languishing are not flourishing, do to languishing. In particular, the Team Strengthening
not realize their full potential, and may experience work, which was conceptualised to advance
one or more of the following signs or symptoms, personal and institutional flourishing at the SAMRC,
among others: coupled with opportunities such as coaching and

mentorship, study support, leadership development
› A general lack of feeling or a sense of emptiness
and emotional numbness initiatives, and an ecosystem for independent, self-
directed learning, provide a framework for the key
› Low motivation or drive to engage in activities interventions recommended to address languishing,
› Trouble focusing or maintaining attention on tasks including positive relationships, personal growth,
purpose in life, self-awareness and self-acceptance,
› A sense of indifference, apathy, or lack of interest well-being, and stress management. Measures are
in life in place to continue and evaluate the impact of this
› Feeling stuck or as if your life is not progressing work going forward.

ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE

Statement on Diversity Tap Aerators
and Inclusion We have initiated the installation of tap aerators

Over the past year, we reaffirmed our commitment in SAMRC bathroom. Aerators are small, relatively
to diversity, inclusion, and transformation through low-cost devices that are easily attached to the
the release of a dedicated SAMRC Statement. In the end of most taps. They mix air with water flow to
statement, we recognise that diversity and inclusion reduce the amount of water used, while maintaining
are critical pathways toward meeting our strategic adequate water pressure. The result is a significant
goals and ensuring personal and institutional water savings (around 90%), which translate to both
flourishing. environmental and economic benefits for SAMRC.
It is intended that the initiative be extended to all
SAMRC campuses.

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