Holcim introduces fitness program for employees
Workplace wellness programs are becoming more widespread throughout
the country. Healthy employees tend to be happier and more productive.
The programs range from offering information to workers to subsidised
healthy lunches, fitness education and a company gym.
At Holcim Lanka, its 'New You' health and fitness program has
achieved just that - looking at its employees' motivations, helping them
to set goals and guiding them on a journey to improve their health and
fitness and change the way they feel about themselves," a company
spokesman said.
"Our employees make the difference and we strongly believe that
investments in their well-being has a direct impact on the success of
the company," said Vice President, Human Resources of Holcim (Lanka)
Ltd, Prasad Piyadigama, "Promoting fitness at work can greatly benefit
the workplace, and the health of every employee."
"When employees are healthy and fit due to regular exercise, they are
less likely to stay at home due to illness and are more likely to
increase their productivity due to higher energy levels. Fitness can
also help reduce stress and in most cases, inspires better attitudes and
confidence in those who practice it regularly," he said.
Why should an employee, take advantage of a workplace wellness
program? According to Prasad, "every person has some sort of health risk
to varying degrees, whether it's unhealthy eating, lack of exercise or
sleep, drinking, smoking, or even something genetic."
"Actively participating in our 'New You' program can make a positive
change happen. Not only will they be able to complete their job
responsibilities, but they will have more energy and vigour to give to
their family and friends when they get home," he said.
"It will also help to lose and better manage their weight, lower
cholesterol and blood pressure, sleep better and save money and time
spent on prescriptions.
Sometimes, all they need is a little motivation to get the ball
rolling and we believe our wellness plan might be it," said Piyadigama.
Under the program, Holcim Lanka, in partnership with Fitness Kingdom,
has launched a state-of-the-art fitness centre at work - where employees
have access to fitness equipment to exercise before or after their work
shifts, or during their breaks.
The HR team has also launched a 'Biggest Looser Contest', and several
other incentive and promotional programs to encourage employees to stay
healthy and fit.
Fitness Ambassadors have been appointed across each function to
encourage and motivate individual and inter-departmental competitions
with prizes for the winners.
According to Holcim Lanka sources another great benefit of this
wellness program is that it creates a strong sense of camaraderie among
co-workers.
"They will have a chance to experience in fitness activities a
journey to success, just like a sports team winning one game after
another. Social support is an important aspect of the program and when
they interact with their colleagues they will find encouragement and
support when they need it," said Piyadigama.
"The competitions will focus on individuals and teams to make the
impossible, possible. They will be motivated to reach greater heights
when they see positive results. In essence, the investment on a wellness
program will have a fast return to the employee and to the
organisation", he said. |