Originally published July 31 2005
New Zealand businesses plan for employees' health to save productivity dollars
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Many New Zealand businesses are offering their employees things like gym memberships, and even a $500 yearly grant toward healthy pursuits, to keep important workers from getting sick and costing the businesses money while they are home sick.
Against a background of low unemployment and skills shortages, more and more businesses are launching innovative programmes to promote health and wellness at work.
Some companies offer gym memberships, health insurance, subsidised massage, or a yearly grant of up to $500 toward any activity that improves health and fitness.
At Parliament, a swimming pool has been available to help MPs splash away pre-election stress since the building was constructed 30 years ago.
But the focus is shifting from helping already active people to get more physical, toward more proactive schemes designed to change the culture of the workplace, and educate employees about the benefits of good nutrition and exercise.
Briony Evans, human resources adviser for Quotable Value, says it tried giving away one-month gym memberships to staff but only a few were interested.
AdvertisementAdvertisementInstead, earlier this year the company, which is headed by former All Black Bill Osborne, decided to launch a comprehensive "health and wellness programme".
Wellingtonian Mish McCormack was hired as a corporate trainer to drive the scheme, a "wellness pack" of sports equipment was provided in every office, and all 300 employees in New Zealand and Australia were given a pedometer -- a gadget that counts steps -- and offered free health assessments.
She compiles regular newsletters on health and fitness topics, which are e-mailed to Quotable Value employees, and leads an hour-long activity session for up to 20 Wellington staff every fortnight called "keeping fit with Mish".
The cost is about $60,000 a year, but "it's all worth it" Ms Evans says, though the impact has not been evaluated yet.
Human Resources Institute chief executive Beverley Mains says employers are recognising that giving staff the "best possible experience at work", whether it be through gym membership or yoga classes, is a way to attract and keep key staff.
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