Gardiner Richardson – healthy eating and exercise
| Company name | Gardiner Richardson |
|---|---|
| Sector | Marketing, PR and Creative |
| Number of employees | 30 |
| Type of workforce | Professional |
What issue was the organisation facing?
Gardiner Richardson wanted its employees to be fit and resilient to help meet future business goals. It wanted to motivate staff to think about their health and well-being by doing various activities individually, with colleagues or with families and friends.
What action did the organisation take?
The company commissioned Northumbria University’s Centre for Positive Living to create a questionnaire for its staff to learn about their views on fitness and ways to improve well-being. Most employees wanted to exercise to help reduce their weight, cut down on stress and improve their appearance. This led to Gardiner Richardson developing its ‘Feel GReat at Work‘ scheme.
To help staff meet their objectives, the company’s scheme included the following initiatives:
- Health assessments and one-to-one sessions in partnership with Northumbria University’s School of Sports and Science – employees discussed their health objectives with a nutritionist and received advice on exercise and eating habits
- Local chiropractor assessments for staff experiencing back and shoulder pain due to desk-related tasks
- Chill-out zone
- Monthly healthy breakfasts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Fitness fund allowing employees up to £40 to spend on a fitness activity or equipment
- Treasure hunt around Newcastle city centre
Judith Reynolds, Director of Human Resources, said: "As a creative communications agency, our main objective has always been to develop our reputation as a thinking, learning and creative organisation; with every effort being made to maintain a fit and resilient workforce to ensure the success and future growth of our business. I think the results that we’ve achieved are good indicators that we’ve managed to achieve this objective."
What has been the impact of implementing health interventions?
The program has engaged staff and enabled them to benefit from health-related activities. Judith Reynolds added: “The Feel GReat at Work scheme has not only enabled our employees to adopt a fresh approach to health and fitness. It has also given them the momentum to compete for the first time in notable events such as the Hebburn Triathlon, Berlin Marathon and the Great North Swim. Of course, there have been many other achievements such as posture correction and healthier eating, which are even more important in many respects.”
Gardiner Richardson saw a 21% fall in short term absence and continues to experience low absence rates. It was also successful in achieving the Bronze standard of the Public Health North East Better Health at Work Award and is currently working towards the Silver standard.