Knock Travel – healthy eating and exercise
| Company name | Knock Travel |
|---|---|
| Sector | Tourism |
| Number of employees | 22 |
| Type of workforce | Office workers |
What issue was the organisation facing?
Staff wanted their workplace to be as healthy as possible. They were asked to identify priority actions for a healthy workplace programme through the Work Well employee questionnaire, which all employees completed. The priority actions that were identified included:
- increase levels of physical activity among employees
- reduce stress in the workplace
- encourage healthy eating and weight loss where appropriate
- improve workstation layout and posture.
What action did the organisation take?
- Head office is a three storey building. Signs were made letting staff know that at 852m high Slieve Donard is the highest peak in Northern Ireland and that walking from the bottom to the top of the stairs every day for a year is the equivalent of climbing to the top of Slieve Donard six times!
- Arranged for each member of staff to have a 15 minute neck and shoulder massage at work. Each staff member was given a £5 discount voucher at a health spa. This event was repeated due to its popularity with staff.
- Took part in the Work Well step-o-meter challenge. Each member of staff was given a pedometer to count the number of steps they walked every day for a month. The company offered a prize for the person who had taken the most steps.
- Organised a fruit week and vegetable week each year where staff find a different fruit/vegetable on their desk each day along with information about its nutritional value and use. A range of smoothies was also prepared for staff. These events raised awareness about healthy eating by promoting a healthier option to other snack foods and highlighting the positive benefits of eating fruit and vegetables.
- A seminar on nutrition and diet was organised.
- Staff attended a special health fair where they could have a free health check provided by registered nurses and other health professionals. Information and practical demonstrations were provided on various topics, including diabetes, cholesterol, hearing, reflexology, massage, fitness, drugs and alcohol.
- A private health policy was implemented as part of employee conditions. Employees also have the option to include family members on this policy. Further benefits were arranged for employees, covering eye care, dental care, aromatherapy and 24 hour access to a GP helpline.
- Information on a variety of health-related topics is posted on the staff notice board.
What has been the impact of implementing health interventions?
- The increase in staff awareness of the benefits of healthy eating has resulted in a noticeable change in staff eating habits. Lunches are healthier and many employees have lost weight.
- Staff realise the importance of breaks and use this time wisely. Following a walk at lunchtime, employees are refreshed and ready to start work again.
- The actions undertaken, and staff participation in them, have increased morale and interaction between departments, creating a better team spirit. This benefits both employees and the company in terms of better relationships and communication. Employees are proud of achievements and there is a buzz around the office.
- Awards from the BBC Big Challenge and Disability Forum Customer Service in addition to a nomination for a Travel Trade magazine award, and the related publicity, have been great for the company’s image.
- There has been a reduction in staff absenteeism.