Transforming lives through corporate wellness programs

Are the staff from shipping and logistics company ANL & CMA CGM the fittest and happiest employees in Docklands and Melbourne?

According to HR manager Pascale Toussat and YMCA Docklands manager and fitness expert Andrew Ward, they could well be.

In early 2012, ANL & CMA CGM employees participated in the government-funded WorkSafe health testing to help determine their overall health and fitness status, as well as screen for more serious conditions like heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

After receiving the summary report and subsequent grant for investment in health solutions, Ms Toussat tasked Mr Ward from the YMCA with customising a health and wellness solution for her organisation.

Employees were consulted around their preferences for exercise and activity which was passed on to the YMCA along with the WorkSafe test results for program design.

The YMCA proposed and delivered an eight-week “Passport to Fitness” program, consisting of both group exercise classes and educational seminars covering exercise and nutrition – all delivered onsite in ANL’s training room during lunch hours.

Three 30-minute express classes were scheduled two days per week with formats including pilates, yoga, CX Worx core training, stretching and body balance. ANL used online booking systems and surveys to communicate the program to its employees, which further enhanced the professionalism of the initiative.

Participation and engagement with the program was outstanding. Classes were always booked out, well attended and thoroughly enjoyed by the staff. Fitness testing before and after the program showed that all participants’ drastically improved in their overall strength, endurance and flexibility.

“The most pleasing thing for me in the delivery of this program was how we connected with, and transformed the lives of people who would never have joined a gym,” Mr Ward said. “To then see these individuals achieve real and measurable results, and then to go on to become advocates of a healthy lifestyle, was incredible.”

“Much of the credit for this is down to the modern and proactive cultures at ANL & CMA CGM. The CEO, CFO and HR manager are all very active and exercise on a regular basis. That, in itself, is outstanding leadership when it comes to endorsement of such programs.”

Ms Tossat said: “I believe this program changed the life of many employees who are now endorsing regular physical activities. It not only created a sense of wellbeing for these employees but also developed a ‘community of health’ – self-managed and promoted by all attendees.”

“From a management point of view all the efforts put in implementing this program are long term investments and the returns are tangible in terms of morale and employees engagement.”
ANL’s Caroline Liptak said: “As well as becoming fit and healthy, and being a lot of fun, it was a great opportunity to mix and make friends with co-workers that we either didn’t know, or had never said more than ‘hello’ to in passing.”