BUSINESS: 338 PRACTICES
IMERYS Group is the world leader in mineral-based industrial solutions, offering specialized solutions necessary for its customers. IMERYS INDUSTRIAL MINERALS GREECE SINGLE MEMBER SOCIETE ANONYME mines and processes industrial minerals, mainly bentonite and perlite.
The goal was to effectively treat the musculoskeletal disorders that come from sedentary work in the office but also from manual work as well as to improve the mental health of employees.
Imerys employees.
August 2022 - Today
IMERYS is an innovative company in many fields, which operates with the Health and Safety of its employees as its guiding principle. Human resources are the image of the company and the most important driver of growth and dynamic presence in the industry. For this reason, Imerys focuses on the training and development of its staff, on the benefits and incentives of its employees, on the empowerment of its employees and in general on the improvement of conditions and the work environment.
IMERYS in collaboration with EHSQ Development and the Professor in the subject of Physical Rehabilitation at the Department of Physical Education and Sports Science of the Demokriteio University of Thrace, Ms. Natassa Beneka held for her employees, a training entitled "Benefit from Exercise & Keep Active @ Workspace" with the aim of improving, promoting the health and well-being and personal well-being of the employees. The content of the program is compatible with the promotion of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs GOAL3) of the United Nations. The training was carried out to the Imerys Greece Mine Rehabilitation team in Milos and to the office staff at the Imerys headquarters in Athens.
The object of the training was to inform and familiarize employees with the prevention and management of their musculoskeletal problems through a structured exercise program that is applied in the workplace, during their working hours, preventing pain due to sitting or standing or due to repetitive movements. In this way, the employee is trained to perform the exercises in work clothes, during his working hours, in a sitting or standing position and without the use of special equipment. This specific approach is intended both to prevent and protect workers from the future occurrence of musculoskeletal problems, as well as to improve and manage existing symptoms that are still in their early stages.
As a follow-up to this action, a wellness week was organized for the employees at Imerys headquarters in Athens entitled "Be Well Perform Well". During this week, the employee will be able to take part in the following activities:
Power talk: Motivational Speech for living well
Body Scan at Work: Body Composition Analysis
Spa Day at Work: Chair Massage
Pilates and Dance at Work
Eat well workshop and live smoothies
Stretching at your desk
Breathe well workshop
The company constantly takes care of and implements actions to promote the health and quality of life of employees. The above actions, based on research data, clearly prove that knowledge and information must precede any practical application, as well as that the "good practices" of employees' everyday life do not only concern their work, but are also a valuable resource for their other actions outside of their working hours.
(1) Employees are able to know how to deal with any musculoskeletal disorders that may have existed before or may be created in the future due to prolonged sedentary work, bad posture they may have adopted, bad daily habits for the musculoskeletal system, etc.
(2) Improved Employee Wellbeing: Wellbeing workshops provide employees with valuable tools and resources to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional health. These workshops can cover topics like stress management, mindfulness, work-life balance, nutrition, exercise, and overall self-care. By equipping employees with practical strategies, they can better manage their wellbeing, leading to reduced stress levels, increased resilience, and improved overall health.
(3) Stress Reduction: Workplace stress can have detrimental effects on both employees and the organization. Wellbeing workshops provide practical tools and strategies for managing stress, enabling employees to cope better with work-related pressures. This, in turn, can reduce absenteeism, turnover, and burnout, while fostering a more positive and supportive work environment.
(4) Team Building and Collaboration: Wellbeing workshops involve interactive activities, group discussions, and exercises that encourage employees to connect and collaborate with one another. These workshops can strengthen teamwork, build positive relationships, and improve communication within the workplace. When employees feel a sense of camaraderie and support, it enhances the overall work atmosphere and can lead to increased cooperation and productivity.
(1) Enhanced Employee Engagement: When employers invest in the wellbeing of their employees, it demonstrates that they care about their staff beyond just work performance. This can foster a sense of belonging, loyalty, and commitment among employees. When employees feel supported, valued, and engaged, they are more likely to be productive, motivated, and satisfied in their roles.
(2) Increased Productivity: Wellbeing workshops can have a positive impact on productivity. When employees are physically and mentally well, they tend to have higher levels of concentration, focus, and energy. They are less likely to be absent due to health issues and more likely to be engaged in their work. Moreover, by learning effective time management and stress reduction techniques, employees can optimize their productivity and efficiency.
(3) Healthier Work Culture: By prioritizing employee wellbeing, organizations can cultivate a healthier work culture. When companies actively promote and support wellness initiatives, it sends a message that the organization values its employees' health and happiness. This can contribute to higher employee morale, job satisfaction, and overall organizational success.
