JMS becomes a ‘lean, mean, working machine'

According to research, workers in the UK sit for an average of 8.9 hours a day, with much of the modern-day work of an Engineer spent sitting in front of a computer designing the latest project, or behind a steering wheel charging off to the next appointment.  And we all get further stressed while the phones ring, traffic builds up and the latest, unforgiving deadline approaches.

Sedentary working is not ideal for a healthy lifestyle and with obesity a major health issue in the UK and other leading economies, change has to occur if more of us want to reach pensionable age.

Regular exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and various studies have shown the benefits it can have. Regular exercise will  help with weight management and reduce the risk of developing diseases and can help prevent mental health problems.

Employees may struggle to find time to exercise on a daily basis, either due to lack of time during the working day, or commitments at home. This lack of activity has been found to have an adverse effect on productivity, which can add to existing stress creating a vicious cycle of negative effects.

At JMS,  we have begun to take own significant steps to addressing this issue.  We have metaphorically (and literally!) introduced a programme to assist our teams in increasing their health with a number of initiatives.

After giving all staff Fitbits and associated inter-office challenges to encourage exercise, we have followed this up with our innovative approach to reducing stress by shortening the working week and giving bi-weekly Friday’s off to all staff.  Our latest wheeze, or indeed to address the wheezing, is the employment of a Personal Trainer to provide diet and exercise plans for the office.

It has been purely diet based so far, but has had a huge & positive impact for our employees.  In the first month the team, in one office only, have lost over a 100lbs.

Daniel Staines, Managing Director of JMS says of the scheme; “We are committed to fitness across the organisation, we hope by introducing this programme it will promote health and boost employee engagement.  Our staff have quickly developed a rapport with the Personal Trainer, which has helped to create a culture where even our more ‘reluctant’ employees can’t help but want to get involved.  We believe making the office fitter, leaner and healthier is winning tactic for everyone”.

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