Wellbeing week sparks demand for fun get-fit workouts

A wellbeing week held by Lanes Utilities has sparked such great interest that daily fitness sessions are being organised for staff.

Up to 60 people a day attended circuit training sessions during the Wellbeing Week held for colleagues working at the Customer Solutions Centre (CSC) in Slough, Berkshire.

Healthy food workshops were also laid on for both Lanes Utilities and Thames Water staff. Lanes Utilities, part of Lanes Group plc, is Thames Water’s wastewater network services maintenance partner.

The week of get-fit activities was so well received that early morning circuit training sessions are now being laid on for staff for the next six weeks, with a view to making it a permanent activity.

Health and Safety Manager Kris Taylor, who will lead the classes, said: “We are planning a much larger wellbeing campaign in the weeks to come involving all colleagues across the Thames Water region.

“This Wellbeing Week was a bit of a taster session. But so many colleagues said they would like to continue having the opportunity to exercise at work that we’ve extended the circuit training sessions.

“For many, it was the first opportunity to test their fitness for a long time, and for some it was a bit of a shock to find out how unfit they were, so they wanted to do something about it straight away.

“Being fitter makes you happier. As the CSC is all about helping customers, happier more productive staff are more likely to result in happier customers, which is good news for all concerned.

“Colleagues who go on this journey to better fitness together also gain from the camaraderie of achieving something positive, so we hope the initiative will have a positive impact on team spirit.”

Lanes Utilities is also planning to introduce a health assessment service, and health and fitness opportunities through its staff recognition and reward scheme.

Andy Brierley, Lanes Utilities Director, said: “We want to act as one big team, one big family, where we look out for and encourage each other.

“The benefit for us as a business is a happier, more engaged, and more loyal workforce. We want colleagues to sweat at work, but only when they’re doing push-ups in between delivering excellent customer service.”