MetroMail plans to hold its second health and wellbeing event at its premises in Seaham in County Durham this July, as part of the North East Better Health at Work Award.
The award is a partnership between the NHS and local businesses that aims to recognise employers that motivate workers to improve their health and wellbeing.
Activities undertaken by MetroMail include a weight-loss programme with a weigh-in each Friday and the handing out of free fruit on Mondays.
Meanwhile over 40% of the workforce, which numbers 180 staff, take part in a cycle-to-work scheme. Mental health assistance courses are also undertaken by a few members of staff.
Several health-related companies visited MetroMail for the roadshow event with experts speaking to staff on a range of topics.
MetroMail staff at the first event were able to speak to experts from Walk4Life, Boots, health insurers BHSF and AXA, Nouveau Dance and Fitness, National Trust, NHS Bowel Cancer and NHS Stop Smoking, Slimming World and Mind.
MetroMail performance evaluation manager Debbie Charlton helped to organise the event and said staff health and wellbeing was important at MetroMail.
“We wanted our staff to take half-an-hour or an hour out of their working day at the roadshow to look at any health issues of concern to them and to pick up tips on how they can be healthier.
“They had to the chance to chat about things like insurance, which ordinarily they may not do because life can be busy at times and fitting everything in is difficult.”
She added: “The event is very much around personal wellbeing but it also touches on environmental health, with one local car dealer extolling the benefits of electric cars.”
MetroMail, which delivers thousands of mail items each week, is hoping to go one better than silver this year with a gold medal in the the North East Better Health At Work Awards.
Four levels of the award include bronze, silver, gold and ‘continuing excellence’. Delivery of the initiative is through NHS Trusts, local authorities and other providers.
The company was previously recognised for its staff health drives with the silver gong, beating a bronze ranking the year before.
