Citation
Stone, N. (2010), "A model of best practice", Strategic HR Review, Vol. 9 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/shr.2010.37209eae.002
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
A model of best practice
Article Type: Resources From: Strategic HR Review, Volume 9, Issue 5
Leading the way in managing employee health and wellbeing is sport clothing manufacturer, adidas. The company has seen employee sickness rates drop to below the national average thanks to the introduction of an employee wellness program. For the last 15 years, adidas has worked with Wellness International on the implementation of a wellness center that offers employees a free to use service including a gym, lifestyle center and medical support. Tricia Kallow, CEO of Wellness International, said: “Employees are the people behind the magic, if they are not healthy then your business is not healthy.”
Through its work with Wellness International, adidas has seen the average number of days lost from sickness and injury drop to 2.63 per employee, a figure well below the national average for the retail sector. Barry O’Connor, adidas head of facilities, said: “Health and safety is a given. It’s what we do over and above that counts. We offer the whole lifestyle program.”
Speaking at the conference, Barry O’Connor discussed the importance of leadership in the promotion of health and wellbeing. He said: “A top down approach is an absolute must. I don’t think there’s a health and safety professional anywhere that doesn’t realize if it’s not led from the top it’s an uphill struggle.”