- PERFORMANCE TO LIGHTWEIGHT
- LOTUS ADOPTS THE CHARTERED SOCIETY OF PHYSIOTHERAPY SCHEME TO WORK OUT AT WORK AND IS SUPPORTED BY TEAM GB OLYMPIC MEDAL WINNER ANTHONY OGOGO
14 June 2013.- Together with Team GB Olympic medal winner Anthony Ogogo, Lotus staff took to the Hethel test track in a bid to improve their fitness, thanks to a new scheme from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Lotus has chosen to support the scheme as it fits very much into the company’s own Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. The Work out at Work day initiative encourages employees to assess their usual working day with the aim to include more physical activity, no matter how small. The benefits for the smallest of changes can be huge for one’s well-being and general health. Approximately, half of Lotus’ 1000 staff donned their running shoes and joined Lowestoft-born Olympian Anthony Ogogo on the 2.2 mile test track for a brisk walk over the lunch period. Some chose to walk, others to jog and in true Lotus spirit some sought to take the chequered flag – on roller blades! Also on hand was chartered physiotherapist Richard Morford and personal trainer Duane Smith offering fitness advice alongside Lotus’ own personnel that advocate the company’s commitment to occupational health.
Lotus Occupational Health Nurse, Lizzy Hampson: ‘Busy schedules have meant staff are increasingly not taking their lunch break and staying put at their desks. Whilst we recognise this is everyone’s choice it is our intention to advocate balance in the workday and encourage staff to go have a walk, take a break and rejuvenate. It’s in everyone’s interest to be fit and healthy and this is very much part of the company’s commitment to staff under the Lotus CSR program.’
Chartered Physiotherapist Richard Morford: “We know that healthy employees are more productive, have higher morale and are less likely to experience ailments making them unable to work. Health and fitness is critical to not only physical health but is important for mental health also. It’s great to see organisations such as Lotus adopting this worthwhile CSR initiative and setting the precedent for the corporate community.
Olympic Medal Winner, Anthony Agogo: “This is certainly a brilliant initiative and great that Lotus have adopted it and made it part of their working day. Fitness is so important, after all, it’s what my career has been based on. When I go into the ring, the biggest threat I can give my opponent is if I am fitter, and consequently stronger than the opposition, to do that I have to ensure my body gets the exercise it needs to deliver the performance I need to win. Everyone wins through exercise.”
The Hethel workforce certainly appeared enamoured with the scheme. ‘It’s a brilliant way to spend your lunchtime and if your work pals are taking part you feel inclined to join in’ said one. ‘Certainly gets you thinking about your fitness in general and how to de-stress and relax a bit’ commented another.
The Work Out at Work Scheme will see thousands of employees across the country taking part in activities to get them moving.
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Text and photograph by: Lotus
