Under the umbrella of Every Step Counts initiative, newly-formed du Wellness Committee emphasises du's commitment to a healthy working environment

Dubai, UAE, 30 September2014:The health and wellbeing of its employees is of the utmost importance to du. To emphasise this, and in line with the objectives of the company’s Every Step Counts national wellbeing initiative, du has formed a new Wellness Committee with the responsibility of promoting more activity and a healthier lifestyle amongst employees. This marks the second phase of the company’s enhanced Employee Wellness Programmethat was revamped in November 2013.

du’s Wellness Committee comprises nine members,headed by Ibrahim Nassir, Chief Human Capital and Administration Officer, du. It will overlook the current wellness Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including the dedicated Executive Wellness Programme, which has showed great results so far with 20 of the 32 executives having already met, and even exceeded, their wellbeing targets.

Nassir said: “The du Wellness Committee will reinforce the values of good health and wellbeing that we adhere to within the company. Employees today are subjected to a much more sedentary life than ever before, which can result in declining health, absenteeism, and has an impact upon productivity and efficiency. Not only with the Wellness Committee encourage our colleagues to get more active, but it will foster a stronger sense of team spirit, boost morale, and provide a positive social network structure for our colleagues to feel more at home with their peers.”

Beyond encouraging a healthier lifestyle, the Wellness Committee will ensure the sustainability of du’s wellness programme, and increase engagement levels across all company departments through various means - such as the inauguration of sports leagues.

For the fourth year in a row, Medical & Occupational Health Services Departmnetrecently launched a 2-week company-wide flu vaccine campaign,targeting employees and their family members. This is to ensure a healthy workforce which is more productive and less prone to illness in the coming winter months.

Additionally, to mark the occasion of World Heart Day on 29 September, du Clinic collaborated with Al Zahra Private Hospital to conduct multiple healthy heart-related interactive sessions. These will included blood pressure testing, blood sugar and cholesterol monitoring, smoking assessment, consultations from a dietician and a cardiologist. These activities took place in du’s head office in Dubai Media City, and in the company’s offices in Dubai International Academic City.