Moving On
Office Wellbeing
As a company, we’re not just into helping the nation lead a healthier life. We’re equally committed to the health and wellbeing of everyone who’s a part of the Lucozade Ribena Suntory family. We’re aiming to become one of the healthiest places to work in the British Isles - and as you’ll see, we’re achieving this with a whole lot more than the occasional piece of free fruit.
A Holistic View Of Wellbeing
Our ambition is to create the healthiest working environment in the country and we decided to put our employees’ needs at the very heart of our plan.
We wanted to understand our employees’ perspectives on health and wellbeing and what it means to them, how they feel about health and wellbeing in the workplace, and what they’d like to see as their future focus.
A Holistic View Of Wellbeing
Our ambition is to create the healthiest working environment in the country and we decided to put our employees’ needs at the very heart of our plan.
We wanted to understand our employees’ perspectives on health and wellbeing and what it means to them, how they feel about health and wellbeing in the workplace, and what they’d like to see as their future focus.
How did we work
with our employees?
We hosted wellbeing workshops and focus groups with 80 employees
Created an employee survey based on the Work Well model that established a wellbeing measure benchmark for our performance
We continue to survey our employees against three key questions to provide an on-going measure for our performance
PiYo fitness class at our London office
What did we learn?
Our employees love the opportunity for physical exercise and the majority rated us very highly in this area, but they felt there needed to be a more balanced focus between physical and mental wellbeing.
Supporting employees with their mental wellbeing through classes, tutorials and workshops
Giving people managers the skills to have conversations about wellbeing at work with their colleagues
Ensuring senior management drives the right culture throughout the business
Supply Chain Director, Chris Kane
What have we done since?
We’ve continued our physical wellbeing initiatives (more of this later) but our focus has shifted to match up with our employees’ feedback.
We want our employees to feel comfortable speaking up if they’re struggling and ensure our working culture fosters support and recognition. Initiatives include:
‘It’s okay not to be okay’ campaign
Mindfulness and resilience training
Dementia awareness
Financial support provision
Yoga and PiYo classes
Zen meditation classes
Providing advice and tips about stress triggers and coping techniques
Recognition workshops
Improved access to occupational health
Zafer Gezgin, LRS, Made To Move Wellbeing Champion, June 2018
Making Strides Physically
We’re planning to maintain a high level of physical wellbeing initiatives within our business and to continue using our brands to give our employees varied and inclusive opportunities for healthier lifestyle choices.
Making Strides Physically
We’re planning to maintain a high level of physical wellbeing initiatives within our business and to continue using our brands to give our employees varied and inclusive opportunities for healthier lifestyle choices.
Made To Move Month
In June 2017, our push to get our employees moving more and to be their healthiest selves reached fever pitch.
What happened?
Using our in-house developed app, the Made to Move challenge pitted teams of our colleagues against each other to see which group could average the greatest number of steps, unleashing an already fiercely competitive spirit company wide.
Made To Move Month
In June 2017, our push to get our employees moving more and to be their healthiest selves reached fever pitch.
What happened?
Using our in-house developed app, the Made to Move challenge pitted teams of our colleagues against each other to see which group could average the greatest number of steps, unleashing an already fiercely competitive spirit company wide.
Walking meetings became the new normal
Conference calls were held on-foot in the car park
People were walking on the spot at their desks
Some ambitious participants even ditched their car for the month!
Every step counted. Anything they could rack up went towards their total. We had managers, marketers, sales teams and finance departments battling for victory and finding new (and amusing) methods of piling up their step count every day.
But that wasn’t enough for us. Inspired by our troops, we ran a second Made to Move month in April 2018 and stretched the net even further.
Every step counted. Anything they could rack up went towards their total. We had managers, marketers, sales teams and finance departments battling for victory and finding new (and amusing) methods of piling up their step count every day.
But that wasn’t enough for us. Inspired by our troops, we ran a second Made to Move month in April 2018 and stretched the net even further.
Made To Move challenge 1
We walked a collective
69.6 million
steps – that’s nearly 1.5 times around the earth!
Our employees made
10,000
steps per day on average - that’s nearly five miles a day
The winning team managed a combined
533,988
steps
Made To Move challenge 2
Over 360 employees
from our Dublin, Coleford and London locations switched into gear and got moving
Over 360 employees
from our Dublin, Coleford and London locations switched into gear and got moving
Our people managed to walk an incredible
42k miles.
If they’d been walking around the world, they’d have circled it 1.7 times
Our people managed to walk an incredible
42k miles.
If they’d been walking around the world, they’d have circled it 1.7 times
Proof once again that with a little creativity, and a dose of competition, all of us can be a little more active. Everyone has time for that.
Case studies
Inspired by our Made to Move initiative, many of our employees have made permanent, positive changes to their lifestyles. These are just some of our ‘wellbeing heroes’ who are now enjoying a healthier, happier life.
Case studies
Inspired by our Made to Move initiative, many of our employees have made permanent, positive changes to their lifestyles. These are just some of our ‘wellbeing heroes’ who are now enjoying a healthier, happier life.
In September last year, spurred on by colleagues and the LRS Made to Move drive, Gail decided to embark on a complete lifestyle change. Now three and a half stone lighter, her blood pressure has returned to normal without the need for medication and her reinvigorated thirst for life is the true embodiment of that ‘Yatte Minahare’ (Go For It) company spirit that we’re so proud of.
Her journey began with the download of the Made to Move app and enrolment in the School of Rock to pick up some drumming skills. Today, Gail gets off the bus a stop early each day, has qualified as a first aider through LRS, plays gigs as a drummer (using her very own drum set), and enjoys downtime during the work week with free office massages and weekly meditation sessions on her lunch break. She’s now hoping to inspire others by setting up a drum workshop in the office. We’re all for it!
What does Gail think?
“My colleagues have been really supportive of my Made to Move journey, even putting up with my constant desk tapping! Whatever age or shape, everyone has their own approach to moving more here and it’s the ‘go for it’ attitude that make it such a fun place to work.”
Gail
Timmins
Head of Tax and Treasury
Tony initially began exercising to help ease bad joint pain, but with the help of Made to Move, he’s surprised even himself with how far he’s come in a little over three years.
A free session with the LRS on-site physiotherapist in 2015 led to regular workouts at the factory gym, where classes are held for colleagues each week. Now, as well as losing an impressive five stone, Tony has never felt more confident and best of all, is enjoying being pain-free. He's completed a Tough Mudder with his team, run a half marathon, walks wherever he can and proactively looks for new ways to take part in all manner of things when the opportunity arises.
Tony puts his success down to ‘doing it in small steps’ and building on ability gradually, which he encourages his colleagues to do in their walking 1-2-1 sessions. He's already committed to running the Cardiff Half Marathon with other LRS colleagues on behalf of the NSPCC and hopes to beat his previous marathon time. Good luck Tony!
A free session with the LRS on-site physiotherapist in 2015 led to regular workouts at the factory gym, where classes are held for colleagues each week. Now, as well as losing an impressive five stone, Tony has never felt more confident and best of all, is enjoying being pain-free. He's completed a Tough Mudder with his team, run a half marathon, walks wherever he can and proactively looks for new ways to take part in all manner of things when the opportunity arises.
Tony puts his success down to ‘doing it in small steps’ and building on ability gradually, which he encourages his colleagues to do in their walking 1-2-1 sessions. He's already committed to running the Cardiff Half Marathon with other LRS colleagues on behalf of the NSPCC and hopes to beat his previous marathon time. Good luck Tony!
What does Anthony think?
“2016 was my biggest year of change, changing habits, losing weight and becoming more active. I wanted to prove to myself and others what could be achieved rather than saying ‘I can’t’ ”.
Anthony
Denning
Technical Development Manager
An old rugby injury left Roger with a bad knee which often caused him discomfort and made it difficult to go to the gym. Wanting to lead a healthier way of life and not let his injury get in his way, Roger saw an opportunity in LRS’s Made to Move initiative, and started to use the incentives to make small changes with a big impact.
Encouraged by his family and colleagues, Roger sought new ways to keep fit and lose weight through a new-found love of walking – much to his dog’s delight! Offering a low impact form of exercise but racking up the steps on his Made to Move app, it wasn’t long before Roger saw a real difference and has since lost an impressive three and half stone.
Like many LRS colleagues working at the Coleford site, Roger lives nearby and is able to take long dog walks during his lunch hour. He also monitors his activity level on his free LRS pedometer. With his new-found confidence and increased mobility, Roger looks forward to joining his colleagues in the on-site gym and continues to enjoy playing darts with a new competitive edge!
What does Roger think?
What does Roger think?
“I started by making small changes to my diet, but as the weight fell off; the pain in my joints eased and it became more enjoyable to challenge myself physically. I now love getting outdoors and walking each day, and my increased fitness levels enable me to enjoy a more balanced lifestyle.”
Roger
Church
Manufacturing Team Leader
As COO of one of the UK’s leading soft drinks manufacturers and a father of four, Peter certainly isn’t one for sitting still.
A keen sports enthusiast and responsible for almost 700 employees, Peter recognised the link between physical exercise and wellbeing, and wanted to use his own experience to champion change in the workplace, whilst making a positive impact on the nation’s health.
Setting himself and his team the ambitious goal of getting 1 million people moving more by 2020, Peter is leading by example and has hit the ground running; literally. Having already completed several marathons, Peter is this year taking on an Iron Man; involving swimming, cycling and running across 141 miles as part of his own Made to Move pledge.
What does Peter think?
“Our role is to have a positive impact not just on the lives of our consumers, but our employees too; enabling and encouraging them to lead active and healthy lifestyles. With colleagues leading from the front, we’re making changes at pace, hoping to inspire others to move more and place health and wellbeing at the forefront of people’s minds.
“The workplace can be a powerful force for change and we’re doing everything we can to ensure colleagues feel supported in their quest for a healthier lifestyle and that wellbeing remains rooted in our company’s culture.”
Peter
Harding
Chief Operating Officer
In 2018, Michelle began attending weekly meditation sessions put on by fellow colleague and teacher, Zafer Gezgin, using the thirty-minute classes to get away from the hustle and bustle of the office and focus on her body and mind.
Balancing family life with a fast-paced working environment, Michelle understands the importance of making time for herself, which is why she takes advantage of the free wellbeing sessions at LRS.
As a team leader, Michelle has also used Made to Move to help motivate her team, encouraging friendly competition amongst peers and ensuring everyone gets their steps up by using their FitBit.
LRS’s flexible working hours make it easy for Michelle and her team to fit in wellbeing and exercise sessions whenever they can and by attending classes regularly, Michelle can also practice the techniques at home.
What does Michelle think?
“The weekly meditation sessions with Zafer allow me to completely switch off and focus on myself. It felt strange at first, but now I find myself using the techniques to retain focus and organise my thoughts whenever I feel the need. The great thing about meditation is that everyone can do it and I’ve even persuaded some of my team to join me. Such a simple and quick exercise has worked wonders for me and I want others to experience the same.”
Michelle
Soester
External Affairs
Gail Timmins
In September last year, spurred on by colleagues and the LRS Made to Move drive, Gail decided to embark on a complete lifestyle change. Now three and a half stone lighter, her blood pressure has returned to normal without the need for medication and her reinvigorated thirst for life is the true embodiment of that ‘Yatte Minahare’ (Go For It) company spirit that we’re so proud of.
Her journey began with the download of the Made to Move app and enrolment in the School of Rock to pick up some drumming skills. Today, Gail gets off the bus a stop early each day, has qualified as a first aider through LRS, plays gigs as a drummer (using her very own drum set), and enjoys downtime during the work week with free office massages and weekly meditation sessions on her lunch break. She’s now hoping to inspire others by setting up a drum workshop in the office. We’re all for it!
What does Gail think?
“My colleagues have been really supportive of my Made to Move journey, even putting up with my constant desk tapping! Whatever age or shape, everyone has their own approach to moving more here and it’s the ‘go for it’ attitude that make it such a fun place to work.”
Gail
Timmins
Head of Tax and Treasury
Anthony Denning
Tony initially began exercising to help ease bad joint pain, but with the help of Made to Move, he’s surprised even himself with how far he’s come in a little over three years.
A free session with the LRS on-site physiotherapist in 2015 led to regular workouts at the factory gym, where classes are held for colleagues each week. Now, as well as losing an impressive five stone, Tony has never felt more confident and best of all, is enjoying being pain-free. He's completed a Tough Mudder with his team, run a half marathon, walks wherever he can and proactively looks for new ways to take part in all manner of things when the opportunity arises.
Tony puts his success down to ‘doing it in small steps’ and building on ability gradually, which he encourages his colleagues to do in their walking 1-2-1 sessions. He's already committed to running the Cardiff Half Marathon with other LRS colleagues on behalf of the NSPCC and hopes to beat his previous marathon time. Good luck Tony!
What does Anthony think?
“2016 was my biggest year of change, changing habits, losing weight and becoming more active. I wanted to prove to myself and others what could be achieved rather than saying ‘I can’t’ ”.
Anthony
Denning
Technical Development Manager
Roger Church
An old rugby injury left Roger with a bad knee which often caused him discomfort and made it difficult to go to the gym. Wanting to lead a healthier way of life and not let his injury get in his way, Roger saw an opportunity in LRS’s Made to Move initiative, and started to use the incentives to make small changes with a big impact.
Encouraged by his family and colleagues, Roger sought new ways to keep fit and lose weight through a new-found love of walking – much to his dog’s delight! Offering a low impact form of exercise but racking up the steps on his Made to Move app, it wasn’t long before Roger saw a real difference and has since lost an impressive three and half stone.
Like many LRS colleagues working at the Coleford site, Roger lives nearby and is able to take long dog walks during his lunch hour. He also monitors his activity level on his free LRS pedometer. With his new-found confidence and increased mobility, Roger looks forward to joining his colleagues in the on-site gym and continues to enjoy playing darts with a new competitive edge!
What does Roger think?
What does Roger think?
“I started by making small changes to my diet, but as the weight fell off; the pain in my joints eased and it became more enjoyable to challenge myself physically. I now love getting outdoors and walking each day, and my increased fitness levels enable me to enjoy a more balanced lifestyle.”
Roger
Church
Manufacturing Team Leader
Peter Harding
As COO of one of the UK’s leading soft drinks manufacturers and a father of four, Peter certainly isn’t one for sitting still.
A keen sports enthusiast and responsible for almost 700 employees, Peter recognised the link between physical exercise and wellbeing, and wanted to use his own experience to champion change in the workplace, whilst making a positive impact on the nation’s health.
Seetting himself and his team the ambitious goal of getting 1 million people moving more by 2020, Peter is leading by example and has hit the ground running; literally. Having already completed several marathons, Peter is this year taking on an Iron Man; involving swimming, cycling and running across 141 miles as part of his own Made to Move pledge.
What does Peter think?
“Our role is to have a positive impact not just on the lives of our consumers, but our employees too; enabling and encouraging them to lead active and healthy lifestyles. With colleagues leading from the front, we’re making changes at pace, hoping to inspire others to move more and place health and wellbeing at the forefront of people’s minds.
“The workplace can be a powerful force for change and we’re doing everything we can to ensure colleagues feel supported in their quest for a healthier lifestyle and that wellbeing remains rooted in our company’s culture.”
Peter
Harding
Chief Operating Officer
Michelle Soester
In 2018, Michelle began attending weekly meditation sessions put on by fellow colleague and teacher, Zafer Gezgin, using the thirty-minute classes to get away from the hustle and bustle of the office and focus on her body and mind.
Balancing family life with a fast-paced working environment, Michelle understands the importance of making time for herself, which is why she takes advantage of the free wellbeing sessions at LRS.
As a team leader, Michelle has also used Made to Move to help motivate her team, encouraging friendly competition amongst peers and ensuring everyone gets their steps up by using their FitBit.
LRS’s flexible working hours make it easy for Michelle and her team to fit in wellbeing and exercise sessions whenever they can and by attending classes regularly, Michelle can also practice the techniques at home.
What does Michelle think?
“The weekly meditation sessions with Zafer allow me to completely switch off and focus on myself. It felt strange at first, but now I find myself using the techniques to retain focus and organise my thoughts whenever I feel the need. The great thing about meditation is that everyone can do it and I’ve even persuaded some of my team to join me. Such a simple and quick exercise has worked wonders for me and I want others to experience the same.”
Michelle
Soester
External Affairs
Creating a workplace full of healthy, content and inspired people is what we’ve set out to do and as 2018 marches on, we’re well on our way to achieving that.
Looking to improve your office health and wellbeing programme? We’ve pulled together a checklist of key learnings, you can download here
Creating a workplace full of healthy, content and inspired people is what we’ve set out to do and as 2018 marches on, we’re well on our way to achieving that.
Looking to improve your office health and wellbeing programme? We’ve pulled together a checklist of key learnings, you can download here