Case Study: Unilever
In 2009, Unilever launched Fit Business - the latest programme
in the evolution of its employee wellness provision.
The initiative was set up by Unilever to provide its people with
the tools, environment and information to make small positive
changes to improve their health and wellbeing. Initially launched
as a pilot and evaluated by the Institute of Public Policy
Research (IPPR), the programme was pioneered at two of its
sites – its sales and marketing headquarters in Leatherhead and
at its largest manufacturing operation in Port Sunlight, Wirral.
The programme was tailored to bring together improved
workplace catering standards, innovative wellness initiatives
and Unilever's brand campaigns into an integrated wellness
initiative.
Fit Business was also aligned to prominent public health
campaigns to ensure messages were in sync both in and out
of the workplace. For example, the first quarter of the pilot
focused on educating employees about the risks associated
with a diet high in saturated fat to coincide with the Food
Standards Agency's similarly themed campaign.
One year on, and the IPPR's findings from the pilot indicate that
encouraging progress has been made in improving the health
of Unilever staff at the two trial sites. Since the introduction of
Fit Business, Unilever has also demonstrated a measurable
return from its investment in wellness to the ratio of 3:1, based
on a decrease in short term sickness absence and increased
engagement.
The lessons learnt from the project will help Unilever improve Fit
Business as the programme rolls out to all of its sites in 2010.
Indeed, many of the key features of the 2009 pilot will remain
unchanged. For example,Guideline Daily Amounts (GDAs)
will be used on restaurant menus at all Unilever factories and offices,
making
available crucial nutritional information about
the food served. 'Switch and save' recommendations will be
provided to help inform staff how swapping their sandwich
filling from, for example, cheddar cheese and pickle to
mozzarella and tomato could reduce their calorific intake.
Unilever continues to offer voluntary health checks to all staff.
For those who work in a factory environment, these can be
carried out at the end of the production line to make it easier
for staff to benefit. Employees who are identified as having a
higher health risk will be helped with a personalised support
programme.
And finally, the programme will be founded on the principle
of freedom of choice. Fit Business will stay true to its values
of ensuring staff are provided with the information and
environment to make healthy choices, rather than having
healthy choices thrust upon them.
More Information
FDF has published a booklet called Workplace Wellbeing: The Food Industry in Action (pdf, 984kb) which features many workplace wellbeing schemes .
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Last reviewed: 06 May 2010