Seagate commended as 'healthiest' large employer

In its recent Big Challenge Health Works Awards, the BBC has honoured Seagate Technology’s Springtown facility with the title of Healthiest Large Employer within the Radio Foyle/North West Area.

The corporate award was given to Seagate’s Springtown facility in recognition of the provision of a wide range of health promotion services and initiatives.

John Spangler, Plant Manager at the company’s Springtown facility, said: “Seagate considers its workforce to be its most important asset and recognises that healthy and happy employees are critical to the company’s success. It’s therefore in our interests to ensure that we do all we can to promote and encourage healthy living and work/life balance.”

The specific services provided for employees include:

• The provision of a written health and safety policy fully endorsed by senior management which clearly states the company’s commitment to promoting and preserving the health, well-being and safety of its employees;
• Making flexible/part-time working hours available;
• Provision of an on-site gym;
• Employing a full-time Occupational Health Nurse and a part-time Occupational Health Physician to look after the general health and well-being of employees, including their rehabilitation as necessary;
• Running regular health promotion activities such as cholesterol screening, blood pressure checks, and providing information on topical health issues such as meningitis, cervical and prostrate cancer. The current work with Foyle Trust to offer Smoking Cessation programmes to employees also contributed;
• Offering a free confidential Employee Assistance Programme to help employees deal with a range of issues, including unlimited access to advice on legal and financial issues, and face-to-face counselling support to help deal with emotional and personal issues;
• Providing a generously subsidised Sports and Recreation Club to encourage employees to organise and participate in sports and leisure events;
• Facilitating on-site yoga classes for employees at lunchtime;
• Regularly arranging reduced-cost alternative therapies on site, to promote health and well-being, such as Indian Head Massage and Reflexology.

In the same awards, Seagate employee Michael McAnaney, an equipment maintenance technician at the Springtown facility, was also commended as an 'Unsung Hero'.

Michael was nominated because of the encouragement he provides to his colleagues to participate in various health initiatives. He regularly organises jogging events and weight loss programmes and inspires many of his colleagues to take up these challenges and pursue healthier lifestyles.

(SP/GB)