HR Corner Healthy body, healthy mind by Alex Lai Lifestyle products company sets healthy example through annual spirit-building triathlon event Hong Kong is well known for its frenetic pace and hectic work environment, but there are ways for companies to ensure a healthy balance for their staff, which is crucial for their long-term well-being. If employers encourage their employees to get involved in social activities, it helps boost morale and a healthy state of mind, notes Jenny Yip, marketing manager for OSIM (HK) Company Limited. Since OSIM is a global leader in health and lifestyle products, encouraging staff to take part in sport ties in with the company's motto of "inspiring life", Ms Yip says. "Leading a healthy life is not only about having massages, but also about having a positive mindset. Doing sports encourages positive thinking, and we see this as the foundation of our corporate social responsibility." "What cannot be achieved immediately, can be achieved in time through consistent training and learning, leading to a boost in confidence" Sporting chance Ms Yip stresses that the company encourages its staff to make a contribution to society. "This helps to foster a healthy mindset," she notes. In fact, OSIM has worked for years with the non-profit humanitarian organisation ORBIS and other groups and hospitals by donating massage machines. In keeping with this philosophy, the annual OSIM 2007 Hong Kong ITU Triathlon Asian Cup will take place at Plover Cove, Tai Po, later this month for the second year in a row. OSIM has also sponsored the Singapore event since 2002. "I took part in the running relay in Hong Kong last year and it was a memorable experience," Ms Yip says, adding that she regularly plays sports for leisure. With frontline workers in the retail and other industries working long hours, the idea of the triathlon is to create space for participants to reflect on the greater meaning of their lives. Ms Yip states, "We all experience ups and downs in our lives. The triathlon involves completing three different sporting disciplines, each with its own pace and style. Participants need strong will-power to overcome obstacles to complete the race." She explains that a relay element has been added to the triathlon. "This year, there is a corporate aquathon relay as well as a corporate triathlon relay for participants to test their skills." The former comprises a 250-metre swim and a three-kilometer run, while the latter includes a 250-metre swim, 10-kilometer bicycle race and three-kilometer run. Confidence booster The goal of the competition is to build camaraderie and team spirit. "Our belief is that what cannot be achieved immediately, can be achieved in time through consistent training and learning, leading to a boost in confidence," she remarks. Sharing her own experience of the Hong Kong and Singapore events, Ms Yip says, "Working with colleagues in an office is definitely different from joining them in a sporting event. Since we are not professional athletes, we need much tolerance and support from our team mates, particularly when one of us is falling behind but still trying to finish the race. This is what touched me the most." There were more than 100 participants last year and more are expected this year. "The level of participation last year exceeded my expectations, since it was a 50 per cent increase on 2005," she notes, saying she is trying her best to motivate her colleagues to participate in the triathlon. "I am facilitating communication about the event, including helping colleagues share their sentiments and preparations though the company's intranet," Ms Yip ponts out. OSIM also has Commercial Radio as a working partner to help increase awareness of the benefits of the triathlon among the youth and to help boost enthusiasm for sport. In Singapore, the event atttacted 4,000 participants this year. "Where it was initially held in a fairly remote area, it now takes place in a city park, where families can gather in a carnival-like atmosphere. This is what I hope for Hong Kong in future," Ms Yip concludes. Salient points Social activities provide balance for hard-working employees Sport ties in with company motto of "inspiring life" Building camaraderie and team spirit the ultimate goal Taken from Career Times 7 September 2007, p. A20 Your comments are welcome at [email protected]