INTERVIEW WITH THE HEALTH CIRCLE

WHAT ARE THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE HEALTH CIRCLE AT KUHN RIKON?
Kuhn Rikon recognises its social responsibility and takes numerous measures to ensure the well-being of its employees. Of course, we also want to reduce the absenteeism rate. Only healthy and motivated employees can perform at their best for the company.

WHAT SPECIFIC AREAS OF HEALTH DOES THE HEALTH CIRCLE EMPHASISE?
We have addressed various topics and covered various areas in the past. Our "health days", which focus on the needs of employees, are popular. We offer sleep and stress workshops. Of course, various sporting activities are also part of the programme. We have even had a relaxation room for two years now. Our fitness centre is also very popular.

WHAT IS THE COMPOSITION OF THE HEALTH CIRCLE AT KUHN RIKON AND HOW DO YOU ORGANISE YOURSELVES?
A health circle, consisting of seven employees from all areas, takes up the most important BGM topics four times a year. Each member is responsible for one area or topic.

WHAT CREATIVE MEASURES HAS THE HEALTH CIRCLE DEVELOPED TO PROMOTE EMPLOYEE EXERCISE?
It is important to offer a wide range. In the surveys, over 90 % think the activities are great, but less than 50 % take part. The health circle also tries to involve external organisations in order to offer attractive activities.

HOW DOES KUHN RIKON SUPPORT ITS EMPLOYEES IN EATING HEALTHILY AT WORK?
We have our own staff restaurant. Of course, we make sure that a balanced diet is on offer. In the past, we have also offered presentations on nutrition. These were always very popular. We organize an “Orange Month” in January (we are distributing oranges to the employees) to ensure they get enough Vitamin C.

HOW ARE EMPLOYEES ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART IN THE HEALTH CIRCLE MEASURES?
Unfortunately, not all employees can be addressed. We try to motivate our employees with a variety of programmes. For certain measures, employees also receive time credits to encourage participation.

CAN YOU SHARE EXAMPLES OF SUCCESS STORIES OR POSITIVE CHANGES RESULTING FROM THESE MEASURES?
Our absence rate is between 3.5 and 4.5 per cent. This is a good figure compared to other industrial companies. We also receive very good marks in the surveys. Our employees are satisfied and find the measures valuable.

WHAT CHALLENGES HAS THE HEALTH CIRCLE FACED SO FAR AND HOW HAVE THESE BEEN RESOLVED?
There are some difficulties. On the one hand, our employees working in external locations (shops) cannot benefit equally from our programme. We try to involve everyone with special measures / campaigns (bike to work / package with breakfast). In addition, 13 different languages are spoken in our company and the diversity of our areas of activity should not be underestimated either. We conduct regular surveys in an attempt to identify all needs and plan our areas of activity accordingly.

WHAT FUTURE PROJECTS OR INITIATIVES ARE PLANNED?
This year, we are focussing on mental health. For this purpose, we have organized a training course for our management in collaboration with external bodies. The focus is on prevention, early detection, reintegration and difficult conversations.