News

Fit for work + Fit for life – everyday champions

Published

Group

Holidays and the new year are a great time to recharge, think about our wellbeing and start some fun new habits to be Fit for work + Fit for life in 2020.

For inspiration, Pulse puts a spotlight on the everyday champions within the Group, who are looking after themselves and encouraging their colleagues to get active. Also Included are some wellbeing tips that don’t involve exercise or lycra – something for everyone.

Keeping it simple

Wellbeing doesn’t have to involve a drastic diet or punishing exercise – sometimes all it takes is a few simple and healthy habits.

In our industry some key health steps include:

  • being sun smart
  • limiting alcohol consumption
  • quitting smoking
  • eating for health
  • maintaining a healthy weight
  • moving your body, and
  • completing regular health checks.

Connecting with others, having a laugh, learning new things and enjoying nature are great for improving our outlook. Discover some easy steps to wellbeing here, and scroll down for further wellbeing tips.

Up off the lounge

Across our sites and offices our people are enjoying getting outside or hitting the gym, before or after work, and some are burning carbs at lunchtime. Besides getting fitter, they’re enjoying being social, de-stressing and often reporting better sleep.

“Fast approaching fifty, I realised I needed to get moving while I still could. So, I went off to the gym and more recently joined the AIA Vitality program. The program provides rewards and great incentives to keep going. Two and a half years into my fitness journey I’ve lost 15kgs and have never felt fitter.” Steven Ingram, Sedgman Senior Mechanical Draftsperson.

A combined team from CIMIC, CPB Contractors and EIC Activities have been training together in Sydney. “It’s been rewarding and fun to get away from our desks and exercise together at lunch,” said Susan Pepperell, CPB Contractors Accountant.

A team from EIC Activities in Sydney recently set themselves an eight-week challenge focusing on cardio, strength, flexibility and mindfulness. With high- intensity interval training in the mix, more than a few goals were met and personal bests achieved.

“Tennis is a great way to keep fit and active with minimal equipment needed and plenty of courts nearby, it’s easy to bring along a work colleague and have a hit at lunchtime or after work.” Tim Whiting, EIC Activities Engineer - Geotechnical.

Thiess’ Indonesia team participates in Jakarta Marathon

Thiess’ Indonesia team participates in Jakarta Marathon

In October 176 Thiess employees and their families participated in Indonesia’s annual Jakarta Marathon. The marathon featured more than 16,500 runners across the 5km, 10km, 21km and full marathon events. It was the sixth time a Thiess team has participated in the race, with all employees crossing the finish line with a smile.

Thiess’ and Leighton Asia’s Indonesia teams keeps active

Thiess’ and Leighton Asia’s Indonesia teams keeps active

“The organising of the 2019 Jakarta Marathon had a strong focus on safety and running track sterilisation. The number of Thiess runners also increased from previous years. The event is a good reminder to our employees and families to remain healthy and exercise regularly.” Yohanes Agustian, Thiess Superintendent Environmental – Safety and Indonesia marathon committee member.

Thiess in action for the Hunter Valley Charity Rugby League carnival

Thiess in action for the Hunter Valley Charity Rugby League carnival

Tim Smith, Thiess MPO - Coal and Parting Co-ordinator runs for the try line in the Hunter Valley Mining Charity Rugby League carnival. Thiess teamed up with client MACH Energy competing against 23 local mine teams. The event supported the region’s Westpac Rescue Helicopter.

UGL futsal team

UGL futsal team

UGL’s indoor futsal team made a cracking debut in the North Sydney, New South Wales competition. Playing each Thursday at lunchtime, the game allows the team to socialise and stay fit and healthy. Pictured (L to R): Dean Giannoulis, Graduate Electrical Engineer, Jigar Bhavsar, Draftsperson, Amir Jesmi, Principal Electrical Engineer (Primary), Sam Freeman, Treasury Accountant, Kevin Barry, Workforce Planner/P&C Business Partner, David Turnbull, Talent Manager, Tafaranashe Mudavose, Team Leader Secondary Systems, Edward Vining, Primary Electrical Engineer, Morteza Morovatian, Senior Electrical Engineer and Shaneel Lal, Electrical Engineer. Not pictured - Claudia Campbell, CIMIC HR Graduate, Portia Watson, Communications Graduate, Sid Jain, Bid Manager, Pelumi Tunde, Graduate Digital Engineer, and Daniela Pedras, Bids & Proposals Coordinator.

Grads stepping up

Grads stepping up

UGL graduates based in Brisbane stepped up to the challenge of Steptember hiking at Flinders Peak, not far from Ipswich. The hike tested their endurance, taking them out of their comfort zones while helping them bond as a team.

Let’s get fit by counting to 100

Let’s get fit by counting to 100

A session on ‘managing stress for healthy blood circulation’ was conducted at Leighton Asia’s Singapore office explaining the concept of micro-blood circulation and how to build a healthy lifestyle by making simple changes to daily habits. The session was wrapped up with a three minute workout encouraging our people to exercise and stretch their muscles. Participants followed a short video, counting to 100 while performing 10 sets of stretching exercises.

Tai chi in the West

Tai chi in the West

During Sedgman’s health and wellbeing month, the team in Perth participated in a tai chi class. For many in the group this was their first time trying tai chi. They found the class was an energising workout for the mind and body as well as being a great team building activity. Several other health and wellbeing activities took place during the month including lunch and learn sessions, the 10,000 steps challenge, skin checks and other exercise classes. Pictured (L to R): Carmine Napoli, Estimator, Rebecca Winkleman, Senior Document Controller, Mihir Patel, Graduate Process Engineer, Baku Fujita, Procurement Officer, Jonathon Martin, Principal Structural Engineer, Samantha Ong, Shared Services Administrator, Chris Kent, Senior Process Engineer, Jacques Cronje, Senior HSE Advisor, Damian Stevens, Strategy & Planning Manager, Leong Hong Phua, Senior Planner, and Natalie Turner, People & Capability Coordinator.

Sedgman’s Centurion team master the art of yoga

Sedgman’s Centurion team master the art of yoga

During Sedgman’s health and wellbeing month, the team in South Africa tried their hand at yoga. Nhanhla Myeza, Senior Process Engineer, spoke of the experience saying: “The team felt lighter, more refreshed and relaxed with clearer minds after the class. Participating in the class was definitely worth it.” Pictured (L to R): Nhlanhla Myeza, Senior Process Engineer, Jane Maluleka, Business Unit Administrator, Thandi Shoba, Receptionist, Christinah Tshoba, Administration Trainee, Nilen Naidu, Manager, Business & Project Development and Matthew Kreutzer, Project Manager.

CPB Contractors putting employee health and wellbeing first

CPB Contractors putting employee health and wellbeing first

Supporting the health and wellbeing of employees is an important part of CPB Contractors’ People First program. During November, employees participated in a free health check at the Medibank Health Kiosk, which provided a five minute health check on body mass index, blood pressure and heart rate.

Thiess’ Indonesia team participates in Jakarta Marathon
Thiess’ and Leighton Asia’s Indonesia teams keeps active
Thiess in action for the Hunter Valley Charity Rugby League carnival
UGL futsal team
Grads stepping up
Let’s get fit by counting to 100
Tai chi in the West
Sedgman’s Centurion team master the art of yoga
CPB Contractors putting employee health and wellbeing first

Six tips for everyday wellbeing

Taking some time each day to focus on our own wellbeing can have a significant, positive impact on our mental health. Small efforts really do add up, below are some acts you could incorporate into your daily routine:

Go for a morning walk. If it means getting up just five minutes earlier and walking around the block, it’s still worth it. Starting your day with fresh air and movement not only has physical benefits, it also kick- starts a positive mindset.

Read because you want to. Not because you have to. Pull out that book you were given for your birthday two years ago that is still sitting on the shelf and give it a go. Reading really is exercise for the mind. Few things are better than being engrossed in a good book and losing track of time.

Get creative in the kitchen. For many of us, cooking is somewhat of a chore. The easiest way to flip the menu on this is to challenge yourself in the kitchen. One night a week, put some music on and create something new.

Address your posture. Even though we know excessive sitting has detrimental effects on our health, so many of us still do it. At home. At work. On the commute in between. Your lower back is crying out for a change. If you have a desk job, try and get up for a walk every 30 minutes. Substitute some sitting time for standing or walking time – your body will thank you for it.

Listen to podcasts. Podcasts, for those who are new to them, are basically audio programs on demand. That is, you can choose what you listen to and when. Listen to podcasts on subjects you are passionate about, or want to know more about, or simply ones that make you laugh.

Box breathing. There are no shortage of great breathing exercises and guided meditation apps out there. One simple exercise that you can do anytime, anywhere is a technique known as box breathing. It consists of four counts of four. Picture a square with each side representing a different count to four.

Start with a slow inhale to the count of four, hold for the count of four, exhale for four, hold for four…and repeat.

Source: Extracts from Beyond Blue.

Give it a thumbs up

Enjoyed this article? Let us know! The most recognised articles will appear on the home page.

26
26

Tags

Related News