Paradise Sun Hotel hosts Staff Wellness Day |22 June 2018

On Friday June 8, Paradise Sun Hotel organised their annual ‘Wellness Day’ for staff, as part of the management’s initiative to extend their appreciation to the team members, by investing time in the most important aspect of their lives – health.

Annabel Hoareau, human resources (HR) manager, explained that the hotel started this initiative three years ago, and while staff wellness is emphasised upon throughout the year, this particular activity focuses on one aspect, which is health.

Each year, a different theme is adopted and while last year focused on a healthy diet, this year emphasis is being placed on exercise.

“The hotel wants to remind and sensitise team members about healthy living; after all, healthy team members contribute towards making our guests happy.”

As was the case for previous years, the morning was dedicated to offering all the staff a medical examination which included blood pressure, blood sugar, Body Mass Index (BMI) and rapid HIV tests, for which results of the latter were given after 30 minutes.

Lisette, one of the three nurses on site that day, said that every year the hotel contacts the Baie Ste Anne Hospital to organise for this.

“The medical tests help to make staff more conscious about their health, and it encourages them to improve their lifestyle. It is not always easy for hotel staff to find time to go to the clinic, so bringing the facility closer to them makes it easier and more comfortable for them.”

She adds that such a procedure also helps the hospital with its data collection, as it is able to conduct many more HIV tests than it otherwise would when trying to encourage members of the public to have the test done at the clinic.

The HR manager noted that this year, the turnout for the medical examination has been great when compared to the last two years, and this she feels is very encouraging.

Following the screening, the nurses advised those with any issues to follow up at the clinic for treatment, where they can also be given advice on how to improve their diets.

Staff who attended the pop-up clinic were in good spirits and said that this was a good initiative by the hotel, which shows that the management cares about them.

Many admitted that they had not had such tests done in a long time, especially since they work on shifts for long hours, and often in stressful environments. They also felt that it provides a good opportunity for early detection of any health issues, and serves as a reminder to improve their health.

Some of the male staff expressed their comfort with having the tests done in a more ‘private’ space, as opposed to the public health centre where they feel shy. It was suggested by one staff that the Ministry of Health looks into conducting medical tests in more workplaces.

Two presentations about exercise and its benefits were also held on the day by Dennis Dodin, a physiotherapist working for the Health Care Agency on Praslin and La Digue.

“This is a great initiative by Paradise Sun, showing that the management cares about the staff, especially when they have a busy schedule; a big applause to them. I hope that it will serve as an example to other companies.”

Mr Dodin added that educating hotel staff about exercise is very important, since they are preoccupied with taking care of clients, at the expense of taking care of themselves.

The afternoon aerobics session conducted by Ms Jeannie

“The majority of our population is preoccupied with just surviving, and not focusing on being healthy. While we appreciate the service that the hotel staff give, they need to be fit and healthy to do so. Today, I hope to influence at least one or two staff, who can then go on to influence others.”

The afternoon was reserved for a group aerobics session by Chantal Jeannie, assistant programme officer for the Inner Islands. The one hour of jumping and squatting made for many sweaty staff, but all of the laughter it brought compensated for this.

Ms Jeannie commented that it was with immense pleasure and satisfaction that she assisted the hotel.

“The aerobics session is important because it shows the ability of the staff mentally and physically, and also creates awareness about the importance of exercise towards their health, which is their responsibility. The benefits are to keep them healthy, physically fit and in togetherness during their day to day activities.”

On his part, Ross Mackay, the general manager, said that the hotel is constantly dedicated to taking care of other guests, and they easily forget to look after themselves.

Aside from the staff wellness day, Mr Mackay says that the hotel makes an effort to encourage their staff to eat healthily, and engage in physical activities on a regular basis. This ranges from healthy meal offerings in the staff canteen, to sport activities organised by the hotel’s social committee.

“Health is important, and it is a good place to find ways to be a better and more responsible company, by offering a range of health-promoting activities in a fun and interactive way for our team. We hope that they can also bring these concepts back home to their family and friends. Our team is our greatest asset, and we need to ensure that everyone is looked after.”

Photo credits: The Creative Studio - Seychelles