Hemas launches comprehensive Wellness Program for employees

The Hemas Group launched a comprehensive Wellness Program for its employees with an aim to have the healthiest workforce in Sri Lanka. This is a holistic approach to wellness focusing on the employees’ physical, mental and spiritual well-being. 

Health being an integral part of Hemas identity, a well-strategised wellness program was designed by the company benchmarking some of the globally recognised standards used by multinationals in developed countries.

The Group has introduced health screening, stress management sessions, employee assistance programs, a wellness app and one-on-one interventions for employees in high risk categories and dietary assistance through nutritionists for no cost to employees. Hemas is working with the US based Human Performance Institute to share the pioneering energy management training solution to help employees manage and expand their most critical resource for high performance; their energy capacity to be effective under pressure without sacrificing their happiness. 

Hemas employees at a fitness session

“Initially we obtained the services of a research company to understand the employees’ wellness needs based on health and safety at workplace, welfare, physical fitness, nutrition and stress management. Based on the findings of this research and studying how some of the more progressive companies in the world are helping employees with wellness, many programs were launched to address issues pertaining to wellness. We believe that a well structured wellness program increases employee engagement,” said Hemas Holdings Group Director Murtaza Esufally. 

He further said, “As per the available statistics approximately 65% of deaths in Sri Lanka are due to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Many employees in the corporate sector are at risk of getting these complicated diseases at an early age which is difficult and costly to treat. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted at the United Nations Summit on Sustainable Development in September 2015, recognises NCDs as a major challenge for sustainable development. Keeping in line with this imperative, the Hemas Group has included NCD screening and education for employees as a sustainability goal in the company’s agenda. When we are successful with our wellness programs we plan to share our learning with other stakeholders too.”

Hemas has taken a keen interest in corporate wellness as it is something it believes is central to the organisation’s success and sustainability. As health and happiness are invariably linked to productivity, engagement is the intention to provide wellness related education and facilities to our 5,000 people.

The Hemas Group is one of the leading conglomerates in Sri Lanka, listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange with a focus on Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Transportation, and Leisure.