Kumho Asiana is one of a growing number of local firms promoting better wellness programs so that employees get a kick start in the morning or wind down after work with a good workout. |
By Jane Han
Staff Reporter
Salaries and benefits have shrunk and workplace mood has taken a dip, but there is still one bright spot in today's downbeat economy ― bosses are trying harder to keep their staff healthy and fit.
An increasing number of cash-strapped companies are sparing their budgets to ramp up workout facilities and medical services.
What do they get out of this? A happier bunch of employees.
Kim So-hyun, a worker at Kumho Asiana, is one of them.
``I feel motivated and rejuvenated,'' says the 27-year-old, who recently started running on the treadmill and taking yoga classes at her company's expanded gym at least twice a week.
``The workouts not only help me stay fit, but also uplift my emotions,'' said Kim, who singled out gym membership as her favorite corporate benefit.
Kumho Asiana opened a huge fitness center at its western Seoul headquarters earlier this year, where employees could get access to a gym, swimming pool and spa.
Also focusing on gym exercise is Samsung Electronics, which operates three fitness centers that can take up to 3,000 people at once.
``Physical condition plays a crucial role in work efficiency,'' said Lee Ki-beom, a general practitioner who provides medical services to select local corporations.
He explained that people who get regular exercise are much more resilient in the face of stress.
``Spending on employees' well-being benefits is a wise benefit for companies since salaried workers are fighting challenging times now,'' said Lee.
Companies such as GS Caltex, POSCO and Hyundai Motor hire experts like Lee to give on-the-spot counseling services for stressed out employees.
POSCO runs an in-house counseling center at its Pohang steel plant where workers can walk in to talk about their stress from work and home.
Hyundai Motor set up an Oriental medical checkup program through which its staffers can get a complete physical exam.
GS Caltex, which employs five in-house medical experts, goes beyond the physical by offering workers a customized health-watch program, which guides individuals to modify their exercise and diet.
``A healthy organization isn't possible without a healthy group of employees,'' said an official of GS Caltex, ``so one of the areas where we won't cut back spending is health benefits.''
While beefing up wellness benefits is a trend, firms such as Lotte and Hanwha take a different approach to health, by discouraging late-night drinking bouts and smoking. At Lotte, for example, workers are dissuaded from starting an alcohol soiree after 9:30 p.m.
jhan@koreatimes.co.kr
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