Perfect fitness

To help employees increase their health awareness and boost their physical fitness, Nokia China has launched an in-house aerobics program that it says reflects the company's core value - "Human with a Passion for Innovation".

It's hoped that the Nokia Tailor-made Employee Aerobics program will help the employees at the newly established Nokia China "green" headquarters in southern Beijing enjoy a healthy and balanced lifestyle both at and away from work, says Colin Giles, president of Nokia (China) Investment Co Ltd.

"Nokia China's new headquarters includes unique eco-friendly properties and decreased electricity and water consumption," says Giles. "Furthermore, it's equipped with ergonomic desks and chairs and a fitness club to provide a working environment full of health, convenience and creativity to reduce pressure and enhance our efficiency."

Nokia, ergonomic experts, a health consultancy and a fitness coach team designed the Nokia Tailor-made Employee Aerobics program.

White collar working habits and various health problems that contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle were factored into the building's design process. Blending fitness with fashionable design is one way to attract employees' attention and instill a desire to exercise, says Giles.

The aerobic exercises are divided into two parts, each five minutes long, and begin with the Nokia company song, followed by a softer tune to which the employees begin to relax their necks, shoulders, hands and other joints and muscles. The exercises help release the pressure and fatigue of work. The music's tempo grows faster and the exercises become increasingly more intense. Nokia hopes that they will not only improve employees' fitness and coordination, but also instill vitality and passion into their work.

Nokia has also handed out pedometers in an effort to encourage employees to walk 5 km daily. Those who walk the farthest will be rewarded.

The world's No 1 mobile phone manufacturer can also give employees and users a wide range of sports services on their Nokia phones, including a sports tracker, wellness diary, and iFit, a fit-keeping information service.

Nokia has also organized a health and diet event for employees with the help of professional health and fitness consultants. The tour includes body mass index testing and an introduction and a demonstration of a balanced diet by professionals.

"Nokia is committed to creating the optimal workplace to promote a healthy, balanced environment for employees in the workplace," says Giles.

(China Daily 11/03/2008 page8)