Around a year and a half ago, something began that has since become a regular and important part of daily life at Kiilto in Assens, Denmark: short workout sessions three times a week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday – each lasting just 10 minutes.
The initiative was launched at the request of the health and safety organisation, with the goal of improving employees’ physical and mental wellbeing by preventing soreness, repetitive strain injuries, and other minor ailments.
”Most people have responded really positively. A few might sigh when it’s time to start, but when you ask them about it, most appreciate the initiative,” says Camilla Jaug, HSE Responsible and the project coordinator.
Before the rollout, an external partner was brought in to ensure the exercises were tailored to the different types of work – whether it involves heavy lifting, long hours of desk work, or repetitive motions. Introductory sessions and clear guides were also provided to make sure everyone could join in from the beginning.
Today, the exercise sessions are a shared break, where we move our bodies, smile a little, and feel that we’re doing something good – for ourselves and each other.
Each department has one or more designated coordinators responsible for gathering the group, playing some music, and maybe guiding the others through the exercises. And it’s a setup that works. “It turns out – not surprisingly – that motivation is contagious, both positively and negatively. That’s why it’s so important to have engaged colleagues and to cheer each other on,” Jaug adds.