MANILA, Philippines - Health begins at home, and nowhere is this more relevant than for a leading worldwide innovator that practices what it preaches — GE.
In 2009, GE took the lead in the healthcare industry when it launched the $6-billion healthymagination campaign, a global initiative spread over a six-year period aimed at advancing healthcare technology to deliver better, more effective, and affordable quality health services to people everywhere.
Healthymagination is targeted not only at GE customers but also at GE employees worldwide who are motivated to promote health and wellness among themselves and their families.
That is why GE’s commitment to help raise a healthier generation of people starts right in the homecourt, so to speak — and in every country where GE has presence. In the Philippines, GE is consistent with its global aim by making healthymagination not just a commercial buzzword, but a way of life as well.
GE employees in the Philippines are immersed in a well-rounded health and wellness program that centers on healthier lifestyles and work habits. Among the activities was a recent health fair dubbed Employee Day of Health, where various medical checkup and diagnostic services at the GE headquarters were provided to employees free of charge. These included bone density check, blood pressure reading, and blood type profiling. Employees also received healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, and pedometers to jumpstart their fitness regimen.
Another important wellness program within the GE work environment is the Tobacco Cessation Program, where all GE work sites are declared tobacco-free. This program is aimed at helping employees quit smoking; and for non-smokers to continually appreciate the benefits of a nicotine-free lifestyle.
GE employees are also encouraged to be active and fit through its ongoing sportsfest featuring bowling, basketball, and volleyball tournaments as well as a fun run.
Future healthymagination programs for GE Philippines include inviting health experts to give wellness talks to employees.
GE Philippines country HR leader, Evelyn Obien, takes pride in the positive response of GE employees. “GE Philippines helps develop among its employees a healthy lifestyle that extends beyond the company parameters and right into the worker’s very own home. We believe that when employees are healthy, they become happier and more productive in their professional and personal lives.”
Now in its 75th year in the country, GE now employs over 1,100 Filipinos. GE continues to grow its competitive advantage by drawing not only from its diverse businesses but also from its greatest assets — its employees.