World Health Day has been celebrated worldwide since 7 April 1954, commemorating the founding of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1948. The WHO's mission is to develop effective health services and support developed and developing countries in the fight against disease. This year's motto is "My Health, My Right" to emphasise that the right to health for millions of people worldwide is threatened by disease, disaster and conflict.
For us at JOST, World Health Day is an annual opportunity to reflect on the importance of health and safety in the workplace. As a leading company in the commercial vehicle industry, we are actively committed to promoting the health and well-being of our employees.
We are committed to improving health and safety standards to provide our employees with an environment in which they can perform at their best. In doing so, we remain true to our local-to-local approach, which takes into account the local interests of our sites. We understand local needs, circumstances and cultural nuances and adapt our measures accordingly.
- In Australia, for example, our employees receive information material on promoting mental and physical health in the workplace. Exercise and a healthy diet are essential, especially for those who spend most of their working day sitting down. In March last year, our employees in Australia and New Zealand took part in the online challenge "The March Charge". The aim was to cover at least 50 kilometres during the month of the campaign. Together, they diligently collected steps to walk or run a total of 500 kilometres. This campaign supported the charity organisation March Charge for Cancer and not only promoted physical and mental health through exercise, but also raised important funds for cancer research, prevention and support.
- The mental health of our employees is also important to us. We have therefore introduced an Employee Assistance Programme in Australia and New Zealand. This offers professional counselling - by telephone, in person or online - for employees and their family members in difficult life situations. Confidentiality is our top priority. In addition, a blood donation campaign is organised locally in Australia and New Zealand to mark World Health Day.
- In India, International Yoga Day is celebrated annually to raise public awareness of the many benefits of practising yoga. Our employees also practise yoga together at our local plants. In doing so, they honour the 5,000-year-old tradition of yoga, which combines physical, mental and spiritual exercises to achieve harmony of body and mind. In Jamshedpur, we also offer employees a variety of health services such as eye examinations and heart rate measurements as part of the "Health Checkup Camp".
- In South Africa, annual occupational health checks are required by law for staff who work with equipment and machinery. This involves testing their eyes, ears, lungs, blood sugar and blood pressure to ensure that they are fit to work with this equipment. In addition to the minimum requirements, we organise various action days on site, during which examinations are carried out in the company and recommendations are made. Participation in these events is voluntary, but is appreciated by around 90 per cent of employees as a valuable additional benefit.
- In Sweden, a wide range of measures are taken to promote the health and satisfaction of employees. In addition to promoting exercise, acupuncture and gym training, employees can also take advantage of stress management training. Sustainable mobility is also supported: Bicycle leasing allows employees to purchase their favourite bike and have it deducted from their gross salary each month. Community activities outside of the office strengthen team spirit. The annual family day at the ski resort is very popular, where employees bring their families and spend a day together at the ski resort. Employees can also nominate themselves for personal training and take part in an approximately ten-month programme designed to improve their health while taking individual needs into account. The health concept in Sweden is also reflected in participation in Sweden's largest recreational race: employees take part in the "Walk for Blood" organised by the Blodomloppet Sweden association. The aim of the organisation is to raise awareness of the need to donate blood and promote a healthy lifestyle. Participants can run, jog or walk five or ten kilometres – either as a team or as an individual runner. The proceeds go towards the youth work of the organising associations and support the importance of blood donation.
