31 March 2021

Last week UniCredit London branch colleagues joined digital workshops...

2:00 Min

...classes and talks dedicated to wellbeing. The sessions, which covered nutrition, exercise, stress, anxiety and sleep, were organized as part of “UniCredit London Wellbeing Week”.

The last year has meant adjusting to new ways of working and our wellbeing is more important than ever. Our focus has been, and will continue to be, the health and wellbeing of all our colleagues.

 

This year, the UniCredit London branch partnered with Bupa, an international healthcare company, to present an interactive health talk on improving sleep. Annie Watson-Foulds, a clinician, explained how to manage sleep at times of heightened stress. Studies suggest adults need 7-9 hours sleep per night¹ and that insufficient sleep is linked to an increased risk of certain diseases and conditions. On the other hand, sufficient sleep improves our attention and concentration, immune system, physical wellbeing, mental health and stress².

 

Staying healthy is a priority for many of us and reviewing our lifestyle choices is a great way to see how we are doing. The two areas we have most control over when looking after our body and mind are eating a balanced diet and taking regular exercise. During the interactive session on exercise and nutrition, the clinician advised that regular physical activity not only helps maintain a healthy weight it has been found to improve self-esteem and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety³.

 

Colleagues also participated in an interactive workshop on the intricacies of the human mind hosted by the Integrity Centre, a leading yoga and pilates centre. Participants learned how anxiety is created and were given tips on developing a healthy mind while working from home and dealing with everyday challenges.  

 

Throughout the week, employees were also given practical tips and guidance to support their health and wellbeing.

Algis Pabarcius, UK Country Head

“The last 12 months have shown us how important it is for each of us to protect and maintain our mental and physical health. We can all be proud of the collective stamina and resilience shown over the past year. Preparing for what lies ahead is also essential. This initiative should remind each of us to focus on our health and wellbeing. In doing so our success will surely follow.”

Olivia Costache, Head of HR UK

“The Health and Wellbeing of all our employees has been and is on the top of the London Branch agenda, and we will continue to focus on initiatives such as the Wellbeing Center, employees’ benefits in place, educational campaigns and webinars focused on mental health, financial wellbeing, healthy lifestyle and nutrition. The past year has taught us how important it is to look after our health and wellbeing as best as possible, how important it is to connect with family, friends, colleagues and dear ones. Kindly take time to focus on your wellbeing.”

Notes:

¹PHE. Sleep and Recovery. Sleep hygiene: the right conditions for a good night’s sleep

²PHE Sleep and Recovery. Taking action to support good sleep 

³Department of Health: Physical Activity Guidelines for Adults 19-64 (2011)