by Alan Jacques
FORMER Munster rugby star and Ireland international, Alan Quinlan, is urging people to take 15 minutes out of their hectic schedule and to use it to reconnect with colleagues while holding a tea or coffee break for a number of charities including GIY (Grow it Yourself), UNICEF and Irish Autism Action.
From this Monday, June 29 to Friday July 4, Aramark, a global food, facilities and property service provider and Alan, who is Aramark’s wellness ambassador, will be promoting positive mental health in the workplace through their Take 15 campaign.
The Munster legend pointed out that holding a tea or coffee morning could reduce stress levels in the office and help create new friendships while raising money for worthwhile charities.
“We all need to take a break during the day and social interaction is critical to our mental health,” said Quinlan.
“Mental health needs to become a key focus in the same way that we are now focused on diet and exercise. It’s a simple message but an important message all the same and a step that everyone can take.”
Aramark is the country’s leading integrated services supplier of facilities management, food, property and environmental services. They currently operate in nearly 1,000 workplaces throughout Ireland.
To celebrate their Health and Wellness Week, Aramark has also arranged a number of activities including the opening of a GIY (Grow It Yourself) garden at the company’s headquarters in Northern Cross. This will mean that employees can work together with the company’s partner GIY to nurture the garden and engage with fellow colleagues to develop a community garden as a wellness location for teams to take a break.
Following the success of Aramark’s involvement in the NHF National workplace wellbeing day event, a dedicated 1km wellness track will also be officially opened at the company’s headquarters and employees are being encouraged to get outside for a walk, jog or light activity during the day.
For more details visit the Right Track Programme Facebook page. To donate to the campaign, just text ‘Take15’ to 57802. Each text costs €2 with a minimum of €1.38 going to the Aramark Charitable Fund.
