Vassallo Group of Companies held its first Healthy Lifestyles Week for all its employees. The aim of this week, organised in collaboration with the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate,  was aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle for over 1,500 employees employed with subsidiary companies Caremalta, Vassallo Builders and CaterEssence.

It is increasingly being recognised that a healthy workforce is beneficial to employers too. A positive, safe and healthy environment for employees, is directly linked to increased morale, improved work-life balance which, in turn, positively impacts the business.

Each day was dedicated to different topics covering healthy eating, prevention of cancer, physical activity, benefits of a smoke-free life, as well as social and emotional wellbeing. Activities held during the week included talks by professionals held at different places of work, free check-ups, fitness and pilates sessions, healthy breakfasts and lunches as well as a walk.

This initiative has both short- as well as long-term goals. As a follow-up the Group will be encouraging employees to enroll in weight management and smoking cessation programmes, attend a Richmond Foundation programme and start exercising on a regular basis. A group-wide employee health survey, in collaboration with the Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Directorate, will also be held next year.

A number of private companies and entities collaborated with Vassallo Group to offer discounts on a number of related services such as screening for several types of cancer by St James Hospital, gym subscriptions by 24/7 Fitness Centre and Niumee.  V.J. Salamone, the Richmond Foundation and Dr John Zammit Montebello also provided their assistance during the week.