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Employees’

Story written & illustrated by: Yasser Al-Hamad

HANDLER

The

3000 Introduction

❤

Health At Work

.... a ‘wellness’ program must be part of the organizational culture and not an alien activity to it.

The ‘wellness’ program consist mainly of health education; screening/checkups; and intervention designed

H

to change employee behavior towards a healthier lifestyle ealth at work is a term that is gaining popularity

that not only addresses work related risks but also all

in modern times. In the past health at work was

other risks that may encounter the worker at home, play

mainly focused on physical health issues like nutrition,

or work.

obesity, addressing occupational illnesses and dieses.

The fundamental requirement to a sound ‘wellness’ More recently, other areas such as work-life-balance,

program, is that it must focus on both physical and mental

human psychology, and corporate governance have

risk that the worker may be exposed to. It must also address

changed the way health at work is viewed. It is common to

all the conventional health issues that are encountered at

hear terms such as “work-related-stress” in seminars and

the workplace. Furthermore, a ‘wellness’ program must be

conference that address health and safety issues.

part of the organizational culture and not an alien activity

More recently in developed countries, workplace

of allowing its workers’ to have access to gymnasium and

health issues are being addressed through ‘wellness’

workout facilities? How frequently does the employer

programs. It is just another approach that is aimed at

conduct medical checkup on the employees? What

improving workers’ health and ensuring that they are

type of medical services does the employer provide its

productive throughout their working carriers.

employees?

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to it. For example, what does the employee do in terms

HANDLER

The

3000 frequently or they’ll become as outdated as the equipment

In modern times, mental and emotional strain is sometimes caused by the increasing rate of change and development of technology.

they run. Also, social demands, outside the workplace, may impact individual as sever as demanding circumstances at the workplace. As a result, a good ‘wellness’ program must take all such issues into account to ensure that the workers’ lead a healthy lifestyle.

The Gulf Petrochemical Industries Company (GPIC) used the theme ‘Your health …. Is our Wealth’ for this year

A ‘wellness’ program must also have equal shared responsibility and accountability from both employees and the employer. Both management and employees have an equal responsibility in relation to psychological problems which may develop into physical ones. The most common example for such a situation is stress. Stress is a product of demanding circumstances at work. With time, stress can

to assure you that we will continue to work towards a ‘wellness’ program that ensures a healthy lifestyle.

We hope that you not only benefit but enjoy reading this book as well, All the best!

cause high blood pressure, heart problems, etc. Demanding circumstances are not the single cause of stress. In modern times, mental and emotional strain is sometimes caused by the increasing rate of change and development of technology. State of the art equipment today will become

‘Your health …. Is our Wealth’

primitive in a few years.This also means that the operators

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of this equipment will need to update themselves more

HANDLER

The

3000 Chapter 1

BAD INDICATORS H

ow could this happen!” Cries out the CEO when he hears the news of another accident. “We buy

modern, state of the art equipment to speed up work and

are not seen as common labours; they are seen as craftsmen capable of handling problems and finding solutions.This place is home to teamwork and sharing ideas. The organizational hierarchy of the company divided the tasks at work but it didn’t divide the people.

Putting further pressure on our staff is not the solution.

handle more packages, not to damage them!”

The CEO is all fired up and he is not to be blamed.

It is the management’s weekly meeting when one of

First, there is the competition, then, there is the working

the members of the board announces his opinion, “They are

force, the employees, the people he has to deal with

our employees, and they’ll do what we want them to do!

everyday. In the beginning, it was hard to convince them

We cannot slow down now, we have deadlines.” Voices of

to accept new technological means of doing the work. The

support and acknowledgement fill the room.

company went through many seminars, handouts, posters

The CEO interrupts the crowd with his point of view,

and booklets. It was a big campaign. Now, with accidents

“You are right my dear colleges, we should not waste any

taking place, it will be even harder to make new ideas and

more time and the correct actions must be taken.”

The crowd calms down and start eagerly listening to

However, this innovation is important to the

what the leader has to say. “As far as I know there is an upset

company’s survival; competition is driving others out of the

of attitude and loss of confidence due the late accidents, but

market. The organization can enforce this innovation. It has

so far the indicators show that performance of staff is starting

all the right to do so. However, the management is wiser

to decrease and might further decrease. Putting further

and knows better. The healthy working atmosphere that

pressure on our staff is not the solution. I feel it will only cause

the company had maintained for many years is the true

us further upset that might affect their performance. Then we

reason why it survived times of hardship. Here, employees

will start having more and more troubles.”

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means acceptable.

The

“Ignoring the problem will only help making it bigger.”

HANDLER

HANDLER

The

3000

Chapter 1 Competition

BAD INDICATORS Tick the correct answer: 1. Why was the CEO upset?

“What are you suggesting? Should we just ignore

a. The performance of the staff was bad

the problem?’” A member of the board that is restless for

b. Indicators showed decreasing peformance

answers starts putting up further questions.

c. Difference of opinion with board members

“That is not at all a good idea.” The CEO goes into a deep thought for a moment and then eureka! He is

2. The general attitude of the organisation was:

enlightened. “I believe we should be doing the opposite!

a. Every one comparted to specific tasks

Ignoring the problem will only help making it bigger. Instead,

b. Hierarchy of positions marks decisions at every step

we should find out what the source of trouble really is,

c. Team work was readily observed

• was the training insufficient?

• Is it a general negative attitude, ‘why shift to new equipment when older ones did the job?’

• Are they unhappy about modern machinery taking over

3. What the CEO finally decide? a. He decided to ignore the problem b. He decided to enforce new rules c. He decided to exploit the problem

their work, their craftsmanship?

4. Staff of this organisation are:

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us resolve it.”

a. Physical labors that go by instructions b. Craftsmen that know the detail of their work c. Non of the above

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“Whatever the reason is, exploiting the problem will help

The

HANDLER

3000

Name

:

Badge NO :

“Whatever the reason is, exploiting the problem will help us resolve it.”

Good luck with the competition and don’t forget to submit it before the deadline

BAD INDICATORS Chapter 1 Competition

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The final date for submitting your answers 25/11/2006

HANDLER

The

3000 Chapter 2

The LABOUR UNION T

his weekend all company workers are getting together at the their union headquarters. Though

easier and reduced our physical and mental efforts, but the accidents count is on the rise and the management is getting concerned. As you all know, damaged packages give our company a bad name. In fact, it gives us workers a bad name...”

Suddenly one the elders in the audience gets off his chair in objection to the leader. “We did very well before those terrible automated machines arrived!” The turbulent crowd agrees.

not a scheduled meeting, it was a very important one.

Usually the weekend is a happy time to spend with their families, but the recent events back at work is causing a

Adapt!

major worry.

All workers are concerned about their future with the company. The older workers are even more anxious, to adjusting to new technologies. They’ve lived in an age where automation was minimal and man’s control over machine was supreme. That is the reason why they don’t trust new technologies. “How can a man trust a machine with too many buttons!” They’d always say.

The union leader gets to the stand, “Good evening everyone, we are here today to discuss the recent changes that you are all aware of. Everybody is getting anxious

14

about the new ‘handlers’. Sure they made our work

“Don’t misunderstand me, your quality of work and ingenuity gave this company its prominence and that is undoubted.” The leader was quick to calm the deafening crowd. “However, change is a ‘given’ fact of life. Today’s new innovations will run out of fashion tomorrow. We cannot stop change but I am very sure that we can adapt.

“Adapt! Did you ever work on one of those handlers?

It is hard to know what the next button will do, and...”

“Believe me, I do understand the way you feel and I respect your point of view. Now, after all those years of 15

they’re not as capable as the younger fellows when it comes

The

that puts an end to it all. “ The leader’s aim is not to dishearten his co-workers.

His true target is to make the facts about the situation clear to his co-workers and is struggling to bring to their knowledge where they actually stand. There will always be progress and for mankind to survive, they have to cope with it. That is the spirit that he wants to promote.

“My dear co-workers, let us try to think in a different way. Let us try to see the current situation as a new challenge. This is not the first time that you’ve been challenged and neither will it be the last. “ “And I am sure that this is just another stepping stone in the path of your success. I am sure that the elders amongst us know better. During my early days with the company I heard stories from them that elevated my spirit and made me a potent worker. Their spirit, and their encouragement is what empowered my spirit and the spirit of all the younger workers.”

“I’d say, let us give it a try! Let us prove to ourselves as we always did that we can manage. New machines, old machines, handlers or rockets, Winners will always be winners!”

The crowd’s spirits is elevated once again as they hail their leader and applaud him for a great speech that

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filled them with enthusiasm.

3000

Chapter 2 Competition

The LABOUR UNION Tick the correct answer: 1. The older workers were worried about the handlers a. because of the difficulty to adapt to new technologies b. because they had bad attitude towards technology c. they think that older machines were more efficient.

2. The new ‘handler’ made the job a. more tedious and wasted time b. easier physically and mentally c. unsafe and damaged packages 3. The workers have to adapt to new technologies a. because the management wants them to do so b. because no one can stop change and development c. both ‘a’ and ‘b’ are correct 4. The Union Leader’s aim in his speech was to : a. Dishearten his fellow workers b. Encourage them to accept new challenges c. Non of the above

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experience and after all your achievement comes a machine

HANDLER

HANDLER

The

The

HANDLER

3000 “I’d say, let us give it a try!”

Name

:

Badge N : O

Good luck with the competition and don’t forget to submit it before the deadline

The LABOUR UNION Chapter 2 Competition

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The final date for submitting your answers 25/11/2006

HANDLER

The

3000 Chapter 3

The Walk-around

“That is true!” Exclaims the CEO, “Most of the workers involved in the recent accidents were our old and sincere employees. At first, I was surprised that they were involved in those accidents as I traced back their flawless working records. But now it is all clear, they needed time to adapt!”

What the CEO and Supervisor were observing

T

his morning, the CEO decided to take a round

was practical class conducted by one of the smart young

along with the field supervisor at the working site.

workers, one of those digital age youngsters, teaching a

It is the first day at work after the weekend. This is not a

number of older workers how to manage the new machine

routine walk around, he actually wants to get a feel of the atmosphere at work. Like he earlier mentioned, he wants to get to the source of the problem. He had already assigned others to hunt for the problem, but he is too concerned and feels that his personal involvement is necessary.

“Everyone seems to be active and lively today.”

“Sir, maybe it is the fresh start after the weekend.”

At a time when the management was searching for the source of the problem, the workers had already started solving it!

The thoughtful CEO is a little surprised.

“And what is that get together in the distance?” learning sessions.”

“Why? Didn’t we train them adequately?”

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“Of course Sir! But what I’ve

better. This was a beautiful scene that shows the character of the sincere elders who were not afraid or ashamed to learn from a young man half of their age. What is important to them is the knowledge that enables them to do their job better.

personally observed is that the younger

At a time when the management was searching for

workers adapted much faster to our

the source of the problem, the workers had already started

new ‘handlers’ than the elders.”

solving it!

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“Actually Sir, the workers today started practical

The

The CEO was so pleased because of what he learned that he enthusiastically advanced towards the group and congratulated them on their effort. The workers were a little surprised because they see what they do as their duty, their job. But for the CEO it is that sort of attitude that is the true treasure and backbone of the company.

HANDLER

HANDLER

The

3000

Chapter 3 Competition

The Walk-around Tick the correct answer:

As a step in the positive direction, the CEO decided that these sessions the workers voluntarily conducted amongst themselves should be encouraged by:

1. The CEO was keen to find out why the worker conducted sessions because: a. The company had already conducted adequate training

•

officially providing more time for these sessions

b. He feared the spread of negative attitude via sessions

•

pay special allowance to the tutors

c. Both of the above

•

certifying those sessions as specialized courses 2. The CEO was surprised when he saw the accident reports The workers started out trying to help themselves.

However, they ended up setting a standard.

a. Accident reports were becoming more frequent b. Workers involved had flawless records c. Both of the above

THE END 3. What the CEO finally decide? a. To support the training sessions b. To stop them because they’re a waste of time

4. Staff of this organisation: a. are always dependent on management instructions b. are sincere and will do their best to improve themselves c. have negative attitude towards progress

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THE NEW BEGINNING

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c. To improve the existing training program

The

HANDLER

3000

Name

:

Badge NO :

“The workers started out trying to help themselves.

However, they ended up setting a standard.”

Good luck with the competition and don’t forget to submit it before the deadline

The Walk-around Chapter 3 Competition

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The final date for submitting your answers 25/11/2006

Wellness

Tips

@Home Shopping for Food Chapter 4

Start a “wellness” program at your home

4

Make a shopping list and stick to it: This will keep you from buying foods you did not intend to buy.

4

Shop when you are not hungry: High calorie foods will not be as tempting.

4

Shop the outside aisles of the store first: Most stores are set up with produce, breads, meat, and dairy on the outside aisles. Most convenience foods are on the inside aisles. These foods tend to be higher in sugar and fat, and contain less fiber, vitamins and minerals.

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he CEO decided to push things further in the right direction. Now that everyone is in a positive mood

Try whole grain breads and cereals: Most bread, pasta, rice, and cereals are low in fat.

4

Croissants, muffins, granola, and biscuits have more

why not further enhance everybody’s performance by

fat. Look for whole grains in the ingredient list (wheat,

adapting a healthy lifestyle. He holds a meeting with his

oats, barley).

team and brainstorm how they can help employees have

4

Try low fat or nonfat dairy products to get enough

a healthy lifestyle? The team comes up with these great

protein, calcium and Vitamin D, without all the extra

tips!

fat and calories. Instead of whole milk, regular yogurt, hard & processed cheeses, choose skim milk, low or

prevent health problems and promote a healthy lifestyle.

nonfat dairy products, frozen yogurt.

4

When making changes, it’s important that your whole

sizes, calories, fat, and sources of fat. The nutrition

family be involved in eating regular healthy meals and an

information on the label is for one serving. Look at

active lifestyle. Here are some tips:

how many servings are in the package.

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Plan enough time to read labels: Check portion

Involve the whole family in meal planning. Allow children to choose some fruits and vegetables to

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Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active can

Wellness

Tips

@Home have at home.This may increase their acceptance of a 4

4

Encourage regular meals and snacks. Offer 3 meals

wider variety of foods.

with 2-3 snacks during the day. Meals and snacks

Choose a variety of foods to have available for meals

should be offered about every 3 hours.

and snacks in your home. You are in charge of what

4

foods come into your home.

Use low fat cooking methods, such as baking or broiling and using nonstick pots and pans. Try a vegetable cooking spray.

Nutrition

4

Serve low calorie foods first: Offer a salad or soup at the beginning of the meal.

4

All foods work. All foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle

4

program. It is just important to know which foods

4

Carrot sticks with small

your body needs more of and which foods your body

4

Cereal with milk amount of dressing

needs less of.

4

Fresh fruit

Choose a variety of foods using the Food Guide

4

Celery sticks with peanut

Pyramid: This will give your child the vitamins and

4

½ sandwiches

minerals needed for growth and development.

4

Butter and raisins

4

Low fat crackers and cheese

Dairy

2-3 servings

Fruits & Vegetables

5 servings

Meat & Protein

2-3 servings

Breads & Cereals

6-11 servings

Sugar & Fat

Only a small amount

Maintaining a healthy weight and being physically active can prevent health problems and promote a healthy lifestyle.

4 Choose meals: 1 item from 3-4 of the food groups 28

Try these nutrient rich foods for snacks:

Choose snacks: 1 item from 2-3 of the food groups

Limit calorie containing beverages such as juice, pop, and lemonade.

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4

Wellness

Tips

@Home Eating Out at Restaurants 4

Be aware and read the menus: items that say buttered, in

Grilled chicken or garden salads have less fat and calories than Chef or Taco salads. Choose a light or fat-free salad dressing. Ask that it be on the side so the amount used can

Ask what is in a dish, and how it is made before your child orders. Restaurant cooking can be a major source of fat.

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be controlled.

4

Choose a soft serve ice cream instead of a candy topped shake or malt.

cream sauce, fried, pan fried, crispy, or marinated in oil are high in fat.

4

Order sauces and dressings on the side: That way your child can dip the food to control the amount of high calorie sauces or dressings on the food.

Eating Out at “Fast Food” Places 4

Choose plain burgers or grilled meat sandwiches. Skip the cheese, special sauces or mayonnaise-based dressings. Use mustard, ketchup or barbeque sauce instead.

4

Order a small or regular order rather than jumbo, super or deluxe sizes.

4

Choose regular bread, buns or small muffins, instead of croissants or large muffins.

4

Choose thin-crust pizza with extra vegetable toppings instead of thick crust and extra cheese, sausage or

Physical Activity Activity is an important part of living well and any healthy lifestyle program. It increases self-esteem and a sense of well-being. It also improves coordination, develops muscle strength and flexibility, protects against heart disease, relieves stress, and makes for better sleep patterns. To encourage activity: 4

Find an activity the whole family enjoys: It may be a brisk walk or a game of soccer in the park.

4

Be creative: Use common household items to be active.

4

Make use of GPIC Club: Many activities for all ages are available free for you to indulge in.

4

Make a list of indoor activities that you and your child can

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pepperoni.

Wellness

Tips

do instead of watching television, playing video games or using the computer. Try turning on music and dancing.

4

Warm-up: 3-5 minutes to lower the chance of being hurt.

4

Aerobic: 10-20 minutes-choose an activity that will make the heart rate go up.

4

Cool-down: 5 minutes to bring the heart rate back down to normal slowly.

4

Assign household chores to increase activity: vacuuming, dusting, washing dishes or sweeping the oor are all activities that will help you and your family be healthier.

4

Encourage children to participate in outdoor chores: raking leaves, picking up sticks or gardening.

Source for the above: http://

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www.seattlechildrens.org/child_health_safety/pdf/yers

4

Physical activity increases self-esteem and the sense of well-being.