CEMEX UAE Initiates a Fun Run Event and a Weight Loss Program for its Employees

Worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980 and today over 2.1 billion people close to 30% of the global population are either obese or overweight, according to World Health Organization (WHO). The rise in obesity rates – in both the developed and developing countries, presents a major public health epidemic but this problem is largely preventable. To ensure the health and safety (H&S) of our employee, 96% of our worldwide operation has an annual preventative health program planned out every year.

At CEMEX, we give utmost importance to the health & wellbeing of our people - valuing them as our main competitive advantage. We want to promote a healthier lifestyle to each and everyone, by instilling the importance of regular physical activity and better dietary choices. Therefore, to start the New Year right, our colleagues from Human Resources (HR) organized the 2nd Annual Fun Run last 13th of January held at a local park in Al Barsha, Dubai.    

“As a global organization that advocates a culture of H&S, CEMEX put together events like this to keep our people in good physical shape, free of illnesses. And as a result, making them happier and energetic to perform their daily activities,” said Piotr Rusecki, Country Director in the UAE. He also shared some personal tips to stay healthy - such as 15 minutes daily exercise, healthy diet with 2 liters of water in a day and to eat dinner at least 3 hours before retiring at night.

The program started with warm-up stretch & exercises at 7:00 in the morning, with eyes still sleepy but with vigor to sprint, the enthusiastic employees made their way to the starting line. They were encouraged to do at least three continuous rounds at the running track with 1.4 KM total distance. The first, second & third who finished the rounds were given a cash prize of 500, 300, 200 AED consecutively. After the run, participants enjoy a complimentary breakfast and were given CEMEX t-shirts as a token of appreciation.

In this event, the first phase of a weight loss program was also announced called “The Biggest Loser”. Eager to join, employees lined up to have their initial weight recorded and a total of eighty five (85) participants registered, out of which 47% fall into obese category - with Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30.

The program will run throughout 2017 with weight monitoring on a quarterly basis. All participants who will lose at least 5 kilograms will get 500 AED cash prize. In addition, anyone who continues to lose weight until he/she achieves the required weight will earn an additional AED 500 every quarter. Moreover, to add a cherry on top - a much bigger reward is in store for the final three winners, who will be awarded at the end of the year during the CEMEX Annual Event celebration.

The event was closed with a surprised raffle for the employees and three lucky draw winners received a special gift. “The Fun Run initiative was a success; we thank all the employees who shared their time on a weekend to join in this wellness initiative. We wish all the best to all the participants of the Biggest Loser and hope they’ll achieve the goal and maintain a normal weight”, said Ana de Ramos Tongco, Human Resources Director. By truly valuing our people, we live by OUR VALUES and by working together, there is nothing we cannot achieve, she added.