FirstGroup’s financial processing centre First Shared Services (FSS) employees crowned one of the healthiest workforces in Scotland

Aberdeen, Scotland, 2014-1-8 — /travelprnews.com/ — Staff at Aberdeen based, First Shared Services (FSS), the financial processing centre for transport operator FirstGroup, have been crowned one of the healthiest workforces in Scotland.

Just one year after being awarded the Healthy Working Lives Silver Status, FSS has been awarded Gold status in recognition of the company’s efforts to create a healthier workplace.

The Healthy Working Lives Awards, administered by the Scottish Centre for Healthy Working Lives, encourage employers to promote a healthier workforce and covers a wide range of topics including health promotion, mental health and wellbeing and occupational health and safety.

Staff at FSS have been involved in a number of initiatives to help gain gold status.  Many have taken on marathons, 10ks and duathlons whilst others have taken up a new sport.  More than half of FSS’ 50 employees have taken advantage of the discounted gym membership available for FirstGroup employees at Aberdeen Sports Village.

The emphasis in achieving Gold status has not solely concentrated on physical exercise.  FSS has arranged presentations from cancer charities highlighting some of the early warning signs; all notice boards promote mental health campaigns and healthy eating; vending machines offer healthy options; and FSS also receives a large weekly delivery of fruit which is made freely available to all staff.

In addition, FSS colleagues as part of their strategy to achieve Gold status chose to support a local community based project.  Over three days green fingered FSS staff tended a garden affected by the cold winter months into an attractive vibrant space for residents to enjoy at one of Cornerstone’s services in Aberdeen and donned their painting overalls to transform several rooms at the property.  The service provides residential care and support for four people with disabilities and other support needs – enabling them to enjoy valued lives in the local community.

Richard Emslie, FSS Controller, said: “Securing the Healthy Working Lives Gold Award makes us one of the healthiest organisations in Scotland.  I’m very proud of our collective achievement – we have a fantastic team with a fantastic team-spirit which has been strengthened by our commitment to Healthy Working Lives.

“It’s been a five year journey to attain Bronze, Silver and now Gold status and one that has been extremely worthwhile.  I’m a fitter, healthier individual and so too are the majority of the team.  It’s been great fun and was particularly rewarding helping the residents at Cornerstone transform one of its gardens.”

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