Akamai Wellness in APJ
Creating the world's best and most secure digital experience demands the very best industry talent. But as a responsible employer, we also understand how important it is to play our part in looking after those brilliant minds.
Akamai Wellness is the specially curated initiative that puts the focus on both our physical and mental health, with a broad range of events, group training, tips and tricks towards better fitness, nutrition and lifestyles. Of course, keeping body and mind as healthy as possible comes with plenty of benefits - from higher energy to better work performance. But more than anything, Akamai Wellness is there to take care of our most vital business asset. The wellbeing and happiness of our employees.
In the APJ region, we've been delighted to see the huge positive impact Akamai Wellness is having. While we are all having to navigate the ongoing effects of COVID-19, it's initiatives like these that are helping our people to check in with how they're feeling, connect with each other, and look after themselves during these challenging times.
For Suzuki-san, Regional Vice President of Media Sales at Akamai, being able to co-run the program in Japan has helped make everyone more conscious of wellness, as well as focus on the importance of moving the body and lowering stress. Along with colleagues Yamaguchi-san (AMG) and Kobayashi-san (HR), this team has been helping employees stay healthy and mentally fit through this period of change - especially as we all get used to working remotely and being apart from one another.
As Suzuki-san explained, it can be hard enough to keep yourself healthy on a daily basis, but it's even harder to do the same for your whole team. "Business is often compared to a marathon. But the Wellness program helps keep the stress level of the entire team low, and the healthier we work, the better our results will be." For the Japan office, this spirit of solidarity has extended to establishing a rule that allows flexibility for fitness, wellbeing or sporting activities during work hours, if someone faces additional pressures such as childcare or caregiving too.
The inclusive support Akamai Wellbeing provides our diverse workforce is something that gives Yamaguchi a real sense of purpose. She feels inspired by his ability to make a contribution for all employees. And despite the pandemic meaning that the programs have had to become tailored to telecommuting, the activities themselves vary a lot, so there's something to suit everybody.
Kobayashi-san told us that the recent "Holistic Care of Fatigue and Stress" online conference, with its expert panel raising awareness around mental health and stress, got great feedback from participants. And after the declaration of the state of emergency, "Zoom Yoga" has become particularly popular, with its refreshing movement helping many people to move their bodies properly for the first time in ages.
We truly believe that a healthy mind and body is a healthier Akamai employee - and a better Akamai employee. With the Akamai Wellness program, we're helping people in Japan, APJ and beyond to invest in their physical and mental happiness. And you can too - by taking part, and embracing today for healthier tomorrows.
