There’s no doubt that exercise is important for overall well-being. However, as many people have busy schedules, it can often be difficult to find a balance between work, family and exercise. As a solution, employees often push for a gym to be set up at work. Easier said than done! Establishing a fitness room in a company is more than just a few days’ work. We spoke about this with Caroline Baril, UDACO’s general manager.
 

“At UDACO, human capital is definitely one of our company’s most valuable assets! For years, I’ve been speaking with the team about my plan to create a gym in the factory. The initial place chosen was poorly lit, dusty and would have required a significant investment in terms of ventilation and plumbing. So I put the project on the back-burner. That is, until I learned about the financial assistance program for companies to promote physical activity (PAFEMAP), offered through the Ministry of Education and Higher Education of Quebec. Specifically, the PAFEMAP aims to increase the number of initiatives developed by small and medium-sized companies to encourage everyone on staff to get regular physical activity.

Minister Isabelle Charest granted us financial assistance to the tune of $40,000 to build a fitness room and changing room. This means I can complete a much larger-scale project than what I originally had in mind, with new, modern equipment. It will be a pleasant, well-lit room located in a more convenient and accessible spot in the factory. There will also be an adjacent changing room with showers! ”

A VERY PROFITABLE INVESTMENT

Companies face many human resources challenges, particularly when it comes to attracting and retaining talent. This solution appears to be a successful method for:
 

• Increasing worker engagement and energy ;
• Encouraging team-building ;
• Improving productivity ;
• Limiting stress and reducing tension ;
• Lowering the risks of workplace accidents ;
• Reducing absenteeism ;
• Retaining and attracting new talent

Installation work at UDACO will begin in March and should be finished by late fall 2020.
 

UDACO undertakes welding and machining projects for a variety of industrial sectors. The company owes its success in part to the strength of its team, which is committed to delivering high-quality products. Udaco Industries are proud to employ professional, skilled workers, 60% of whom have been with the team for more than 10 years!