KUWAIT: In its continuous efforts to promote physical activity and mental wellness amongst its employees, Al-Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) launched its internal health and wellbeing program earlier this year, in alignment with the World Health Organization's 'Five Ways to Wellbeing at Work' framework.

The program is designed to achieve a sustainable health regimen, supported by a systematic approach to enhance employees' lives in and out of the workplace, with the key component of the program centered on the employee/employer relationship, redefining employee-benefits to include issues related to mental health, resilience and physical well-being.

Due to the pandemic, unprecedented challenges negatively impacted the physical and mental health of businesses and employees alike, leading to employers realizing the importance of a healthy workplace and life balance and the importance of ensuring employee wellbeing.

The rollout of ABK's mental health and wellbeing program addresses these challenges by ensuring employees have access to all the necessary outlets that allows them to reach optimal levels of physical and mental health.

In addition, and with the purpose of raising awareness and encouraging its employees, the bank holds multiple activities, talks with guest speakers and monthly competitions highlighting core wellbeing pillars that promotes the importance of being active, giving, taking notice, connecting, and continuous pursuit of learning and self-development opportunities.

ABK works hard to ensure an employee-first approach and through programs such as these, reinforces the bank's pledge towards preserving and developing its employees through recognition and support.