Filipino seafarers find wellness in this health program
‘The mandatory health and wellness seminar covers sleep, diet, exercise, relationships and how to improve all these aspects of life’
For many companies, wellness programs are a perk, a nice-to-have extra. But for international shipping leader OSM Thome, it’s a strategic necessity. Its comprehensive OSM Cares Program goes beyond a simple gym membership, prioritizing employee well-being and reaping significant rewards in return.
OSM Thome, a Norwegian-based company with a strong presence in the Philippines, manages marine services for nearly 1,000 vessels worldwide. With a workforce exceeding 750 and over 14,000 Filipino seafarers, the company understands the importance of a healthy and engaged staff.
That’s where OSM Thome Cares comes in. This holistic program takes a multifaceted approach to employee well-being, with strong leadership backing, clear alignment with company goals and a focus on accessibility and program breadth. The results speak for themselves: improved employee engagement, a healthier workforce and a more positive morale.
“Our goal is to build not just working relationships, but life relationships with our employees and seafarers,” explains Mailyn Borillo, managing director and president of OSM Thome (Philippines). “Life skills training in the Philippines is often overlooked, yet it has a tremendous impact.”
Borillo identifies some key challenges faced by Filipino seafarers: managing finances effectively, making sound investments, maintaining healthy lifestyles, navigating family issues and staying connected while on long deployments lasting three to six months at sea.
Preemployment medical examinations often reveal concerning trends. “Many seafarers are diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes and other lifestyle-related illnesses,” Borillo says.
This resonated with Borillo. Eight years ago, she faced a personal health crisis. By following lifestyle changes recommended by an integrative medicine specialist, Dr. Didoy Lubaton, she experienced a significant improvement in her health and productivity. This experience sparked the idea that education could empower employees to manage lifestyle diseases.
Tackling challenges
OSM Thome Cares tackles these challenges through a multifaceted approach. The company established a training center to equip seafarers with both technical and behavioral skills. A dedicated clinic provides preventive and curative healthcare, while a family club fosters life skills development. The focus areas include physical and mental health, financial literacy, spiritual well-being, and social interaction.
Borillo highlights the company’s annual programs designed around a core theme of “health, wealth and happiness.”
“Our approach is holistic,” says Borillo. “Even before preemployment medical exams, seafarers attend a mandatory health and wellness seminar. This covers sleep, diet, exercise, relationships and how to improve all these aspects of life.”
OSM Thome Cares goes beyond basic checkups. Seafarers have one-on-one consultations with a doctor who addresses their individual health needs.
The company understands the importance of family support. The Seafarers’ Family Club, with locations across seven cities in the Philippines, provides a space for connection. Annual family conferences and monthly webinars on family values, health, finance and even youth programs for seafarers’ children solidify this commitment. These webinars are accessible even for seafarers deployed at sea.
The corporate program extends its reach beyond seafarers. Shoreside employees also benefit from dedicated activities. A recent seminar addressed the growing concern of social media addiction among children, equipping parents with valuable tools.
At the office, employees enjoy a complimentary lunch prepared by the company’s catering academy. This in-house approach ensures quality and promotes healthy eating habits. The canteen prioritizes brown rice over white rice, offering daily salad options and fresh fruits alongside main courses.
“We provide free daily doses of vitamin C with zinc to our office staff,” Borillo adds. “We see our employees as individuals, not just cogs in the machine. We see them as colleagues, as human beings, not just human doings.”
The positive impact of the OSM Thome Cares program is undeniable. “We’ve observed improvements in cholesterol levels, BMI, blood sugar and other health markers,” Borillo reports.
Measurable success
The program has also led to a significant decrease in employee turnover. “Before the pandemic, our attrition rate was 18 percent. Now, it’s down to 8 to 9 percent,” she says. Similarly, medical repatriation rates for seafarers who couldn’t complete their contracts due to illness have dropped from 2.5 percent to 0.8 percent.
Financial literacy programs have empowered employees to make informed financial decisions. Some have learned to invest in stocks and real estate, while others have prioritized consistent savings habits.
The feedback from employees and their families has been positive, says Borillo. “They truly appreciate the extended reach of the wellness programs. Seafarers can participate in family conferences and webinars, fostering stronger family bonds. Meanwhile, both employees and their loved ones have access to the holistic clinic, receiving guidance on lifestyle choices and preventive healthcare. Additionally, 24/7 telemedicine provides a vital safety net.”
Borillo concludes with a powerful message for leaders: “Leadership extends beyond the company walls. By investing in employee well-being, we create a ripple effect that positively impacts families, communities, and ultimately, the entire industry. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to leverage our influence to create positive change, one person’s health and happiness at a time.”