AS Jamaica and the wider world paused on November 19, 2023 to commemorate International Men’s Day, Wisynco Group Limited dedicated an entire week for the celebration, pampering, and empowerment of its male team members.

According to group head of human resources, Kisha-Ann Brown, through the Men’s Week activities, the company aimed to raise awareness, celebrate positive values, and contribute to the well-being of its male colleagues, aligning seamlessly with its overarching ethos.

“Earlier this year it was our pleasure to celebrate the women of Wisynco. November was time to do the same for our men. With over 1,500 men working in our business across the island, we knew we had to be creative to be able to touch as many people as possible in the most meaningful ways. Men’s Week Project Manager Tameka Thomas Shaw was instrumental in bringing this vision to life,” she said.

Thomas Shaw said the activities commenced on November 15 with a talk on stress management and mental wellness led by clinical psychologist Dr Kerri-Anne Freckleton at the company’s Lakes Pen office.

“The aim of the discussion was to explore and initiate conversations about mental health and to dispel taboos and stereotypes about toxic masculinity and ‘manliness’ within society,” she said.

On November 16, members of the human resources team spent the day with the males from its Montego Bay and Trelawny distribution centres. The team was feted to lunch at the company’s Hague Distribution Centre, and they also benefited from an informative health talk about non-communicable diseases and prostate health from consultant urologist Dr Jeremy Thomas. A Men’s Day Luncheon was held on November 20 for the men from the Lakes Pen and White Marl locations under the theme ‘Healthy Men, Healthy World’. November 21 and 22 were Spa Days. Male employees were treated to spa services such as hand reflexology, back and neck massage, foot detox, hand paraffin treatment, and hand massage. These services were offered by professionals from Salon 10 on the grounds of the Lakes Pen and White Marl offices.

The celebratory activities culminated on November 24 with a Karaoke and Games Evening, which was open to both male and female staff members.

According to chief executive officer at Wisynco, Andrew Mahfood, this event was a huge success. He said Men’s Week allowed the company to support men in becoming their best selves and positive role models. Additionally, he believes that by curating dynamic speakers who focused on health, stress management, and mental well-being the company is demonstrating its commitment to improving the lives of its most valuable assets.

“From the men’s luncheon and motivating guest speakers addressing health and well-being to spa days for male employees, we’ve woven these initiatives seamlessly into our mission. Our dedication to well-being, evident in our Health Safety and Well-being Month and the opening of a fitness centre in August, aligns perfectly with the goals of Men’s Day,” he said.