UUM Introduces Mandatory Monthly Recreation Tuesdays to Improve Staff Health and Performance
KUBANG PASU: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) has introduced a new policy requiring all departments to dedicate one Tuesday each month as a compulsory recreation day for staff, as part of its efforts to enhance workplace health and well-being.
UUM Vice-Chancellor Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said the initiative requires all responsibility centres to organise recreational activities from 8.30am to 2pm, with no official meetings or workshops allowed during that period.
He said the move aims to ensure staff have sufficient time to engage in physical activities and mental relaxation.
“Physical and mental well-being are crucial assets for any organisation. Healthy employees are more focused, productive, and motivated,” he said after the New Year Address ceremony in Sintok.
Health Data Triggers Policy Reform
Ahmad Martadha explained that the policy was introduced following findings by the Pusat Kesihatan dan Kesejahteraan Universiti, which revealed concerning health trends among staff.
According to the 2025 Health Profile, 32 per cent of employees recorded BMI levels above 25, while 24 per cent were classified as obese.
In addition, 12.8 per cent were identified as having diabetes, 7.63 per cent had high cholesterol, and 23 per cent were diagnosed with hypertension.
He said these figures highlighted the urgent need for preventive and long-term health interventions.
“We prefer to act early rather than wait until problems become severe. This initiative is a long-term investment in our workforce,” he added.
Promoting Work-Life Balance
The Recreation Tuesday programme is also intended to foster a more balanced and sustainable work culture.
Activities will include aerobics, walking programmes, cycling, recreational sports, and health awareness initiatives organised at departmental level.
University management expects the programme to reduce workplace stress, improve social interaction, and strengthen teamwork among staff.
Strengthening Global Outreach
In a related development, Ahmad Martadha said UUM is intensifying its internationalisation strategy, particularly for postgraduate programmes.
The university aims to enrol 3,000 international students, compared to 1,919 in 2025 and 2,469 in 2024.
To support this goal, a dedicated multilingual unit will be established, with officers proficient in English, Arabic, and Mandarin.
UUM also plans to set up learning centres in China and Jeddah to provide English language training for prospective students.
Overall, the Recreation Tuesday initiative and global expansion strategy reflect UUM’s commitment to building a healthy, dynamic, and internationally competitive academic environment.
-wilayah.com.my
