With warmer weather on the horizon, it was the perfect time to implement a Get Active! Challenge in the office. Although one can debate the success of office wellness programs, the truth is, if implemented for the right reason - to benefit employees - the downside is pretty much non-existent.
For Fors Marsh Group (FMG), we decided to tackle one issue at a time, with the first of many wellness efforts aimed at moving more. We are in a field where desk work is part of the territory and we've all had days where you get so wrapped up in what you are doing that you realize you've barely walked 2,000 steps by 3pm. This type of inactivity is concerning on many levels, especially with regards to an employee's physical and mental well-being. To promote better habits and encourage employees to take a break throughout the day, the Fors Marsh Group kicked off our Get Active! Challenge in March.
As part of this challenge, employees were placed on four-person teams and were each given a pedometer to wear if they did not already wear a FitBit or other tracking band. In addition to tracking steps, the FMG Wellness Committee created a Google Doc that converted fitness activities and level of exertion into steps that counted toward each team's goals. For the person that hates running but loves Pilates classes, their efforts worked toward their daily step goal.
With such an active and athletic staff already, we are excited to see a little healthy dose of competition throughout the office. We had a 90% participation rate, including the FMG owners and directors signed up to participate. Teams are competing for nice prizes including $150 gift card for the winning team to shop for fitness wear (Lululemon, anyone?), purchase new running shoes, sign up for classes or upgrade to the best FitBit. Second and third place teams will also be rewarded with fitness/health inspired gifts for their hard work.
As part of this challenge, FMG partnered with ATP to determine ways to motivate employees to get moving! FMG even participated in National Walk@Lunch Day which helped employees get in as many steps as they could before the Get Active! Challenge ended on April 30th.
If your company is looking to implement more health and wellness programs, contact Arlington Transportation Partners for additional solutions and ideas. Email solutions@transpartners.com.