The Robertson Trust employees trekked over 6,796 miles as part of two bespoke Step Count Challenges which saw ten teams, and 41 colleagues achieve a collective 15,188,903 steps during lockdown.
Individuals ventured out in all weathers in a bid to boost their mental and physical wellbeing while connecting with colleagues virtually and boosting their daily steps, with the help of our tailor made challenges.
Gurdeep Kaur, Funding Officer at The Robertson Trust (TRT), said:
The Step Count Challenge was a great way to connect with colleagues whilst working from home and we enjoyed it that much that we are set to do our third challenge in March!
It has been a fun way to get our steps in, which we were missing during our commutes to work, our lunch time walks round to the shop or a walking meeting.
“Whilst it has helped our staff physically, it has also increased their mental and social wellbeing, with colleagues organising virtual walks, in turn giving individuals some sort of personal interaction that we miss whilst working from home.
“We made sure to mix the teams up so colleagues were interacting with new people, and friendships have blossomed as a result. It has been really positive to see people ‘virtually’ rally round their colleagues to make sure everyone was getting their steps – a little bit of healthy competition definitely set in.
“The challenge was near enough the first topic of conversation in every meeting, even those who were not completing the challenge were keen to get involved and hear how we were getting on.”
During the first challenge in June five teams with 19 staff members walked 7,252,686 steps and in September this increased to 7,936,217 with five teams and 22 staff members.
Danielle added: “Within the Step Count Challenge we added some personal and fun tasks for our teams, some weeks we would ask people to find a picture of a rainbow or take a selfie with a specific object. This made people mix up their walks and often made people walk further and longer.
“During the first challenge we also fundraised for five charities and ended up raising over £1,821 which we were delighted about, TRT actually matched the figure so we ended up raising £5,463.
Everyone who took part has benefited in their personal and work life. We receive frequent encouragement from senior management to get away from the screen and, we all now realise just how important it is.
“The Step Count Challenge was the perfect fit and I’d encourage more businesses to look at how they can put wellbeing to the forefront of discussions, especially as we continue to work from home.
“The main thing is everyone that took part thoroughly enjoyed it, the challenge was fun but also great for our health and wellbeing - which is a complete bonus!”
To find out how we can support your workplace to run your own bespoke Step Count Challenge or to learn more about workplace walking get in touch at walkatwork@pathsforall.org.uk