HRWalks!

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2017

HRWalks! offers employees a regimented low risk low barrier to entry opportunity to engage in moderate physical activity by encouraging employees to take a 15 minute brisk walk during work hours and track their progress over time. The program is comprised of two components that seek to match the different levels of physical activity and schedule flexibility of each employee. The first component is a group walk scheduled three times a week and the second is a daily 15 minute walking-break allowance employees can take individually or in teams at their discretion. Participation is encouraged through the promotion of the health benefits of walking, a 15 minute break-time allowance, friendly challenges, department recognition and the integration of virtual walking trail destinations. Since its start in January 2014, HRWalks! has engaged 80% (n=50) of our workforce to participate in either a regularly scheduled group walk or walking challenge. An eleven year meta-analysis conducted by the University College London found strong evidence suggesting walking distances of just 5½ miles per week can reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event by 31% . In total, employees have recorded 139,333,153 steps and have walked 65,049 miles! This roughly translates to 22,329 steps or 10 miles per week per participating employee. In short, HRWalks! is a simple, easy to implement, and low cost solution to upgrade employee working conditions and provide a high impact health and wellness initiative at the workplace.