Shape Up - Live Well Challenge

About the Program

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

Year: 2010

Fairfax County Government established a wellness program for its employees in July 2008 entitled the Fairfax County Live Well Workforce Wellness Program. From May through September 2009, the Shape Up and Live Well challenge competition activities were implemented for employees. The Shape Up and Live Well challenge was a fun 12 week, team-based fitness, pedometer steps and weight loss competition the reported an 88 percent satisfaction rate among participating employees. Not only did the project improve work morale, it saved an estimated $200,000 in projected health care costs for the county’s self-funded health plan. The Shape Up and Live Well Challenge was implemented with 100 percent of the individual registration fees fully paid by the 1,625 Fairfax County employee participants joined together in teams of 5 to 11 coworkers. Fairfax County piloted a contract with an outsourced, turn-key virtual wellness program the utilized web-based technology to support employees engaged in the competition across 49 agencies and numerous county worksites. The friendly competition and motivation, along with the natural stress reduction qualities of physical activity and the self image benefits of weight loss, combined to positively affect employees’ overall attitude during the tense budget climate within local government.