2016 is into full swing and I love it. For me, this time of year is about new beginnings, fresh starts, and pressing the giant reset button on life. The same is true here at Ethos3. Collectively, we have all press reset on our health and fitness goals for the year and we are doing it together as a team which makes it even more fun.
Enter Fitness Bucks. This is a new initiative we rolled out this week.
What is it?
Team members can earn Fitness Bucks for their performance in 3 specific health categories:
1. Total Steps
2. Exercise (in minutes)
3. Water Consumption (in ounces)
For instance, here is an example of how someone can earn Fitness Bucks in the Total Steps category:
30,000-74,999 steps a month: $5 fitness bucks
75,000-149,999 steps a month: $7 fitness bucks
150,000-224,999 steps a month: $10 fitness bucks
225,000-299,999 steps a month: $12 fitness bucks
300,000+ steps a month: $15 fitness bucks
The more one achieves in the 3 categories, the more they earn each month.
All team members who were interested in participating were provided with a FitBit Charge and access to a monthly tracker. If you are interested in getting your team or department on board with something similar, here is an Excel spreadsheet that you can utilize.
And, here is where it gets fun:
Team members can redeem Fitness Bucks at the end of each month for special prizes or save them up all year for a really big prize like an iPad Mini 4 or Apple Watch.
So, you are probably asking…why roll out such an expensive and time consuming initiative?
Here are three reasons why:
Stress Reducer
Ethos3 is an agency and that career choice often comes with long hours, stressful days, and an occasional busy weekend here and there. In other words, stress is a common result of the agency lifestyle. The good news is that according to a 2010 study from the University of California-San Francisco, women runners showed fewer signs of aging and stress as compared to their inactive counterparts. If giving away a few prizes rallies team members to take care of themselves and reduce their stress, then that is a worthy investment in my eyes.
Growth and Learning
One of our core values at Ethos3 is to continually pursue growth and learning. We believe in challenging the status quo and pushing our limits wherever possible. That mind set also carries over into the workouts we choose. We don’t just walk. We swim. We bike. We run. We do yoga. We mix it up. Interestingly, there was a study done by some German researchers that found those who exercised doing a complicated fitness routine scored better on intense tasks as compared to those who did regular fitness activity. The study is testament that the variety and complexity with our routines are making us sharper employees and managers.
Eliminates Depression
Let’s face it. These winter months are tough. The days are short. Outside is cold. It’s very easy for depression to creep in. But, here’s the good news. Exercise combats depression. In fact, according to a 2010 study, Yoga was found to boost levels of the brain chemical called GABA which improves one’s mood and reduces anxiety.
It’s simply too difficult to argue the benefits of exercise. If the team is taking care of themselves, they are essentially taking care of Ethos3.
If you are doing something similar or looking to try this out, let me know about your results. I would love to hear from you.
I hope you and your team have a happy and active 2016!
