Why fit-at-work initiatives
Fit at Work campaigns are an incredible way to encourage employees to exercise, engage in physical activity, be more active, healthy, and positive, thus enhancing overall productivity while also supporting their mental health through workplace fitness. Whether it’s walking, cycling, running competitions, or paddle tennis tournaments, these initiatives foster team spirit, improve overall well-being, and align perfectly with the growing focus on employee wellness. But how can you ensure maximum engagement, enthusiasm, and employee engagement for your Fit at Work campaign? Here are three proven tactics, complete with actionable tips, to take your campaign to the next level.
1. Offer cool company-branded sportswear as incentives
Nothing motivates people more than a tangible, high-quality reward. By offering company-branded sportswear or merchandise to employees who join your Fit at Work initiatives, you not only encourage participation but also foster a sense of pride and belonging. A sleek sports jersey, a branded water bottle, or even customized tennis socks can go a long way in driving engagement. Why it works: Merchandise creates a sense of exclusivity and excitement. Employees feel recognized and valued, and studies show that offering branded rewards can double or even triple participation rates. Announce the giveaway internally: “Everyone who signs up for the event will receive this limited-edition jersey,” and watch the numbers soar. Pro Tip: Work with a merchandise partner like Sunday to ensure the design is not only cool and on-trend but also aligns with your company’s branding. The better the design, the more employees will want to participate—and wear it proudly!
2. Share content internally to build momentum
The more visible the campaign, the more likely employees are to join. Sharing photos, videos, and updates on internal company channels is a surefire way to create buzz and inspire others to get involved. Whether it’s snapshots of employees showcasing their fitness in a group run or selfies of colleagues in branded sportswear, these visuals spark excitement and amplify the community feel. How to do it: Use every channel at your disposal—intranet, Slack, Microsoft Teams, social media, and even the company newsletter. Encourage employees to post their own updates, and don’t forget to highlight them publicly. Seeing their colleagues participate will motivate others to join in. Pro Tip: Create a campaign hashtag for employees to use when posting on social media. Not only does this make it easier to track engagement, but it also creates a cohesive brand story that can even be showcased externally.
3. Host kickoff and celebration events
Make your Fit at Work campaign feel like a true event with organized company gatherings to mark the beginning and end of the initiative. A kickoff event can include a fun group exercise like yoga, a motivational speaker, or even a healthy breakfast to energize participants. For the closing celebration, spotlight the participants with awards, thank them for their involvement, and distribute fun rewards like additional merchandise or team trophies. Why it’s important: These events create a sense of excitement and community. Employees feel supported and valued when the company invests in making the campaign an experience rather than just an activity. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to hand out merchandise and reinforce the branding. Pro Tip: Capture photos and videos at both events and use them in future campaigns. Highlight individual stories and accomplishments to inspire even more employees to join the next initiative.
Boosting engagement in your Fit at Work campaign doesn’t have to be complicated. By offering enticing branded merchandise, amplifying the campaign through internal channels, and organizing kickoff and celebration events, you’ll not only encourage participation but also create a lasting impact on your employees’ well-being and team spirit. Want to make your campaign unforgettable? Partner with Sunday to design branded merchandise that’s high-quality, on-trend, and perfectly aligned with your company’s values. Let’s make your next Fit at Work initiative your most successful one yet!
