Australian Charity, Healthy Workplaces, offers ‘Step Forward’,  a tool to combat employee mental health and wellbeing challenges around the globe. 

Australian employees are facing unprecedented challenges in the areas of mental and physical health as a result of changed working and living conditions from the COVID-19 pandemic. And while restrictions are lifting throughout Australia, the way we work and live has changed dramatically with companies opting to keep work from home or hybrid working conditions in place.

A recent CSIRO survey of 4000 online community members has found that COVID-19 has negatively impacted their exercise routines, emotional wellbeing and diet. 

In fact, 47.1% reported that their exercise was worse to some degree and 41% indicated that their mental wellbeing had deteriorated. 

While the complex relationship between employee engagement and health and wellbeing continues to be studied, reports indicate a connection exists. 

Perhaps it is no surprise then that a pulse survey conducted by Reward Gateway has identified employee morale as one of the biggest challenges facing companies during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

This perfect storm of reduced activity, increased mental stress and lack of engagement, has prompted the release of Step Forward, an initiative of Australian Charity, Healthy Workplaces.

The program, which is available for download (Apple App Store and Google Play) encourages users to achieve their 10,000 steps per day. There is a free version available as well as the option for corporates to run their own exclusive challenges. 

Step Forward combines the same elements that have seen its sister event, Tour de Office grow to become a much loved and eagerly anticipated corporate health and wellbeing initiative. It blends smart tracking technology with highly visible leaderboards to foster healthy competition. Plus, curated communications including motivational and educational pieces support organisations to easily implement the initiative. 

Put simply, it’s an easy to implement, corporate health initiative that addresses two of the biggest challenges to come out of the global pandemic; reduced activity and low employee morale. 

To date, 784 users have taken 310,559,794 steps as part of the program. 

Organisations wishing to take part are encouraged to contact Healthy Workplaces Charity Leader, Corey Salmon.