the Y@Work: Introducing the WorkIt! Corporate Challenge
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It’s time to WorkIt! – a new call-to-action to inspire Quad City companies and their employees to get moving and gain bragging’ rights in some friendly workplace competition.
The WorkIt! Challenge is a fun, friendly wellness challenge between local businesses and their team members that encourages workplace wellness and improved employee health. Employees are rewarded for reaching goals within the challenge, employees bond through team competitions, and everybody wins through increased physical activity.
The initiative is the brainchild of both Scott County Family YMCA, and Two Rivers YMCA, Moline, and is sponsored by Mississippi Valley Surgery Center (MVSC) and Orthopaedic Specialists, PC of Davenport.
“We thought it was time to make workplace wellness fun,” says YMCA Quad Cities spokesperson Mike Maloney. “Any company that wants to join us as a corporate partner can take part in the program designed to put some friendly competition on the line for organizations dedicated to workplace wellness.”
“It’s time to emphasize the word ‘health’ in healthcare,” concurs MVSC President & CEO Michael Patterson and MVSC Board Chairman Dr. Tuvi Mendel, Orthopaedic Specialists. “Physical fitness has been proven to help manage chronic diseases like diabetes, and fit patients mindful of their health and risk factors can address problems before they need more expensive or invasive medical treatments. It’s a win-win for everyone.”
Besides the many health benefits of a more active workforce, employees gain a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. Individuals will earn t-shirts and other promotional items through the accumulation of points and winning companies will also be recognized for their team efforts.
How it Works
Each company identifies an internal Coach for their team. Points are earned through individual and team efforts. The points then roll up to the company level. Individual participants earn incentives and awards as teams strive to be the WorkIt!
Challenge champs in their division. Companies will compete in one of four divisions based on their total number of employees. Companies will be awarded trophies based on points accumulated through December 2012.
The Company Coach
The Company Coach serves as the primary point of contact for the exchange of information, working closely with the WorkIt! Challenge Coordinator. The coach will receive a complimentary YMCA adult membership as a thank you for his or her efforts (valid through December 2012).
This person should be someone who can cheerlead for the cause and help pull together employee teams for competitions, etc.
Points System
To be eligible for overall winner, a company must participate in a minimum number of events during the year. Points will be earned in a number of ways including:
• Individual use of the Y (e.g., gate scans, wellness training, group exercise classes)
• Participation in WorkIt! Challenge team events such as golf, volleyball and softball
• Participation in established community events such as Bix 7, Ride the River and United Way’s Day of Caring
• Points will be awarded for participation, team competition and for percentage participation
Sign up Now for the YMCA’s Early Bird Incentive!
All points earned through June 30, 2012, will be doubled in value. For more information, call Mike Maloney, Community Relations Director, Quad Cities YMCA, at 563 332 0234 ext 613 or or contact him via email.
