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From a vitality initiative to a healthy habit culture: how do you keep your employees' energy alive?
Your vitality initiative was a hit! After weeks of planning, your employees enjoyed an energizing and inspiring vitality week or a fun positive month and the buzz is still fresh. Some employees might still be raving about their favorite activities, while others are quietly thinking about the small steps they took to feel better. But now that the initiative is over, you might be asking yourself, “How do we keep this energy alive throughout the year?” The great news is, the end of your initiative isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of something bigger. With a few simple steps, you can transform the enthusiasm of a single initiative into a year-round culture of health and well-being. Let’s dive into how to make this happen!
Time to read: 5 minutes
Listen first, act next 🎧
After a successful vitality initiative, it’s natural to want to dive straight into planning the next one. However, taking a moment to reflect can make all the difference. Check in with your employees to understand how they experienced the initiative. Did any particular activity stand out? Was there something they felt could be improved? A brief, anonymous survey can help you gather meaningful feedback. Keep the questions simple—ask about their favorite moments, any challenges they faced, and what they’d like to see next time. This step not only provides you with valuable insights but also shows employees that their opinions matter.
Once you’ve gathered this feedback, take the time to share the highlights with your team and explain how you plan to act on their input. For instance, if employees express interest in more outdoor activities, you might introduce walking meetings or schedule a group fitness session in a local park. Alternatively, if they suggest more interactive sessions, consider organizing a monthly workshop on stress management or healthy meal prepping.
Make it a quarterly affair 🚶‍♀️
A vitality initiative is a great start, but maintaining that momentum throughout the year requires thoughtful planning. Quarterly health themes offer a practical way to sustain energy while keeping things fresh and engaging. By dedicating three months to a specific focus—such as mindfulness, movement, or nutrition—employees have the chance to explore the theme, practice related activities, and gradually incorporate new habits into their lives.
Your employees’ feedback is your secret weapon—keep the conversation going throughout the year to fine-tune your initiatives. Quarterly themes allow you to build momentum and keep the enthusiasm alive. Instead of switching topics too quickly, this approach lets you dig deeper and offer a rich variety of activities within each theme. Picture "Mindful May-July": the first week introduces mindfulness concepts through webinars, the second invites employees to try meditative exercises, and the third brings everyone together for group meditation sessions. If a running challenge in the "Fitness August-October" quarter doesn’t hit the mark, you have the flexibility to pivot to yoga or Zumba.
The power of peer support đź’¬
Healthy habits are so much easier—and way more fun—when shared with others. Start by appointing a wellness ambassador—someone enthusiastic about well-being who can inspire others. This ambassador can organize activities like lunchtime walks, group fitness classes, or even simple chats about health goals. Additionally, set up a dedicated space—like a chat group or bulletin board—where employees can share their progress, resources, and success stories. When employees feel connected, their enthusiasm becomes contagious!
Make it even more engaging with team-based activities that spark a little friendly competition. Think step challenges where departments race to the top, group workouts that feel more like fun gatherings, or collaborative healthy meal prep sessions. Pair employees into small accountability teams to keep the support flowing and the motivation strong.
Celebrate every step 🎉
Building habits is a journey, not a sprint, and every small step deserves a round of applause! Employees who try new activities, like a yoga class or a hydration challenge, are laying the groundwork for lasting change. Recognizing these efforts—no matter how small—keeps the energy alive and the motivation flowing. Celebrate the colleague who hit their first fitness milestone or the team that stayed active even during a hectic project deadline. Simple gestures, like a shoutout in a meeting or a cheerful “great job!” in a group chat, can uplift spirits and inspire others to join in.
You can also introduce quarterly awards for employees who’ve embraced the vitality initiative with enthusiasm. Titles like “Mindfulness Maestro” or “Hydration Hero” not only celebrate individual achievements but also create a sense of fun and friendly competition.
From one week to one year 🏅
Your initiative marks the beginning—build on it to create lasting habits. Sustained energy and well-being come from small, consistent actions that build the foundation for a healthier workplace culture all year round.
