Alexela’s Employee Wellness Transformation
Alexela, a prominent Estonian energy company, offers a wide range of services, including electricity and gasoline sales, gas stations, and accompanying coffee shops. With a workforce of approximately 500 employees, the company is divided into 100 office employees and around 400 frontline workers at gas stations and coffee shops. Recognizing the diverse needs of its team, Alexela has historically aimed to promote wellness initiatives. However, challenges arose in tailoring solutions that effectively engage both sedentary office workers and physically active frontline employees.
Challenges in Employee Wellness Prior to YuMuuv
Alexela’s approach to wellness initially included two core benefits for employees: a choice between a sports compensation package and a general health package. These initiatives aimed to provide both preventative and reactive support for employee health. Additionally, they hosted health-focused months, distributed fruit baskets, and encouraged healthy eating habits. The company identified additionally the need for a unifying program that could bridge the gap between office and frontline workers. As Mariliis Mähhar, a key representative of Alexela, observed, “We haven’t put enough emphasis on wellness before joining the YuMuuv challenges.”
Discovering YuMuuv
The idea of participating in a YuMuuv challenge emerged after Mariliis heard positive feedback about team-based wellness initiatives from her network. The concept of walking challenges resonated as a simple yet effective way to promote wellness and team cohesion. She noted, “These challenges of walking together and creating team spirit are so easy, yet they unite people.” This led to Alexela’s first collaboration with YuMuuv, launching a company-wide activity challenge aimed at encouraging movement, fostering camaraderie, and elevating the importance of wellness within the organization.
Implementing the YuMuuv Challenge
Designing the Challenge
The initial challenge was strategically planned to align with springtime, a season conducive to outdoor activities. Alexela sought a balance: the challenge needed to be motivating yet achievable to ensure broad participation. “We wanted something challenging but not too hard, so people wouldn’t quit,” Mariliis explained. The goal was to inspire employees to move more and engage with their colleagues, whether they worked in an office or a gas station.
Participation and Execution
The response to the challenge exceeded expectations. Office workers and frontline employees embraced the initiative, fostering a friendly sense of competition. Mariliis highlighted that even frontline employees, who were already physically active due to their roles, found themselves motivated to push further. Some standout participants, such as those running 10 kilometers daily, became role models, inspiring others to increase their activity levels.
YuMuuv’s platform provided an accessible and intuitive way for employees to track their progress, share achievements, and celebrate milestones. For Alexela, this was a critical factor in ensuring the challenge’s success.
Outcomes and Reflections
Positive Feedback
The results were overwhelmingly positive. The challenge not only met but exceeded expectations by uniting employees across different roles. “The feedback was really positive, both from the office and the coffee shop employees,” Mariliis shared. Key outcomes included:
• Increased physical activity levels among all employees.
• Enhanced team spirit and camaraderie.
• Greater awareness of the importance of wellness.
Addressing Challenges
Despite its success, the challenge wasn’t without its hurdles. One recurring issue was skepticism regarding the accuracy of step-counting devices, particularly for employees using phone apps instead of dedicated fitness trackers. “It would be ideal if everyone had the same devices,” Mariliis noted, emphasizing the need for standardized tracking tools in future challenges.
Long-Term Impact
While no specific stories of life-changing transformations were noted, the challenge planted the seeds for lasting wellness habits. Alexela recognized the importance of integrating wellness initiatives into their company culture, with Mariliis stating, “It would be great to make this an annual event.”
Future Story: The Path Ahead for Alexela’s Wellness Journey
Inspired by the success of their first YuMuuv challenge, Alexela is envisioning a future where wellness becomes an integral part of their company culture. The team recognizes that a one-time event can spark interest, but sustained efforts are required to embed wellness into their organizational DNA.
Annual Challenges as a Tradition
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from employees has solidified the idea of making wellness challenges an annual tradition at Alexela. These challenges will serve as a yearly reset, re-engaging employees in healthy habits and reinforcing the company’s commitment to their well-being. By choosing themes that resonate with seasonal opportunities—like springtime walks or summer fitness goals—Alexela can keep the experience fresh and motivating.
Key Takeaways
Alexela’s journey with YuMuuv highlights the transformative potential of simple, team-based wellness initiatives. By aligning the challenge with employee interests and capabilities, they successfully created a program that engaged employees across all levels.
For companies looking to replicate Alexela’s success, the key lies in fostering inclusivity, promoting team spirit, and leveraging tools like YuMuuv to simplify execution. With the right approach, wellness challenges can become a cornerstone of a thriving company culture, promoting healthier, happier, and more connected teams. As Mariliis succinctly put it, “This type of competition is definitely something we should do again next year.”
