Alexela Case Study: Uniting Office and Frontline Staff Through Walking
How do you build team spirit between office staff and 400 people working at gas stations and coffee shops? Alexela, an Estonian energy company, found a simple answer: walking together. This case study, based on an interview with Mariliis Mähhar from Alexela, shows how their first YuMuuv challenge brought the whole company together.
Table of Contents
At a Glance
- Company: Alexela, an Estonian energy company – electricity and fuel sales, gas stations and coffee shops
- Team: about 500 employees – around 100 in offices and 400 frontline workers
- Challenge: a company-wide spring walking challenge
- Result: positive feedback from office and frontline staff, and plans to make it an annual event
Wellness at Alexela Before YuMuuv
Alexela offered employees a choice between a sports compensation package and a general health package, ran health-themed months, provided fruit baskets and encouraged healthy eating. What was missing was something that brought office and frontline workers together. As Mariliis Mähhar put it: “We haven’t put enough emphasis on wellness before joining the YuMuuv challenges.”
Discovering YuMuuv
Mariliis heard positive feedback about team-based wellness challenges from her network. Walking challenges stood out as simple and effective: “These challenges of walking together and creating team spirit are so easy, yet they unite people.”
Designing the Challenge
The first challenge was timed for spring, when it is easier and more pleasant to be active outdoors. The goal had to be motivating but realistic for everyone, whether they worked in an office or behind a counter. “We wanted something challenging but not too hard, so people wouldn’t quit,” Mariliis explained.
How It Went
The response exceeded expectations. Office and frontline employees joined in, and friendly competition took off. Even frontline workers, who are already on their feet all day, were motivated to do more. Some participants, such as colleagues running 10 kilometres a day, became role models for others. The YuMuuv app made it easy to track progress, share achievements and celebrate milestones.
Results
“The feedback was really positive, both from the office and the coffee shop employees,” Mariliis shared. Key outcomes:
- More physical activity across the company
- Stronger team spirit between office and frontline staff
- Greater awareness of the importance of wellness
Lessons Learned
Some employees questioned the accuracy of step counts from phone apps compared with dedicated fitness trackers. “It would be ideal if everyone had the same devices,” Mariliis noted. (Tip: challenge settings such as a daily limit per user can help keep results fair – see creating a challenge.)
What's Next: An Annual Tradition
Alexela sees the first challenge as the start of something lasting. “It would be great to make this an annual event,” said Mariliis. Seasonal themes – spring walks, summer fitness goals – can keep the experience fresh year after year.
Key Takeaways
- Keep it simple. Walking works for everyone, from office desks to gas station counters.
- Set a realistic goal so nobody gives up halfway.
- Celebrate role models who inspire others to move more.
- Plan the next one while enthusiasm is high.
As Mariliis put it: “This type of competition is definitely something we should do again next year.”
Read more about wellness for deskless and frontline workers and see how Enersense engaged its field teams. More stories: case studies. Book a demo to bring your whole company together.
