Utilitas charity walking challenge case study

Utilitas Case Study: A Walking Challenge That Turned Steps Into Donations

Utilitas, Estonia's leading renewable energy producer, wanted a wellness initiative that would get people moving, bring colleagues together and do some good for the community. The answer was a YuMuuv walking challenge in which steps turned into donations for families in need – joined by partner company Tallinna Vesi.

Table of Contents

At a Glance

  • Company: Utilitas – renewable electricity and district heating, operating in eight cities with over 300 employees
  • Challenge: an inclusive walking challenge with a charity component
  • Partner: Tallinna Vesi joined the challenge
  • Participation: around 260 participants
  • Result: more everyday activity, stronger team bonds and donations to families in need

Goals

  • Improve employees' overall health and wellbeing.
  • Build a workplace culture that puts engagement first.
  • Encourage people to take part in health activities that also do good.

The Walking Challenge

Utilitas started with a walking challenge designed to be inclusive for every fitness level. Employees tracked their daily steps in YuMuuv, and the challenge had a charitable twist: steps were translated into donations for families in need. Partner company Tallinna Vesi took part as well, extending the reach and impact of the initiative.

Results

1. By the Numbers

  • Around 260 participants took part.
  • The charity component led to meaningful donations to families in need.
  • Employees became noticeably more active on a regular basis.

2. What Employees Said

Feedback was very positive. Beyond the physical benefits, the challenge strengthened relationships and community spirit. Team walks became popular, and employees started organizing their own activities and events.

In Their Words

Monica Mänd, Head of HR at Utilitas, reflected: “The collaboration with YuMuuv, and the involvement of our partner company Tallinna Vesi, has truly had the impact of our wellness initiative. It’s not just the physical health benefits; the sense of community and the collective contribution to societal good have been rewarding for everyone involved”.

Key Takeaways for HR Teams

  1. Give steps a purpose – a charity link motivates people beyond their own results. See how to run a charity challenge your whole company gets behind.
  2. Invite partners – joining forces with another company widens the impact and adds friendly rivalry.
  3. Start inclusive – a walking challenge works for every fitness level. See the walking challenge.
  4. Let employees take ownership – the best ideas often come from participants themselves.

For more charity-driven stories, read how Testlio mixed wellness and charity and how Ramirent Baltic ran a three-month step campaign for charity. More stories: case studies. Planning your own? Book a demo.

Interview participants: Jakob Remmel (CEO of YuMuuv), Monica Mänd (Head of HR at Utilitas) and Olga Petrova (Head of Marketing and Communications at Utilitas).