As one of NZ’s 14 Regional Sports Trusts, Sport Canterbury is known as a champion for workplace wellness and practices that promote employee health and wellbeing.

In the month of May, Sport Canterbury Chief Executive Julyan Falloon has called on his 50-strong team to “walk the talk” – and take on the ultimate workplace wellness challenge.

“Businesses that value their employees – and support their wellbeing – are more likely to be successful,” Falloon says.

Sport Canterbury’s Winter Warmer Challenge creates a sense of friendly competition. Each staff member belongs to a team, and each week the challenge is different.

The goal for week one is to complete 30 minutes of exercise each day; in week two, teams will aim to total five servings of fruit and veg each day.

“Our thinking is that staff who look after themselves…will feel better, and this clearly affects their contribution to our team and business.”

Falloon embraces the philosophy that staff should "lead from where they stand." As part of this approach, Physical Health Advisor Steve Getting was given the opportunity to drive the project internally. He earned staff-buy in and generated interest by creating a thoughtful and inspiring series of challenges.

"We are currently placing emphasis on staff wellbeing within the Trust, and this a fun and enjoyable way of raising awareness around everyone’s health and wellbeing."

In 2017, Getting was charged with developing a workplace wellness challenge specifically for health practices - motivating the employers and staff alike to show they could "walk the talk." He believes that by creating a spirit of friendly competition, the work environment is an ideal place to influence people to consider lifestyle changes.

Last year, 20 Christchurch health practices came on board and completed Sport Canterbury's challenge. Getting was impressed with not only the level of engagement - but the enthusiasm of participants as well.

Week one of Sport Canterbury's own challenge has just been completed. Getting is keeping an eye on the results.

"I feel it’s a bit early to seeing any individual benefits, but I certainly feel it has made everyone a lot more aware of what they are eating and doing. Even after week one, it has really increased staff interaction and shown the real competitive individuals within the Trust!"