Vol. 9, No. 1
STATS
Q1-Q2 Implementations (by Challenge)
Thanks to our partners and friends for a breakout year. Walktober once again led the way. From 2024 to 2025, participating organizations grew by 21%, and returning clients saw average participation increase 16%. Learn why so many organizations have made Walktober an annual tradition.
I really can’t express how much our company enjoyed participating in Walktober. Everyone is already talking about next year’s event.
Christina P.
Human Resource Manager
APT Management
WEBINAR
Wednesday, February 18, 12 PM ET
Wins, Woes, and Wisdom: What 23 Seasons of Walktober Have Taught Us
We’re unpacking what 23 seasons of Walktober have revealed about participation, motivation, and lasting engagement.
Join Rachel LaBerge and Emily Doyle, our resident Walktober experts, for a focused 30-minute session packed with real-world data, stories, and insights from organizations of all sizes.
¡Bienvenido a Walktober!
New for 2026, Walktober expands to Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Dutch. Your HES account manager can share availability and next steps, or call 800.326.2317 to learn more.
PROMOTE
Last call!
Top launch dates:
February 6, 9, 16.
Think spring!
Top launch dates:
March 23, April 13, May 4.
INSIGHT
What We’re Writing
Blog
Why Every Workplace Needs a Walktober Tradition
Walktober gives employees something they can count on: a shared experience that marks the arrival of fall and brings teams together around common goals.
Wellness Works Best in Waves: How to Keep Energy High Without Burning Out Your Employees
If you’ve ever tried to keep enthusiasm alive for a year-long wellness program, you know the challenge. Interest starts strong, then quietly fades; not because employees don’t care, but because humans aren’t built for continuous focus.
How Walking Enhances Meaning, Purpose, and Employee Mental Health
Making walking a daily habit is a powerful way to increase a sense of agency over personal wellness and circumstances. It’s harder to stay stuck when you’re physically moving forward, experiencing a stronger sense of meaning and purpose, and feeling better.
Client Experience
Sabre’s Wellness Challenge: A Global Community in Motion
For a company already rich in global reach, this became the perfect way to celebrate well-being as a shared value that transcends time zones and borders.
Community Wellness Challenge Brings Movement and Connection to Midland Area Wellbeing Coalition
“It’s really refreshing when you can do things that align with work, community, and family.”
Peg Sczepanski
Global Wellbeing Program Manager
The Dow Chemical Company
LEARN
What We’re Reading
Well At Work: Chart Your Course with Purpose, Connection, and Transcendence
A book for any who has wondered if it’s possible to feel more connected, aligned, and fulfilled in their life and their work.
Physical Activity Over the Adult Life Course and Risk of Dementia in the Framingham Heart Study
Higher levels of midlife and late-life physical activity were associated with similar reductions in risk of all-cause and AD dementia.
FRIENDS
New from AIPM, HealthyLife® Content Studio is a one-stop content hub for workplace well-being. Access 5000+ expert-reviewed articles, videos, campaigns, newsletters, workshops, and microlearning courses — ready to launch, easy to customize, and designed to inspire healthier habits. Call 800.345.2476 to learn more.
Wellness managers know C-suite support drives stronger engagement. The Physical Activity Alliance helps organizations harness that influence through initiatives like the CEO Pledge for Physical Activity — encouraging leaders to implement policies that make movement easier, more accessible, and part of everyday work life.
PLAN
The 2026 Wellness Challenge Planning Calendar gives HR leaders, wellness managers, and benefits consultants a clear roadmap for building engaging, goal-driven campaigns that keep employees motivated.
FUN
Top 10 Wellness Challenge Ideas for Valentine’s Day
Whether it’s movement, mindfulness, or small moments of connection, these activities help employees show a little love to their hearts, their health, and each other.
Walk This Way, Valentine
Organize optional group or buddy walks — lunchtime strolls, after-work loops, or virtual step-ins — to wrap up the challenge on a connected note.Treat Your Wellbeing Like Your Sweetheart
Invite participants to do something nourishing for their body or mind each day — movement, rest, or reflection all count.
Stronger Together (Core Edition)
Challenge employees to complete short daily core moves like planks, bridges, or sit-ups. A strong center supports everything else — just like good relationships.
Get a Quote or a 1:1 Demo in a Hurry
For a not-to-exceed quote fast, email learnmore@hesonline.com with your:
Organization name
Eligible population
Challenge name (choose 1 or more).
We’ll get back to you within 1 business day. Want to talk through your options or schedule a live demo? Call 800.326.2317.
CONNECTION
What if 2026 invited a different way of thinking about employee wellness?
Rather than focusing only on individual behavior change, consider how your strategy fosters connection across your population. Research consistently shows that well-being grows through small, steady moments of connection — brief check-ins, shared routines, and feeling supported over time.
Connection doesn’t require big initiatives or constant engagement. It grows through programs that are accessible, consistent, and designed to meet people where they are.
As the year gets underway, it may be worth asking not just what participants can improve, but how you want them to feel — and how your programs can support that throughout the year.
Wishing you a healthy, grounded start to the year and meaningful impact for the people you serve.
KUDOS
We get thousands of testimonials every year… here are a few favorites from Q4:
Love the sense of community and belonging this challenge provided for all participants.
Villagran Y.
LAUSD
Being part of a community focused on health has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The support, encouragement, and shared goals have made every step of the journey more meaningful!
Laura G.
DC Government
This challenge was so much fun. I was so happy to see so many employees engaged in the challenge. If we can change even just one employee’s awareness on health and well-being, I’d call that a win!
Edith Gwin
Benefits Manager
Chesapeake Employers’ Insurance Company