Vol. 9, No. 4
STATS
Q1-Q3 Implementations (by Challenge)
⬤ Walktober
⬤ Bloom
⬤ Go Gold
⬤ 10K-A-Day
⬤ Spring Into Motion
⬤ All Others
Walktober Participants by Platform
⬤ iOS
⬤ Web
⬤ Android
Non-English Language
Walktober Participants
⬤ Spanish
⬤ German
⬤ French
⬤ Italian
⬤ Dutch
Behind the Numbers
Walktober turned into a sprint again in its 24th season, with an 11% year-over-year increase in organizations and a 12% increase in participants.
Even better, registrations among returning organizations grew significantly — and in some cases, dramatically:
64% of repeat organizations increased registrations
18% overall growth in registrations across all returning organizations
9.4% growth in registrations even after excluding the single largest contributor, which added 12,000 registrations.
These gains suggest the Walktober tradition keeps getting stronger, with employees and members looking forward to this fall favorite year after year.
Mobile usage far outpaced desktop as participants checked their progress, explored worldwide discoveries, and engaged on the Community page in the evenings. At 9 PM ET, mobile app users outnumbered web users 37 to 1.
Participants in more than 120 countries are stepping up to better health in Walktober. After the US, the top 5 countries for participation are India, Mexico, the UK, Germany, and Canada.
“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
PLANNING
2027 Wellness Challenges
Planning Calendar
The best wellness programs create a few well-timed opportunities that bring people together, build confidence, and support lasting habits. Use this seasonal calendar to choose and time the challenges that best fit your organization and goals.
INSIGHT
What We’re Writing
Blog
Why Learning and Enjoyment May Be the Most Overlooked Dimensions of Well-Being
What if 2 of the most important ingredients in well-being are also among the most overlooked? Discover why learning and enjoyment can turn healthy activities into experiences people value, look forward to, and want to repeat.
The Real Reason Why Employees Don’t Participate in Wellness Programs
Why do some employees consistently sit out wellness programs? The problem may not be awareness or interest. Discover how making participation simpler, more social, and more welcoming can help turn sideline observers into willing participants.
How to Create a Wellness Challenge Employees Look Forward To
What if low participation isn’t a reward problem, but an experience problem? The best wellness challenges give employees something they genuinely want to be part of — and something they look forward to doing again.
How to Engage Employees Who Never Participate in Your Wellness Programs
If the same employees show up for every wellness program, how do you reach everyone else? Engaging those on the sidelines may take a different approach — one that makes participating easier, more inviting, and genuinely worth their time.
LEARN
What We’re Reading
2026 Workplace Wellness Survey
The Employee Benefit Research Institute survey reveals a disconnect: Workers report strong job satisfaction, yet disengagement remains a concern. Financial pressures, rising healthcare costs, and changing expectations around flexibility and benefits continue to shape employee well-being. The findings offer HR and wellness leaders a timely look at what employees value — and where workplace support may be falling short.
Learn more>
Highlights from APA’s 2026 Work in America survey
Among 2000+ U.S. workers, 48% typically feel tense or stressed during the workday, and 37% say their work environment negatively affects their mental health, up from 32% in 2025. Workers with high psychological capital (hope, efficacy, resilience, optimism) were dramatically less likely to be looking for another job: 19% vs. 51% among workers with low psychological capital.
Learn more>
Mental Health America — Workplace Mental Health in 2026
MHA analyzed 410 employers representing 4.19 million workers identifying social connection, responsive benefits, and support for accommodation and recovery as leading opportunities to advance workplace well-being.
Learn more>
NEW in 2027!
1 Challenge. 1 Community. 6 Languages.
With Bloom available in English, Spanish (Latin American), French, German, Italian, and Dutch, employees in different regions can participate in the same challenge, follow the same calendar, and celebrate the same milestones.
It’s 1 season, 1 community, and 1 shared experience — bringing people together as a new season comes to life.
GROOVE
New 1-Minute Video!
3 decades. 3 distinctive soundtracks. Each designed to get participants moving, remembering, and connecting.
Contact your HES account manager for more details and a no-obligation estimate.
You Gave HES An NPS of 82 Thank you
Our latest Net Promoter Score (NPS) came in at 82 — a reflection of how strongly customers say they would recommend HES. We’re grateful for your continued partnership and the opportunity to support your wellness programs.
“The marketing information — that nice little packet that I get — you guys give me just everything I need. It’s literally just print, QR code, boom. Y’all make it so easy.”
Natasha “Coco” Benitez
Wellness Program Manager
American University
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
- Program name (choose 1 or more challenges).
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.
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