Our new website has launched—explore tools and resources to foster workplace wellness today!

30-Minute WEBINAR

Wednesday, February 18 • 12 PM ET

Wins, Woes, and Wisdom:

What 23 Seasons of Walktober Have Taught Us

What started more than 2 decades ago as a simple walking challenge has grown into a workplace tradition embraced year after year. In this webinar, we’re pulling back the curtain to share 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.

Whether you’re evaluating Walktober or simply looking to strengthen participation in any wellness initiative, this session offers practical lessons you can apply right away.

Walktober experts: Rachel LaBerge and Emily Doyle

What You Will Learn

This is a candid look at what consistently drives engagement — and where even well-intentioned programs can miss the mark.


The Data Behind the Momentum

We’ll share key statistics and participation trends from the past 3 years of Walktober growth, highlighting what motivates employees to join, stay engaged, and return year after year.


Wins and Woes from the Field

Hear real examples from workplace campaigns — what worked, what didn’t, and how those lessons shape Walktober’s evolution each season.


Actionable Best Practices

Learn proven strategies for maximizing participation while keeping administration simple and manageable for wellness and HR teams.


Optional:
Walktober 2026 Preview

Stay for a brief 10-minute walkthrough of the current Walktober experience and what’s new for our 24th season.

Wins, Woes, and Wisdom:
What 23 Seasons of Walktober Have Taught Us

Wednesday, February 18 • 12 PM ET

By clicking “Register,” I agree to receive marketing communications from HES. I am aware that I can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy

Why Every Workplace Needs a Walktober Tradition

Every fall, something special happens across workplaces large and small. Step counts climb, while conversations light up on email, Teams, and Slack — with participants cheering each other on, whether part of a team or solo. For many employees, Walktober isn’t just another wellness challenge; it’s a tradition they look forward to… in some cases, for a decade or more.

I have been doing Walktober every year since 2015 and each year I get better. At first, I was barely at 2000-3000 steps but now I exceed 10,000 steps daily.

Darshi A.
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

I have been doing Walktober every year since 2015 and each year I get better. At first, I was barely at 20003000 steps but now I exceed 10,000 steps daily.

Darshi A.
SchoolsFirst Federal Credit Union

Momentum That Builds Year After Year

Now in its 24th season, Walktober continues to grow — not just in participation, but in impact. From 2024 to 2025, the number of organizations offering this program jumped 21%; our returning clients saw average participation rise 16%.

That’s no accident. Once employees experience the camaraderie, encouragement, and fun of Walktober, they want it back — so they bring friends and coworkers with them next year.

It made me feel good to be part of a team, encouraged me to do something that would benefit me and my team. A wonderful program. I look forward to more like this.

Debbie C.
American Red Cross

Hundreds of companies, colleges and universities, school systems, city, county, and state agencies as well as health systems and nonprofit groups participate in Walktober every fall.

Health Wins That Keep Compounding

The benefits go beyond step counts. Participants regularly share how the program helps them lose weight, sleep better, and manage stress more effectively. Some even report life-changing health improvements.

By walking every day my mental health improved and I started getting better sleep. Physically, I have more energy to get stuff done every day. I am so glad to have completed this challenge and look forward to doing it again next year.

McKenzie S.
Delta Air Lines

By walking every day my mental health improved and I started getting better sleep. Physically, I have more energy to get stuff done every day. I am so glad to have completed this challenge and look forward to doing it again next year.

McKenzie S.
Delta Air Lines

Wellness managers hear these stories every fall… reminders that simple, consistent activity — paired with social support — can make a measurable difference in people’s lives. 

Learn more by scheduling a live demo or request a .

My team was made of new teachers at my school. This challenge helped me get to know them better and know I have a bigger support system I can count on.

Joyce M.
Mapleton Public Schools

Connection and Camaraderie: Walktober’s Heartbeat

The Community page lets participants share stories, photos, and encouragement, answer poll questions, and see how their efforts support the organization’s goals — turning what might be a solo effort into a shared experience.

These moments of connection matter. They help build a culture where employees feel seen, supported, and motivated — the kind of environment where people and organizations thrive.

Participants enjoying the Walktober Wellness Challenge

Easier… and Better, Every Year

For wellness managers, part of Walktober’s magic is how easy it is to run — year after year. Communications are ready, teams jump right in, and engagement builds with experience. Plus, HES rolls out new promotional materials and creative updates each season to keep the program and messaging fresh.

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

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

With Walktober as a reliable anchor, wellness leaders can plan additional challenges for other seasons/times of the year to focus on physical, emotional, and social well-being.

A Constant in a Changing Calendar

With shifting schedules and competing priorities, consistency builds confidence. Walktober gives employees something they can count on: a shared experience that marks the arrival of fall and brings teams together around common goals.

It’s more than a challenge; it’s a rhythm — a chance for organizations to move and celebrate progress together.

Walktober is more than just a month-long event; it is a catalyst for building community and stronger connections within the workplace. The camaraderie was the true trophy, far surpassing any step-count achievements.

Robert S.
Fairfax County Public Schools

A Tradition That Keeps Giving

For workplaces committed to lasting well-being, Walktober offers a rare combination: simplicity for coordinators, measurable results for leadership, and genuine joy for employees.

Making it an annual tradition isn’t just good for morale — it’s good for business. Healthier, more connected employees create stronger cultures and better outcomes.

Don’t just run a wellness challenge in October. Start a tradition.

Features include:

Interactive logging

Device tracking

Worldwide fall attractions

Beautiful fall foliage landscapes from around the world featured in the Walktober challenge.

Individual and team
participation

Organization-wide goal setting

Badges for hitting milestones

Daily tips, healthy recipes, community message board

Speech bubbles of participants commenting on a recipe: "I found the best recipe!" The other responds with "Looks delicious!"

Mobile as well as desktop applications

Learn More

Schedule a
Live Demo

Request a
No-Obligation Quote

Full Color Tour
of Walktober

Schedule a
Live Demo

Request a
No-Obligation Quote

Walk This Way to Employee Wellness Value

(Beleaf it.)

Per Registrant

Includes site setup +
per registrant fee.

Duration
Retail

31-day Program

$10.09

42-day Program

$13.75

56-day Program

$15.45

Setup (1 time fee/challenge)

$2775

One-time fee covering your entire eligible population* 
for any 1 HES challenge.

*Eligible population means all employees who have access to the site (whether or not they register). To promote the site to a subset of your population, an eligibility file is required.

Eligible Population
Retail

1000

$5007

5000

$12,702

10,000

$23,156

25,000

$48,733

50,000

$85,764

100,000

$122,796

One-time fee covering your entire eligible population* for any 2 HES challenges within 12 months.

*Eligible population means all employees who have access to the site (whether or not they register). To promote the site to a subset of your population, an eligibility file is required.

1 discounted fee for 2 challenges and unlimited participation


1 agreement, 1 invoice
(no more hassle for another approval)


1 dedicated account manager to keep it all running smoothly.

Have Questions?

Visit our FAQs to find answers and learn more about how our products can support your wellness journey.

Request a No-Obligation Quote​

An HES representative will email your estimate within 1 business day.

Read our email consent terms. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

What You Will Learn

This is a candid look at what consistently drives engagement — and where even well-intentioned programs can miss the mark.


The Data Behind the Momentum

We’ll share key statistics and participation trends from the past 3 years of Walktober growth, highlighting what motivates employees to join, stay engaged, and return year after year.


Wins and Woes from the Field

Hear real examples from workplace campaigns — what worked, what didn’t, and how those lessons shape Walktober’s evolution each season.


Actionable Best Practices

Learn proven strategies for maximizing participation while keeping administration simple and manageable for wellness and HR teams.


Optional:
Walktober 2026 Preview

Stay for a brief 10-minute walkthrough of the current Walktober experience and what’s new for our 24th season.

Wins, Woes, and Wisdom:
What 23 Seasons of Walktober Have Taught Us

Wednesday, February 18 • 12 PM ET

By clicking “Register,” I agree to receive marketing communications from HES. I am aware that I can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy