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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 Government Organization Needs a Walktober Tradition

Every fall, something special happens across government offices, departments, and agencies. Step counts climb, and conversations spark in city halls, county buildings, and virtual workspaces — with employees encouraging one another, whether they’re part of a team or walking solo. 

For many public-sector workers, Walktober isn’t just another wellness challenge — it’s a tradition that brings people together and builds pride across their organization and community.

This is my third year participating in Walktober and I feel like it has helped encourage me to get my steps in for the day. I also like how it helped me get outside more and enjoy the day.

Angela M.
County of Mendocino

This is my third year participating in Walktober and I feel like it has helped encourage me to get my steps in for the day. I also like how it helped me get outside more and enjoy the day.

Angela M.
County of Mendocino

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.

This year felt different than my past experiences, I learned a lot about people’s kindness, and I met virtual friends that I would have never met outside of this challenge. Can’t wait until next year.

Bernadette B.
Columbus Consolidated Government

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 reach far beyond step counts. Participants consistently share how Walktober helps them reduce stress, sleep better, and sustain energy through demanding workdays. Some even report significant health improvements.

Walktober arrived at the perfect moment. I’m feeling significantly healthier, both physically and mentally, compared to the start of the month. I’m determined to maintain this momentum!

Femi O. 
City of Elk Grove

Walktober arrived at the perfect moment. I’m feeling significantly healthier, both physically and mentally, compared to the start of the month. I’m determined to maintain this momentum!

Femi O. 
City of Elk Grove

Government wellness coordinators hear these success stories every fall — proof that steady, social activity makes a real difference in both health and workplace morale.

Learn more by scheduling a live demo or request a .

I got a lot of emotional support from walking with coworkers I wouldn’t see otherwise. I went from exercising 1 day a week to exercising almost every day! Walking more has helped me to overcome midday anxiety and stress, and I feel like a happier, healthier, more balanced person!

Isaac P.
State of New Mexico

Connection and Camaraderie: Walktober’s Heartbeat

The Community page lets employees share stories, photos, and encouragement, respond to poll questions, and see how their efforts contribute to department or agency-wide goals — turning individual progress into shared achievement.

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 coordinators and HR leaders, Walktober is both powerful and practical. Communications are ready to go, employees engage quickly, and participation builds with every season. Plus, HES provides new creative materials and promotional updates each year to keep the program and messaging fresh.

This is my second year administering the challenge for our employees, and I’ve also been hitting my personal step goals nearly every day this month. I’m motivated to keep going and aim to meet my goal every single day!

Nichelle Bailey
City of East Point

This is my second year administering the challenge for our employees, and I’ve also been hitting my personal step goals nearly every day this month. I’m motivated to keep going and aim to meet my goal every single day!

Nichelle Bailey
City of East Point

With Walktober as a reliable fall anchor, public-sector wellness teams can plan additional challenges throughout the year that focus on nutrition, mindfulness, or connection — while maintaining steady engagement all year long.

A Constant in a Changing Workplace

Government work is demanding, and priorities can shift fast. Amid new initiatives, tight budgets, and long service hours, Walktober offers something employees can count on — a shared experience that marks the arrival of fall and strengthens the bonds that make public service work.

It’s more than a challenge; it’s a rhythm — one that helps employees reconnect to each other and the mission they share.

I loved the positivity of the program. Teams working together towards their combined goals, individuals working towards their own personal goals, and the camaraderie between people from different organizations.  I really enjoyed participating and hope this is a yearly event.

Gloria C.
Federal Government,
Southern California

A Tradition That Keeps Giving

For cities, counties, and state agencies committed to supporting employee well-being, Walktober offers an ideal mix of simplicity, measurable impact, and authentic engagement.

Making it an annual tradition isn’t just good for morale — it’s good for public service. Healthier, more connected employees bring more focus, creativity, and energy to the work that keeps communities running.

This October, don’t just launch another wellness challenge. 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

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

By clicking Send, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Full Color Tour
of Walktober

Request a No-Obligation Quote

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

By clicking Send, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Schedule a
Live Demo

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.

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