San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) March 24, 2011
SKF’s success with its pilot physical activity program with validated results prompts roll out to all U.S. and Canada locations.
After a highly successful pilot program, SKF USA Inc., a global supplier of bearings, seals, mechatronics, lubrication systems and services, and Walkingspree, a leading technology-driven prevention focused wellness company, are expanding the program to over 40 locations in the U.S. and Canada.
The goal was simple, said Raymond L. Eames III, Director of Benefits for SKF USA Inc. “Initiate a wellness program to help our employees be more active and feel healthier, as many studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to health related problems, including diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease.”
“Improving the health and education of our employees is one of our core values,” said Eames. “We wanted to show our employees that we care about them and their well being. Offering this Walkingspree program made a lot of sense to us. It was easy for everyone to participate and walking has the lowest dropout rate of any exercise regimen.”
The two companies started working together in September 2010, when Walkingspree developed a custom solution for SKF’s three-month pilot program at four locations.
The results from that program were astounding:
48 percent participation of eligible employees within the four locations, which is significant considering 37 percent of the total eligible were union employees.
82 percent earned free pedometers by reaching the program goal of 455,000 steps during the program.
Overall, participants averaged 7,971 steps per day, and of those:
24 percent averaged more than 10,000 steps.
74 percent averaged more than 6,000 steps.
66 percent of those indicating they were sedentary before starting the program shifted to being active.
Results from the participant survey were also remarkable:
60 percent said they felt healthier.
65 percent said they had more energy.
78 percent said morale toward the company increased.
Over 72 percent said pedometer walking has become a permanent lifestyle change.
Over 80 percent said the program increased camaraderie with fellow employees.
Over 98 percent said they would recommend the walking program to friends and family.
SKF and Walkingspree also included a custom marketing program to enroll union employees and eligible spouses.
“We didn’t want to exclude any of our employees from a wellness program and to our surprise, we had more union employees participate than we thought would” said Eames. “In addition, even though our program only provided prizes to employees, we had 246 spouses participate which far exceeded our expectations.”
“Including spouses really boosts excitement,” said Lisa Rousseau, Vice President of Client Service at Walkingspree. “It provides a built-in social support system and enhances engagement. SKF recognized this and built it into their program.”
Features included a USB-pedometer for accurate tracking, competitions among the participating plants plus a series of virtual walk challenges, including a walk from Miami to the Florida Keys and along California’s Pacific Coast Highway.
The new challenge for SKF employees and spouses will be to walk a million steps during the course of 200 days. Along with the health benefits of lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight loss, employees could walk away with a jazzy tech toy or up to $2,500 cash. SKF will also make $6,000 worth of donations to local charities for the Top 5 SKF USA Inc. locations that have the highest step average or show the most step improvement.
Other News:
SKF USA Inc. Expands Walkingspree’s Prevention-Focused Wellness Program
Pacamor Kubar Bearings (PKB) Rolls Out Short Factory Lead Times For Domestic Ball Bearings
Chain & Drives Australia Distributes Transtecno Range of Worm Gearboxes
Earthquake's Impact on THK Production Division (Updated March 23, 2011, 5:00 p.m.)
Emerson Bearing Unveils New Product Catalog
Update: Status of the NSK Group following the Northeast Japan Earthquake (as of March 23)
Minebea Notice regarding the Strengthening of its Sales Force Geared toward Emerging Markets-Establishing a Subsidiary
New Product in the SKF Infrared Thermometer TKTL Range
