In 2018, PMG rolled out a brand new wellness program for corporate employees to take advantage of. The program provides every corporate employee with a Fitbit and access to the Wellness Fund, a reimbursement program for employees participating in activities that are relevant to the five areas of wellness – physical/mental, career, social, community and financial.

As a way to promote wellness and encourage friendly competition, PMG has hosted a quarterly Fitbit challenge since the program’s inception in January. “For me, the challenge motivates me to try. It motivates me to keep moving,” said Beth, HR Manager.

In Q1, employees competed in a Weekend Warrior Challenge which dared competitors to achieve 10 miles of steps over the course of the weekend. The winner managed to complete the challenge in 40 hours and 53 minutes.

In Q2, employees were challenged to reach one million steps over the course of the quarter’s three months. Two competitors were victorious and several others reached well over 500,000 steps for the quarter.

In Q3, PMG held their Trip around the Lakes Challenge. There are 11,842 lakes in Minnesota, PMG’s home state, therefore, competitors were challenged to achieve a daily step goal of 11,842 and 30 active minutes per day. Q2 challenge winner, Kathy, Sales Administrator, blew all the other competitors out of the water with her daily activity levels and she won the Q3 challenge.

“For me, it’s not just the contest, but also a daily goal to achieve,” said Kathy. “My Fitbit it set for 12,000 steps daily and when I hit that, it makes me feel good. It’s more something I want to do on a personal level.”

Kathy admitted PMG’s treadmill desk has been a big contributor to her success. She uses it daily and just having it in the office keeps her motivated to walk every day.

In addition to the treadmill desk, PMG offers employees several ways to maintain their health and well-being while at work. All employees have adjustable standing desks and ergonomic chairs. The kitchen is filled with healthy food options for those mid-day snack cravings. Wireless headsets allow employees freedom to walk while on the phone. Various games including shuffle board, Big Buck Hunter and Golden Tee are provided for employees to play in their free time or on their break.

Today, approximately 40 percent of the office is participating in the Q4 step challenge and nearly 30 percent take advantage of the Wellness Fund.

Next year, corporate employees can expect some fun new challenge options that aren’t just step-based. In addition, PMG’s Project Management Team is looking into ways to enhance our wellness program opportunities for our technicians out on assignment. More exciting details to come in 2019!