Shell has been named the most active organisation in Europe by the Global Corporate Challenge (GCC).
The global oil and petrochemical company was chosen because nearly 14,000 employees across 34 countries took part in the 2013 GCC, an addition of 12 countries on its participation in 2013.
The Global Corporate Challenge is a 12-month initiative that helps employees to improve their relationship with exercise and nutrition. The programme includes a 16-week initiative that invites employees to form teams to represent their organisation.
As part of the challenge, participants have a goal of taking 10,000 steps per day, measured as they walk, run, cycle or swim. They can track their individual and group progress on the GCC website, through mobile applications and mobile devices.
Shell has a diverse workforce in terms of geography, culture, job roles and work environment, so it was critical that it tailored its programme to be simple, yet flexible enough to meet different needs.
Before taking part in the GCC, only 18% of Shell employees met or exceeded the 10,000-step recommendation. After the challenge, this figure had risen to 73%. Employees began to appreciate the extra activity, with 91% saying the challenge had a positive impact on their relationship with exercise.
In addition, 64% felt that exercise decreased their stress levels, while 75% said they had more energy as a result of exercising. More than one-third of participants said they felt more productive.
Danielle Young, global health promotion coordinator at Shell, said: “The Global Corporate Challenge is popular with Shell employees.
“The team aspect of the challenge encourages friendly competition and team cohesion while increasing individual awareness and motivation towards personal fitness and weight-loss goals.
“This year, through the support and endorsement of Shell business leaders, we were able to expand the GCC throughout our global business teams. Participants found strategies for introducing more physical activity into their lives, from aerobics in Nigeria, cycling in Beijing and games of frisbee in Germany.”