Citizens Bank and HealthPlus of Michigan recently put their heads together to creatively engage employees in a novel workplace wellness program.

Called the “Commit to Get Fit Challenge,” it was friendly contest to see which company’s workforce would exercise the most over a six-week period between May and June.

“The goal was simple: To encourage our employees to begin, maintain, or boost physical fitness within their lifestyles,” explains Citizens CEO Cathy Nash.

Altogether, more than 1,300 employees voluntarily participated in taking positive steps toward healthier lifestyles. They climbed stairs, took lunch time walks, lifted weights, did yard work, worked out at fitness centers, and played sports.

The goal for each employee was to average about 30 minutes of exercise per day for six weeks.

“The Challenge was a boost for the year-around workplace wellness programs at each organization,” says Bruce Hill, president and CEO of HealthPlus. “We know that close to 30 percent of all people in Michigan are obese. We also know that moderate exercise, such as a 30 minute brisk walk each day, reduces obesity, as well as the risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, bone loss, anxiety and depression. With all these benefits, why wouldn’t we choose to become healthier?”

HealthPlus plans to conduct more creative wellness competitions with businesses that take advantage of its wellness programs.

“There’s growing interest in among businesses in Michigan and nationwide,” notes Hill. “That’s partly because workplace wellness programs have been proven to reduce health risks, absenteeism, and disability costs, as well as improve productivity and lengthen lives. Another reason is that, beginning this October as part of national health reform, federal grants will be available to small businesses to start workplace wellness programs.”

While wellness programs typically draw participation by about 40 percent of a workforce, the “Commit to Get Fit Challenge” engaged far higher percentages at both companies.

Employee enthusiasm was evident at both organizations throughout the competition.

“I loved this program,” said HealthPlus Behavioral Case Manager Karen Barruso. “I loved the company-wide focus on health. I loved the energy and sense of camaraderie, as well as the motivation stimulated by the competition.”

At Citizens, the response was much the same. Says HR Information Systems Analyst/Assistant VP Linda Eggert: “Throughout the Challenge, Cathy Nash sent out e-mails and posted items on her blog encouraging us to stick with it. I gained activity points by walking while my son was at baseball practice, doing yard work, and participating in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk with other Citizens Bank employees, which was a lot of fun.”