Marvin OnumonuVitality’s Champion Programme showed a measurable impact on workforce health at client businesses this year.
An extra 750 employees signed up as champions, bringing the total to 2,139 across more than 1,200 companies.
Together, they supported the wellbeing of over 190,000 members.
The scheme enabled employees interested in health to volunteer as internal advocates, leading wellbeing activities and motivating colleagues.
They got access to the champions hub, where they could collaborate, share ideas and get advice from vitality coaches.
Champions also received resources like how-to guides, partner updates and toolkits to help embed wellbeing at work.
Support included company workshops, health tips and direct access to experts.
Vitality said the programme led to better employee engagement and health outcomes.
Companies with a champion in place saw 15% more active new starters compared to those without.
Earlier in the year, research found physically inactive workers lost 28% more productive time than those who regularly exercised.
The results from the Champion Programme showed it supported productivity by building a positive health culture from day one.
Nick Read, managing director of Vitality Programme, said: “The number of employees we had signing up this year demonstrates just how important health and wellbeing is to businesses and their people.
“For strategies to be effective, you need buy-in across all levels, not just from the top or bottom, and the champions programme we offer gives employees greater control and insight into what Vitality can do for their colleagues.”
Erika Sutherland, Vitality champion at the Canadian High Commission, said: “Being a Vitality Champion has been rewarding in so many ways.
“One moment that stands out was helping a long-time colleague who had never used the app before—we sat down together, set up their profile, and walked through the benefits.
“A week later, they’d already started earning points and told me they felt more motivated to take walks during their lunch break to get to Platinum status for the 20% Expedia discount for their next holiday.
“It was a great reminder that sometimes-small nudges can lead to lasting changes.”
Sutherland added: “On a personal level, being a Champion has kept me more accountable in my own wellbeing journey.
“Following ACL reconstruction surgery, Vitality helped me throughout the whole process and helped me ease back into fitness through walking and reformer Pilates.
“Having access to health tracking tools and rewards has made staying active feel less like a chore and more like something to look forward to.
“It’s also helped me in my additional wellbeing support roles at work, knowing I can encourage others while improving my own health too.”
