Run Things: Gamifying Fitness for Workplace Wellbeing

Every business owner knows that a happy, healthy team is a productive one. A 2023 study found that employees with good physical and mental wellbeing are more likely to be productive and take fewer sick days.

But how can businesses effectively invest in their staff's health?

Poll

What's your go-to workout time?

Morning

Afternoon

Evening

Fit-tech entrepreneur Kevin Betts, Director of the tech platform Run Things, has an innovative solution.

Co-founded with Clare Rixon, Run Things is an online platform that helps individuals and businesses get fit and stay motivated through gamified fitness challenges.

"We host events that track physical activities," Betts explains. "We’re encouraging people of all fitness levels to stay active."

Launched in 2018, the platform allows users to link fitness apps like Strava to upload their activities.

Leaderboards add a dose of healthy competition, helping teams and individuals hit their fitness goals while having fun.

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Real-Time Tech with a Purpose

The technology behind Run Things allows businesses to create bespoke fitness challenges and track staff progress in real time.

"We could work with a business to give their staff a challenge to cycle around the globe in a month," says Betts. "Our tech then shows what is left to cycle and where people sit on both team and individual leaderboards."

What truly sets Run Things apart is its purpose-driven mission. As a side project for its founders, the platform is primarily a vehicle to raise money for mental health charities.

"We give 50% of the profits from event entries to these charities, always have, always will," Betts states. This mission stems from the founders' personal experiences with mental illness and their desire to create a positive online community.

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Boosting Wellbeing During Busy Seasons

As the end of the year approaches, Run Things is gearing up for one of its biggest events: "The Run Up to Christmas." This advent-themed running and walking challenge encourages people to stay active during the festive season.

"Businesses can take part and create a team to get employees to think about their health during such a busy time," Betts adds.

The next step for Run Things is to expand its offerings for businesses, providing detailed statistics that can be used in annual staff wellbeing and HR reports. This includes data on total activity hours and distances covered.

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For the team at Run Things, success isn't just about numbers; it's about impact. Having raised over £100,000 for charity, their greatest achievements are the personal stories of connection and transformation from their community.

If you're looking for a new way to motivate your team and boost wellbeing, Run Things offers a fun, affordable, and purpose-driven solution.

Source: realbusiness

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.