Since the inception three weeks ago of the 10,000 Steps Challenge for workplaces, in excess of 300 Rockhampton employees have completed the virtual 1.8 million step walk.

“We have been overwhelmed with the response to the Challenge, it’s a great step by employers and employees,” according to Glenn Austin 10,000 Steps Implementation Manager at Central Queensland University.

Promotion of physical activity in the workplace setting will assist with increasing employees health and fitness, improve productivity, morale and job satisfaction. It will also benefit in reducing absenteeism, staff turnover, stress and workers compensation claims.

“The Challenge is about one-point-eight-million steps, taking participants on a virtual walk from Rockhampton to the Gold Coast and return,” according to Austin. Participants who meet the challenge will walk about 1450km during the program. It should take a team of 10 employees about six to eight weeks to finish.

“We don’t expect many groups to actually trek from Rocky to Gympie to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, but we do want them to implement physical activity into the daily activities of their workplaces,” explained Austin. “All they need is a commitment to improve their health and log how many steps they take while on the job or walking around the area. You’d be surprised how quickly they add up,” he added.

Local businesses that enrol employees will receive a personal presentation by 10,000 Steps staff , pedometers (step counters), personal log books, Challenge Maps, and merchandise to be used as participation incentives.

“We anticipate enrolling in excess of 1000 workers to the Challenge by August this year,” said Austin.

Companies wanting more information on the 10,000 Steps Challenge should contact the projects office at CQU by calling 4930 6751 or emailing 10000steps@cqu.edu.au The 10,000 Steps Rockhampton project, funded by Queensland Health, is a community-based and multi-strategy program focused on physical activity and the social determinants of health.