There is a lot of activity around Humana and it is expected to continue for the next fourteen weeks. It’s the 100 Day Dash a step challenge designed to encourage Humana associates and their family members to move more and have fun doing it.
The Dash started April 2 and is open to all associates and their adult dependents who participate in Go365, a wellness rewards program. Steps are tracked by pedometers or other fitness devices, and associates with physical disabilities or medical conditions that prevent them from walking/running are participating in an alternative workout program. Accepting alternative workouts is a way to engage even more associates in the Dash and reflects Humana’s inclusive culture focused on well-being.
“Our Dash is all about purpose and fun, and it’s one of the special experiences we have together at Humana,” said Tim State, Enterprise Vice-President, Associate Health & Well-being. “The Dash is a way to challenge yourself as an individual and be part of something bigger. It rallies us to improve our own well-being while strengthening our commitment to improve the health of the communities we serve.”
Forty-three percent of associates participated in last year’s Dash, and they took 16 billion steps, half a billion more than in 2015. More than 9,000 associates who participated improved their step counts over 2015.Unhealthy Days have also declined for Humana associates from 6.1 Unhealthy Days a month in 2012 to 5.2 in 2016.
The motivation to Dash is different for each associate, and a sense of purpose and belonging often play a big part. Jamie Edmonds, a Consumer Experience consultant, had heart surgery just before the Dash started in 2016. Although her team expressed concern for her, she still achieved her personal goal of walking one million steps. This year, she’s determined to hit 1.25 million steps and she said participating again “feels like a victory.”
“I used to take physical activity for granted,” she said. “My heart surgery and other health issues this past year completely changed my perspective. It used to be that ‘I have to run’ or ‘I have to get my steps in.’ Now it’s ‘I get to run’ and ‘I get to get my steps.'”
The Dash has also partnered with the Humana Foundation for a third year. If Humana associates reach an overall step goal of 17 billion steps by the end of the Dash, the Humana Foundation will give $17,000 to a charity selected by associates. In addition, associates can support a charity as part of their individual Dash prize.
In April, as part of National Volunteer Month and Earth month, those participating in the 100 Day Dash are encouraged to “Dash for Trash,” cleaning up their communities with trash kits that include garbage bags, gloves and sanitizing wipes, all while getting their steps in for the Dash.
The 100 Day Dash runs through Monday, July 10.
