Siemens Middle East Steps Challenge

February/March 2025

Siemens initiated the Middle East Steps Challenge as part of its commitment to enhancing employee wellbeing and fostering camaraderie among its workforce across seven countries: UAE, Qatar, KSA, Pakistan, Oman, Egypt, and Kuwait. The challenge, executed through the STEPPI platform, aimed to promote physical activity, improve health outcomes, and create stronger bonds among employees.

Objective

Siemens approached STEPPI for the third year running to support with the primary objective of promoting a healthier lifestyle among Siemens employees by encouraging them to stay active and increase their daily physical activity.  By setting a goal of achieving a companywide challenge average of 7000 steps in 30 days, the challenge aimed to motivate participants to integrate increased physical activity into their daily routines.

Implementation

Siemens Middle East partnered with STEPPI as a technology and service provider, to implement the Middle East Steps Challenge. STEPPI provided its expertise to ensure the success of the challenge, offering a host of challenge assets, including:

• Detailed Proposal: STEPPI’s challenge specialists developed a detailed proposal based on the client’s brief, considering Siemens’ goals and objectives for the challenge.
• Challenge Assets: Developed an engaging creative direction for the challenge, along with a comprehensive communications plan. This included live leaderboards for TV, weekly winner reveals, an end-of-challenge data infographic, and fun facts.
• Certificates of Recognition: STEPPI provided certificates of recognition to all participating employees, acknowledging their commitment to better health and wellbeing.

Key Features of the Challenge:

Cross-Country Collaboration: The challenge brought together employees from seven different countries, fostering a sense of unity and teamwork.

Health and Wellness Focus: By setting a group target of 7000 average steps in 30 days, the challenge was achievable for all levels of fitness aiming to be inclusive and promote better health outcomes among participants.

Incentives and Rewards: Participants who achieved the steps goal received the Siemens Wellness Champ Award and were entered into a final raffle prize draw per country.  Additionally, weekly raffle prizes were awarded to participants who maintained an average of 7,000 steps per week with 3 winners from each of the seven Middle East countries. 

Results

The Middle East Steps Challenge received an overwhelmingly positive response from Siemens employees across the region. Key results include:

• High Participation Rate: Throughout the month-long initiative, an impressive 625 employees participated daily, demonstrating strong engagement with the challenge.
• Significant Step Count: Participants collectively completed 130 million steps, covering a total distance of 89,000 kilometres. This is equivalent to walking around the Earth twice.
• Exceeded Steps Target: Participants achieved an average of 9,000 steps per day, exceeding the target of 7,000 steps by 29%.
• Recognition and Awards: All participating employees were recognized with a Siemens Wellness Champ Award, highlighting their commitment to better health and wellbeing.
• CEO Commendation: The challenge concluded with a conference call with the CEO, and a presentation to announce the data and outstanding achievements.  Employees were thanked for their efforts toward better health and wellbeing during the presentation.

Conclusion

The Siemens Middle East Steps Challenge, powered by STEPPI, was a resounding success. By encouraging participants to increase their daily physical activity and providing incentives for achieving the steps goal, the challenge not only improved the health outcomes of participants but also created a more engaged and connected workforce.

Here’s what Siemens had to say:

Thank you, Team STEPPI, for your continued and untiring support in our company’s health and fitness journey. We look forward to more years of partnership in supporting our health initiatives through your application and splendid team.

Simon Thomas – Siemens Middle East