Data-DrivenCase Studies

Step Challenge ROI: The Business Case

Data on absenteeism reduction, healthcare savings, and productivity gains. Build your business case for HR budget approval.

$3.27
saved per $1 invested
Harvard Business Review
37%
reduction in absenteeism
Journal of Occupational Health
25%
lower healthcare costs
RAND Corporation
21%
productivity increase
Gallup Workplace Study

ROI Calculator: 100 Employees

Annual Investment

  • WeMove subscription (100 × $2 × 12)$2,400
  • Prizes and incentives$1,500
  • Admin time (minimal with self-service)$500
  • Total Investment$4,400

Annual Returns

  • Absenteeism reduction (1.5 days × $230)$34,500
  • Healthcare savings ($150/person)$15,000
  • Productivity gains (conservative 5%)$12,000
  • Total Returns$61,500
14:1 ROI

Conservative estimate based on 80% participation

Case Studies

Mid-Size Tech Company

150 employees • 4-week January step challenge
4.2:1
ROI
82%
Participation
34%
Absenteeism Reduction
+18 pts
Engagement Score Lift
-22%
Q1 Healthcare Claims
"We saw immediate impact on January attendance and energy levels."

Distributed SaaS Startup

75 employees • Ongoing monthly challenges
3.8:1
ROI
78%
Participation
+15%
Remote Employee Retention
+24 pts
Team Cohesion Score
-28%
Sick Days Taken
"Our remote team finally feels connected. Challenges are the highlight of our culture."

How Step Challenges Drive ROI

Reduced Absenteeism

Active employees take 25-37% fewer sick days. Each avoided absence saves $200-300 in lost productivity.

Lower Healthcare Costs

Wellness programs reduce healthcare claims by $30/member/month on average. Compounds over time.

Improved Retention

85% of employees consider wellbeing when choosing employers. Challenges signal you care about health.

Productivity Gains

Active employees are 21% more productive. Walking breaks improve focus and reduce afternoon slumps.

FAQs

What's the ROI of gamified step challenges for remote teams?

Companies see 3-5:1 ROI through reduced absenteeism (25-37%), lower healthcare costs (15-25%), and productivity gains (15-21%). Remote teams often see additional retention benefits as challenges combat isolation.

How do we measure step challenge ROI?

Track: 1) Participation rate (target 70%+), 2) Absenteeism before/after, 3) Healthcare claims (quarterly), 4) Engagement survey scores, 5) Retention rates. WeMove provides participation analytics; pair with your HRIS for full picture.

How long until we see ROI?

Engagement and absenteeism improvements show within 30 days. Healthcare cost reductions typically appear at 90+ days. Full ROI calculation is meaningful at 6-12 months. Most companies break even within the first quarter.

What's the cost per employee for step challenges?

Self-service platforms like WeMove cost $2-3/user/month. Enterprise solutions run $8-15/user plus implementation fees. For ROI purposes, plan $24-36/employee/year for a quality program.

Do step challenges actually reduce healthcare costs?

Yes. RAND Corporation found wellness programs reduce healthcare costs by $30 per member per month on average. Active employees have 25% lower claims. The key is sustained engagement, not one-time challenges.

Related

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