Thrive launches 'Wellness Era' with rewards for employee health

Thrive has introduced a new internal initiative using wearable technology to support employee wellbeing, performance, and retention.

The UK-based learning technology company has launched the "Wellness Era" programme. This internal effort incentivises employees to improve aspects of their lifestyle, such as sleep quality, stress management, and physical activity. By participating in a series of personalised challenges, staff can earn rewards, including cash prizes and spa vouchers.

This move follows Thrive's previous four-day week trial, the first of its kind in the UK to be medically supervised, which the company says resulted in a 22.5% improvement in work-life balance among staff and a 20% decrease in issues related to poor sleep.

The newly announced programme encompasses a variety of activities and support mechanisms, focusing on both physical and mental health. Thrive has partnered with wearable technology provider Whoop to offer employees the option to participate in tracking challenges. These are centred around activity levels, sleep patterns, stress, and physical strain.

Participation in the wearable tech scheme is voluntary, allowing staff to opt in as they wish. Those who engage with the challenges can receive financial rewards when they meet their goals. The company also identifies when individuals are facing difficulties, such as sleep problems, and provides targeted interventions, including wellbeing kits or spa vouchers tailored to the employee's needs.

"We're not afraid to try new things," said Cassie Gasson, Co-CEO of Thrive. "At Thrive, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset, and their wellbeing is directly linked to our success. We also understand that true wellbeing is a continuous journey, not a fleeting trend. That's why we're committed to cultivating a sustainable culture of wellbeing and we're constantly looking for innovative ways to improve their lives, both inside and outside of work. Our 'Wellness Era' is just the latest experiment in our ongoing quest to create a productive and fulfilling workplace, and we're incredibly excited about its potential."

The "Wellness Era" challenges are synchronised with themes such as Healthy Eating Week and Stress Awareness Month. Company communications and leadership broadcasts keep staff informed. Employees who opt in can participate in monthly challenges throughout the year. Examples include "Snooze for Success," which rewards improvements in sleep; "Move More Monday," which encourages a 45-minute activity at the start of each week; "Wellness Walks," a monthly step-count challenge; and "Pedal Power," which tracks cycling mileage.

Thrive is also extending wellness opportunities to those who choose not to use wearable devices. The broader initiative offers alternatives including a "Sport Back" programme, which reimburses team sport activities such as paddle tennis and rock climbing; opportunities for family involvement by sponsoring participation in community park runs and rewarding the most active family with an outing to a theme park; a Health Shield Cashback Plan to reclaim expenses for massage therapy and similar services; subsidised fitness event entries; and group activities such as a weekly 5k run club and organised dog walks.

Adam Dobinson, Learning and Development Business Partner at The Bannatyne Group, commented on the impact of the initiative: "Thrive is demonstrating that putting employee wellbeing first leads to a more productive, innovative, and successful business. We believe this commitment to wellbeing also fosters a more responsive and supportive partnership. As a customer, with Health & Wellbeing at our core, we truly value this long-term approach, knowing that a healthy, engaged Thrive team will continue to deliver an outstanding platform and results for us, aligned to our Business Mission!"