It all began when Suzanne Oehm, Office Specialist, from Lincoln Wastewater System heard about the City-County Wellness 30-day step challenge. She was all in! Her recruiting mission was on.
The Recruits
Oehm recruited her small but mighty, and yes, winning team. Her Lincoln Wastewater System teammates included herself, Dale Arp, Systems Specialist, and Craig Samek, Process Control Technician. “Fitness and competitiveness are high on my list of characteristics. My goal was not just to participate but to win it! It was the accountability factor that I was looking for,”
Oehm said.
Suzanne Oehm
Dale Arp
Craig Samek
Fitness and walking are an everyday part of each team member’s normal lifestyle.
- Oehm walks her dogs and takes nature hikes.
- Arp walks, bikes and recently resumed running.
- Samek walks 16,000 steps a day during his normal workday and regularly bikes to work.
Every Step Makes a Difference
Oehm said she walked four times the number of steps she would normally walk for this wellness challenge. Together, the team walked an amazing number of steps to reach their goal. They completed 1,571,000 steps in 30 days, walking every day without a break.
“More than 1.5 million steps in a month!”
said Oehm.
To keep her team on the right path to success, Oehm sent positive uplifting messages along with her personal goals to the other team members to keep them motivated. Her teammates, in turn, shared their goals and status with her.
Oehm really wanted to accomplish more than just winning this challenge. Because the Sludge Trudgers were all motivated to succeed, on the last day of the challenge, Oehm sent this heartfelt message to her teammates.
Workplace Friends are Key to a Happier Life
According to Gallup, developing deeper friendships at work contributes to job satisfaction, increased production and lowers stress. Not only did these companions reap the above rewards, but they said by including exercise in their routine, it helped boost their energy which in turn, increased their motivation and focus. These teammates have forever created a lasting friendship and great memories!
Congratulations Sludge mates on your team trudging win!