As winter’s chill finally lifted, the mood across Deane began to shift. Gone were the gloomy conversations about dark mornings and endless rain—replaced by excitement for longer days, warmer nights, and a fresh season of possibilities. Spring was here, and with it came something new: Deane Apparel’s inaugural Step into Spring Challenge!
This wasn’t just about steps. It was about connection, wellbeing, and living our values. After a challenging few months, our events team set out with clear goals:
- Align the event with Deane’s Sustainability Pillars
- Promote health and wellbeing after winter
- Foster interaction across departments and offices
- Boost morale and remind everyone that Deane is a safe, inclusive, and diverse workplace where people come first
Our Approach: Inclusion and Fun for Everyone
We wanted this challenge to be accessible to all—not just the marathon runners among us. Here’s how we made it happen:
- Easy Participation: We chose a free app, Step-Up, that works with smartphones and wearables, so everyone could join in—whether in Auckland, Sydney, or Shanghai.
- Inclusive Groups: Participants joined one of three groups based on personal goals, focusing on fun and self-improvement rather than competition.
- Community Spirit: A dedicated WhatsApp group became our hub for encouragement, photo sharing, and a few laughs along the way.
- Prizes & Motivation: Weekly prizes for top steppers and photo submissions kept the energy high. From stunning sunsets to quirky selfies, creativity was celebrated!
The Outcome: A Resounding Success
The results speak for themselves:
- 86% staff participation
- 19,047,343 combined steps
For the first time, staff from New Zealand, Australia, and China came together in one company-wide event. The Step into Spring Challenge broke down geographical barriers and reinforced what makes Deane special: an inclusive, connected workplace that values its people.
What’s Next?
The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—even those who didn’t join this time are asking to register for the next round. Our key learnings:
- We’ll definitely be running this challenge again in 2026.
- The WhatsApp group and daily visual updates (leaderboards) were key motivators.
- Company-wide, inclusive events like this are crucial for wellbeing and connection.
The Step into Spring Challenge proved that when we step out as individuals, we move forward together as a team. And that’s something worth celebrating.🌸