Postcode Lottery ran a wellness-themed month. As part of it, they joined We+’s challenge. It was a concrete and engaging way to highlight physical activity, mental health and community.
Interview with: Anna Nordström.
Reading: 5 min.
Anna Nordström, Head of HR at Swedish Postcode Lottery, is passionate about health and wellbeing – both at work and in her personal life. She enjoys hiking and staying active, and sees great value in building a work environment that supports both body and mind.
Physical and mental training – in combination
As part of the We+ wellness program initiative, Postcode Lottery chose to add a focus on mental health – a decision that created value on several levels. With this addition, participants not only received support to get started with physical activity, but also had the opportunity to reflect on their wellbeing, try practical exercises and build sustainable habits for both body and mind.
In addition to the challenge itself, Postcode Lottery arranged a number of activities during the themed month, including workshops for managers, talks on self-leadership, and a popular session by Swedish Brain Foundation on how to create brain-friendly workplaces. Other aspects of wellness – such as nutrition, recovery, and relationships – were also highlighted in various internal forums.
For many employees, the challenge was a real eye-opener. It wasn’t just about being more active – it was about feeling better, physically and mentally.
“When you’re on a roll and surprising yourself by working out several times a week, you feel extra proud – and more open to other aspects of wellness. That’s when We+’s mental health series came in perfectly! Not too heavy or gloomy, but accessible, with useful tips and exercises.”
A driving force who makes a difference
A key to the success has been employees taking their own initiative and inspiring each other. One example is Linda, who leads a lunchtime workout group and encourages her colleagues to join a session in the middle of the day each week. Her commitment began well before the We+ wellness program, but during the challenge, new colleagues joined in – thanks to the extra motivation sparked by the wellness initiative. These kinds of internal drivers play an important role in building long-term habits and a workplace culture where exercise and togetherness become a natural part of the day.
Fantastic results
“There was so much that was great about the challenge – the sense of community, the engagement, and the new focus on mental health. But the most impressive outcome when it comes to physical activity was that 87% of the least active participants became active. That really shows how an initiative like this can make a real difference and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle – both for the individual and the workplace,” says Anna.
Postcode Lottery participants have truly impressed with their results. Here are some of the standout figures:
4.5 workout sessions per week
Participants exercised an average of 4.5 times per week – a 40% increase from the start of the challenge.
increased activity levels
16% of participants exercised once a week or less before the challenge. After the challenge, only 2% remained in that category.
physical activity
Participants exercised for 269 minutes per week – well above the WHO’s recommendation of 150 minutes for a healthy lifestyle.
A sense of belonging and togetherness
One of the greatest outcomes of the wellness challenge was the strong sense of belonging and improved team spirit it created. For many participants, it wasn’t just the training that made a difference – it was also the sense of community and support within the group.
“We’re already looking forward to next year, and we’ll do our best to preserve the strong sense of togetherness the wellness challenge created.”
Anna’s reflection on the wellness initiative
On engagement
The We+ app turned out to be a simple and fun way to engage employees. By sharing photos and joining in on discussions, a new level of conversation and connection emerged. “Suddenly, we were talking about more than just the weather – it was cycling, dogs, and other interests,” says Anna.
The app made it easy to build a sense of community, where all participants – whether they shared photos of themselves or their activities – could take part and feel included.
Looking ahead
Anna sees potential in making this type of wellness challenge a recurring activity – not just for Postcode Lottery in Sweden, but also for international offices. “I could absolutely see this becoming something we do every year. We see great value in introducing it at our offices in the Netherlands, the UK and Germany as well. It’s a great way to get to know each other across borders,” says Anna.
Key takeaways for the future
Postcode Lottery brings several valuable insights from the We+ wellness program into its ongoing work with health and wellbeing. Anna highlights the importance of building engagement and communicating effectively even before the initiative starts.
“Getting managers more involved in the process and helping them understand the business benefits is crucial. It’s also about showing how much productivity can improve when employees feel good and stay active.”