More than a step count: Building habits, health, and connection

That’s just one reason why movement matters and why 1,295 colleagues across 15 countries participated in this year’s Petrofac Global Step Challenge.

From pacing on calls to walking with colleagues between meetings, this year’s challenge reminded us that even the smallest steps can lead to a healthier, happier workplace.

We motivated family members to get moving, tried new hobbies, or walked our dogs that little bit further, all in aid of our annual Global Step Challenge. Now in its third year, the challenge shines a spotlight on the importance of daily movement and encourages staff to stay consistent to help form new habits.

Colleagues from across Petrofac laced up their walking shoes and logged every step for our four-week challenge, culminating in an impressive 265 million steps.

Beyond the statistics, what stood out the most were the stories and achievements shared by our inspiring colleagues. Discovering new favourite walking routes, finding clarity on evening strolls, and connecting with colleagues on our lunch breaks were just some of the positives that came from the challenge. 

Making a habit of it

For many, the challenge wasn’t just about the steps; it was all about creating a new habit. Eyvaz Mammadli from our team in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, did most of his steps in an area of just 15 square meters, on the deck at the offshore heliport. “It amazed me how just pacing in that limited space allowed me to consistently meet and even exceed my daily step goals. The challenge showed me that if you really want to, you can dedicate part of your day to movement, no matter where you are and how hectic life gets”.

Paul Buchan from Aberdeen joined as part of his rehabilitation following a major injury. “The desire to get back to full fitness was undoubtedly my main motivator,” he said. “For anyone thinking about taking on a challenge like this, it’s an easy habit to form; to do 10,000 steps in a day, all you need to do is three half-hour walks each day - one in the morning, one at lunch, and one in the evening.” 

The power of community

Participants weren’t just walking alone; we created teams locally and across different continents. There were friendly rivalries, group chats, daily nudges, and a lot of cheering each other on.

Mani Narayanaswamy from Sharjah, UAE, set up a pre-challenge trial run to benchmark everyone’s level and encouraged his team to get involved. This allowed individuals to take part at their own pace and built some excitement for the upcoming challenge. He said, “The team spirit was incredible; it really felt like we were in it together - even across different countries.” 

An avid marathon runner, Mani used the month to complete several personal challenges, including an ultramarathon, four half marathons, and two full marathons!

While Mani had the leaderboard in sight, it gave others a chance to bond over something fun. Emebe Hippolyte Aristide from our team in Oran, Algeria said, “I often walked with a colleague, and we shared a wealth of stories, experiences, and anecdotes, making our time together incredibly insightful.” Taking time to connect with others in the business on a social level greatly enhances working relationships and was a great way to stay motivated throughout the challenge.

Prioritising physical and mental well-being

Backed by research linking walking to improved mood, reduced stress, and sharper thinking, the challenge took place during Mental Health Awareness Month, a timely reminder that movement is one of the most accessible tools that we can use to protect and improve our mental wellbeing. Dr Irshad Laghari, our company doctor, said, “Walking just 75 minutes per week can lower the risk of depression by 18%, while 150 minutes per week reduces that risk by 25%. As little as 5,000 steps per day can help to reduce depression.”

Lyn Lewis, one of our Mental Health First Aiders from our Aberdeen office in the UK noted the positive effect on her mental health, saying, “This challenge helped me to re-prioritise time for myself, allowing me the much-needed time to process thoughts, feelings, and situations.” Dayanand Patil from Woking, UK also shared Lyn’s sentiment. “It became a great way to clear my mind and reduce stress, especially on busy or challenging days” he reflected, “I noticed that after a walk, I felt more energised, focused, and calm.”

Initiatives like the step challenge serve as a reminder that well-being is more than a one-time campaign. While this year’s challenge has come to a close, the impact lives on in new routines, stronger teams and a little more movement in everyone’s day.