Professional News

Increase Your Physical Activity and Your Bank Account in 2020 With MoveWell Rewards

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 13, 2020) — If, as a University of Kentucky employee, you have made a commitment to better well-being in 2020, MoveWell Rewards is a great way to start. Plus, you might win some extra cash added to your paycheck.

MoveWell Rewards is a year-round offering from UK Human Resources Health and Wellness. The program began in October, and already 45 UK employees have won cash prizes for participating.

Using a fitness tracking device (Fitbit, Apple watch, Garmin, etc.), you can earn cash rewards through monthly drawings based on your daily step average for that month. Each month, three winners are chosen from each of five different levels of activity:

  • step average: 6,000-6,999 Prize: $200;
  • step average: 7,000-7,999 Prize: $300;
  • step average: 8,000-8,999 Prize: $400;
  • step average: 9,000-9,999 Prize: $500; and
  • step average: 10,000+ Prize: $600.

The random drawings are based on the tier you fall in for that given month. So, you don’t have to have the highest amount of steps in a tier to win a prize. And unlike our occasional Step Up challenges, this is an ongoing activity, so when you register today, you immediately become eligible to earn prizes year-round. All you need to do is walk and remember to sync your tracking device (so every step counts). The more you walk, the more you are eligible to win. 

Even if you don’t win a cash prize, walking is a proven method to improve your physical health. Studies show that walking regularly can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve memory and cognitive function, lower stress, improve overall mood and increase longevity.

“MoveWell Rewards offers all of our university community a way to improve their health in meaningful and useful ways. No matter what level of activity, everyone can be recognized and even improve their overall well-being,” said Carrie Davidson, HR Health and Wellness fitness specialist.

HR Health and Wellness program manager Jody Ensman added, “UK employees, retirees and spouses are all encouraged to take advantage of MoveWell Rewards, which will hopefully lead them to be physically active year-round.”

Many winners of the MoveWell Rewards drawings have been inspired to continue with their physical improvement. When asked how they plan to use their winnings, replies included:

“Increase the home fitness equipment, for the upcoming winter months.”

“Thank you! This will be very useful for a new pair of shoes so I can keep stepping!”

“I recently purchased new Fitbits for my husband and myself, so part will go toward that! The rest will be put into savings for a future splurge! Thanks, UK MoveWell! This is AMAZING — I'll definitely keep reppin' for steppin'!”

For more information about the MoveWell Rewards program, visit the FAQ page.

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.   

In 2022, UK was ranked by Forbes as one of the “Best Employers for New Grads” and named a “Diversity Champion” by INSIGHT into Diversity, a testament to our commitment to advance Kentucky and create a community of belonging for everyone. While our mission looks different in many ways than it did in 1865, the vision of service to our Commonwealth and the world remains the same. We are the University for Kentucky.