What Triathlete Training Can Teach You About Business

Many people use the start of a New Year to set some healthy living goals, and businesses should be no different. The office is like a second home for many of us, as we spend eight hours or more each day there. It can be easy to fall off the healthy resolution train at work as you rush through a stressful day full of meetings and deadlines. Libby Brazier- Adecco Industrial Operations Manager shares her 2017 experience as the Adecco New Zealand Win4Youth Ambassador and shows how being incentivised to participate in fitness activities can not only create a healthy workplace culture but also have a positive effect on individuals.

In 2017 I returned from the Adecco Win4Youth event. I still had adrenaline pumping though my body! What an adventure. For those that love to travel, meet new people, do good to charity and push themselves outside of their comfort zone mentally and physically then this is the event for you.

Now in its eighth year, Win4Youth encourages Adecco Group employees to take part in physical exercise, benefiting themselves and their positive wellbeing. Every kilometre an Adecco Group employee, associate or client runs, walks or swims counts towards a global goal. If we reach that goal, the Adecco Group donates money to six foundations around the world that help disadvantaged people gain access to the labour market

I first thought, as many of do, that a triathlon such as Win4Youth was only for athletes – I was wrong. The majority of the ambassadors that completed Win4Youth this year had never done a sporting event. ALL were afraid of the swim and when we met at training camp, it seemed we were all as nervous as each other. After four months of training with the support of our coaches and 70 other ambassadors around the globe we all crossed that finish line. Not once did anyone ask me what time I finished in – it didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered was that we did it! In most cases, I think we celebrated more for those final ambassadors to cross the finish line as we knew the challenge they were about to overcome. And no one was last as 69 other ambassadors crossed the finishing line.

Win4Youth is an opportunity for everyone to give back, pay it forward and know that they have done something to help. It’s not only about benefiting our foundations but also about benefiting ourselves. I mean, who would say no to two trips to Europe, meeting friends from 70 countries, learning and practising the exceptionally hard lesson of mental strength verses physical strength? I am a better person, I feel, having been part of Win4Youth. I challenged myself and completed something I never thought possible. It took me three years to apply for the race, I was waiting for a running event as I was terrified of the ocean. With a push from my colleagues I finally applied and I was glad it was a triathlon as it offered challenge, because with challenge comes a great sense of achievement.

Whilst your organisation might not be about running triathlons there are some things that you can learn from the process to improve your business.

Encouraging healthier habits among your employees can help prevent the incidence of chronic disease, combat rising healthcare costs and even improve engagement.

Encourage your work place to be active, maybe down tools for a walk or a picnic or even a footy game. Step outside and take some time out for you.

Let workers know it’s OK – and good – to stand up, stretch and walk around on breaks.

Provide reusable tumblers and encourage workers to drink water throughout the day, for better hydration.

Most employers today have some kind of wellness program in place. That’s because in the long run, investing in health is good for everyone.