
Stair Challenge: The Elevator Stays Put Today
Everyday movement that can be measured and tracked: the stair challenge is an inexpensive, effective building block in the BGM focus area of physical activity.
Why small everyday movement is underrated Health rarely happens at the gym – it happens in the many small movements in between. Every staircase is a mini-workout for the heart and legs that nobody needs to schedule separately. The trick isn't motivation, it's the reminder: as long as the elevator is the convenient default, it wins. A friendly nudge at the right moment tips the decision.
How a habit becomes a talking point Once "I'll take the stairs" turns into a shared four-week competition, something happens: people count floors, tease each other in the hallway, cheer each other on. The measure leaves the realm of good intentions and becomes part of the culture. That's exactly the point at which behavior takes hold.
Who benefits most The stair challenge is unbeatable for companies with tight budgets and workforces that are skeptical of a classic sports offering. It doesn't ask anyone to sweat or wear athletic clothing, yet it still reaches everyone. The most common mistake: making it too big. Four weeks, a sign, a small recognition at the end – that's all it takes.
How to put it in place
- 1Design a poster: "Take the Stairs – Challenge!"
- 2Hang the counting board in the stairwell
- 3Announce via email + set a goal (e.g. 10,000 floors as a team)
- 4Update the tally weekly
- 5Celebrate the result after 4 weeks
What you need
- Effort
- under 30 min
- Cost
- Free
- Setup
- 30 min
- ✓ Free
- ✓ High visibility in the building
- ✓ Gamification effect
- ✓ Low-threshold for everyone
Eligible for funding: up to €600 tax-free
As part of a structured workplace health process, this measure is tax-free under § 3 no. 34 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) up to €600 per employee per year — BGF-Kompass supplies the process. Certified offers (e.g. from Upfit) are additionally subsidised by statutory health insurers under § 20b SGB V.
Health-insurer funding & tax: how to apply →Start this measure now
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