Butterfield Bank wants its employees to get healthier one step at a time as it launches its 2008 Wellness Challenge.

And the Bank has thrown its weight behind The Royal Gazette's as well.

Tamika Wade-Trott is coordinating the bank's Wellness programme which aims to encourage employees to develop healthier lifestyles by introducing small changes, such as walking up stairs rather than taking the elevator, each month.

Butterfield Bank president and CEO Alan Thompson launched the Bank's 2008 Wellness Challenge last week. The challenge will last all year.

He encouraged the participants but added that next year he would like to see even more people participating in order to ensure the Wellness Initiative remained healthier than ever in 2009.

Mr. Thompson said: "The Challenge will last an entire year to make it easier for these first participants to carry what they've learned into their everyday lives through 2009 and beyond.

"While monthly and annual prizes will be on hand, their ultimate prize will be the potential enjoyment of a healthier and longer life for years to come.

"Participants must adhere to the Challenge for a minimum of 22 days each month."

Both Mr. Thompson and Mrs. Wade-Trott said they supported The Royal Gazette's initiative because it captures what their Wellness Challenge is all about ¿ making small changes in behaviour for big benefits in health.

Mrs. Wade-Trott, has been working hard to get the bank's employees ready to start the challenge, said this was "not just the latest biggest loser competition" but was about getting and staying healthy for life.

Each month, the Wellness Challenges will carry forward onto the next month, leading to a cumulative Wellness effect.

The cumulative effect will produce an even better result as almost a quarter of the Bank's employees in Bermuda, a total of 181, have committed themselves to the 12-month challenge.

Their first order ¿ to eat a healthy breakfast.

Mrs. Wade-Trott said: "We are excited the Wellness Challenge has begun, as it represents the next phase of our Wellness Initiative which began back in 2005.

"The idea is that they get used to it and continue, so by August, they will be doing all eight challenges together and that creates the lifestyle change."