Employee wellness has become a top priority for companies worldwide, but PepsiCo India took a unique approach by merging health with philanthropy. Through its “Move for Good” initiative, the company not only encouraged its employees to get active but also made their steps count towards fighting hunger globally. Every step taken by PepsiCo employees meant a meal for someone in need—an innovative fusion of fitness and community support.
Launched with the PepsiCo Foundation, the programme set an ambitious goal: eight billion steps to generate four million meals for underprivileged communities. Far from being a simple wellness challenge, ‘Move for Good’ was aligned with PepsiCo’s broader PepsiCo Positive (pep+) vision, which aims to benefit both the planet and its people. Pavitra Singh, PepsiCo India & South Asia’s CHRO, explains: “It not only encouraged employees to prioritise their own well-being but also enabled them to channel their collective efforts towards making a positive impact on the community.”
The initiative’s success rested on smart use of technology. Through the Virgin Pulse app, employees tracked their physical activities, formed teams, and monitored progress effortlessly. “We recognised that making participation as easy as possible was crucial,” says Singh. The app’s seamless interface kept participation levels high, turning everyday activities – walking, running, or even gardening – into a collective force for good.
“We’re excited about the positive response and plan to bring the program back next year. We’ll incorporate new ideas to engage our employees further and continue supporting our communities.”
Pavitra Singh, CHRO, PepsiCo, India & South Asia
Crucially, this wasn’t just a solo effort. PepsiCo fostered teamwork by encouraging employees to form groups, motivating each other to push further. The programme also embraced storytelling, where participants shared personal achievements, making the challenge more meaningful. “This storytelling aspect highlighted individual accomplishments and made participation more impactful,” Singh notes. The collective celebration of milestones reinforced the value of each contribution, spurring further engagement.
Inclusivity was a defining feature of the initiative. Recognising that not everyone could engage in high-intensity activities, the programme allowed for all forms of movement, ensuring that employees of all fitness levels could contribute. Whether it was walking, cycling, or gardening, everyone’s effort counted. This broad approach not only increased participation but also aligned with diverse employee preferences.
The impact was tangible. By the end of the six-week challenge, PepsiCo India’s workforce had completed 186.68 million steps, contributing to 1.496 billion steps across the Africa, Middle East, and South Asia region. The result: four million meals delivered to underprivileged communities, in partnership with Food Forward South Africa. “Knowing their efforts made a difference—both personally and for the community—led to higher levels of job satisfaction,” Singh observes.
Beyond the numbers, the initiative reshaped PepsiCo’s workplace culture. Employees bonded over shared goals, finding creative ways to integrate physical activity into daily routines. Dancing, biking, and gardening became part of the rhythm at the company’s Gurugram headquarters. This camaraderie fostered a more cohesive work environment, breaking down silos and enhancing team spirit. “Employees felt a sense of fulfilment and connection, which contributed to a more positive and motivated workplace atmosphere,” Singh adds.
Yet the programme did face challenges, the biggest being managing an overwhelming level of participation. Singh acknowledges that the sheer enthusiasm required extra efforts to maintain awareness through posters, team meetings, and other communication channels. Still, leadership played a pivotal role in sustaining engagement, with nearly 100 per cent participation at the Gurugram office. CEO Jagrut Kotecha’s involvement and personal fitness journey provided additional inspiration for the workforce.
To maintain momentum, PepsiCo plans to integrate elements of the ‘Move for Good’ initiative into its ongoing Pep Fit programme, which promotes fitness through yoga, running clubs, and other activities. Sponsorships for fitness events are also part of the plan, ensuring that employees stay active and engaged in the long term.
Looking ahead, PepsiCo India is already planning the next iteration of ‘Move for Good’. “We’re excited about the positive response and plan to bring the program back next year,” Singh reveals. “We’ll incorporate new ideas to engage our employees further and continue supporting our communities.”
PepsiCo’s ‘Move for Good’ is a testament to how thoughtfully designed programmes can achieve dual aims: enhancing employee wellness while driving significant societal impact. The initiative’s success underscores a vital lesson for businesses: aligning employee engagement with broader social goals can create lasting value, both within the organisation and for the world beyond.
