To get the numbers down, local company IQNITER has developed a simple way to nudge people to increase their daily activity levels. Under the name of “Tæl Hjerter” (count hearts), the concept also has a strong focus on inclusion and aims to strengthen social relationships – particularly in the workplace.
The health benefits of daily exercise are well-documented. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression, and certain types of cancer. WHO, the World Heart Federation, and the Danish Health Authority recommend getting your heart rate up for at least 150 minutes a week.
But how do you establish new healthy habits in a busy life? IGNITER’s “Tæl Hjerter (Count Hearts) makes it simple: As the name suggests, users’ heart rates are converted into “hearts,” where one minute of moderate intensity amounts to one heart. The goal is to reach 150 hearts per week – a manageable and motivating way to promote physical activity.
Count Hearts, IQNITER
Count Hearts is not just for the average person. It also benefits companies and workplaces. For participating companies where employees reach the weekly target of 150 hearts, it can help reduce sick leave by up to 25%, lower stress levels by 41%, and increase productivity by 23%. Just as importantly, employee well-being and cooperation are likely to improve, creating a positive effect both in the short and long term.
“Our mission is to get more inactive employees moving so they can live longer and better lives. This is why, we have developed a solution that is easy to use for everyone, regardless of their starting point,” says Lars Peter Busch, CEO of IQNITER.
Already now, test results from both public and private companies show significant improvements. At the energy company EWII, over 80% of employees have met WHO’s activity goals week after week.
Count Hearts, IQNITER
Together with the company, IQNITER reviews the collected data from Tæl Hjerter. The purpose is to analyse how health and well-being have been affected and what specific results have been achieved.
“We have implemented many activity initiatives at EWII and generally have some active employees, but with Count Hearts, we have succeeded in engaging more people than ever before, including colleagues who used to be inactive. This, combined with the positive feedback we receive from our employees, makes Count Hearts a success for us,” says Iben Malthe Roldsgaard, HR Project Manager at EWII (Winner of the Initiative Award 2024, Denmark’s Healthy Workplaces).
Count Hearts is based on an inclusive approach, where all forms of activity count. From lifting weights to cycling to work or gardening. The concept also motivates people through team competitions, where teams compete to reach the activity goal together. This strengthens the social work environment and creates new ways for colleagues to interact. “It’s fantastic to see employees engage in the concept. These friendly competitions are a fun activity and help boost work relationships in a way we have not experienced before,” says Lars Peter Busch.
With support from Business Lighthouse Life Science, IQNITER has received invaluable advice and networking opportunities that have helped develop and implement the concept. The expert panel has provided insights into how the product is best presented to business leaders, which is crucial for securing support and investment.
“The panel’s advice and their introduction to relevant networks have given us new ways to expand our concept to more companies,” says Lars Peter Busch, CEO of IQNITER.
Count Hearts, IQNITER
IQNITER now plans to expand its cooperation with Danish municipalities and the public healthcare system. By collecting data and collaborating with research institutions, the company will strengthen the documentation of Count Hearts’ effect and make it an even stronger solution in the fight against lifestyle diseases.
Business Lighthouse Life Science is co-funded by the European Union.