Mobile phone company O2 is offering its employees online fitnesss coaching to improve their health.

Known as the Balance programme, O2 aims to increase staff awareness of health and wellbeing at home and at work, which consequently contributes towards a healthy work environment.

The system, provided by Fitbug.co.uk, uses a combination of an interactive pedometer and web technology to measure, provide feedback on and prescribe tailored realistic physical activity and nutrition programmes for its users. Other features include SMS and email communications, Ask the Expert and Fantasy Footfall.

Sam Veasey, Health and Wellbeing Consultant for O2 said: “We are thrilled to be introducing such a simple and effective scheme for our people. Fitbug has grabbed the imagination of our team and we’re already seeing a marked increase in traffic on the stairs and people getting up and about during the day. People are really enjoying the benefits that can be had by making small lifestyle changes.”