Wellness challenges are becoming all the rage at workplaces across the country and are encouraging employees to become happier, healthier, and more energetic at work.
Requiring little to no investment, the challenges help to promote a supportive, positive climate of camaraderie and fun.
Creating Wellness Challenges
Wellness challenges can be created by anyone within your organization, but since challenges are a team effort, engagement would likely be increased when ideas and input are provided from everyone.
Consistent challenges are key to keeping everyone engaged. Short duration challenges are more focused and effective as well. A weeklong or monthlong challenge is most effective.
Reward Efforts in Wellness Challenges
Wellness challenges are most successful when they are easy to participate in and have an attainable goal. One example would be a company having a month long challenge for employees to take a walk during their break, or trade in their unhealthy snacks for a piece of fruit or other nutritious offerings.
For every day they complete the challenge, the employee would get a point. Throughout the month, employees would have had unique experiences that they can share with their colleagues.
While rewards are optional, opting to reward employees with gift cards, time off, or other non-cash incentives is highly recommended. Rewards handed out at a monthly meeting is the recognition 'icing on the cake'. You can also use this time to discuss the next challenge.
Wellness Challenge Ideas
Wellness challenges can be physical, nutritional, emotional, and even educational. The key is to have fun and keep employees happy, healthy, and more energetic.
- Sleep seven hours per night
- Drink 32 ounces of water during working hours
- Exercise for 30 minutes - every 30 minutes equals 1 point
- Take the stairs instead of the elevator
- Bike to work
- Express gratitude to others
- Read a self-help book
- Share lunch with a coworker
Remember that measurement is often subjective. Do not worry if people are being less than honest when it comes to participating in the challenges. They are only missing out on the real benefits of the experience.
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