It doesn’t take more than one good look around you, no matter where you may be, to understand that everyone around us mostly is or soon will be a part of the corporate culture. Heads are burning in laptops, zoom calls, and presentations, and the world around us is busy with its 9 to 5. Given the time spent by employees at work, employee wellness programs have ceased to be just a nice benefit and have become a mainstay for companies that aim to attract and retain top talent.
The growing demands of modern workplaces are now the cause of stress, burnout, and declining health for many, which makes it essential for organizations to actively invest in their employees’ physical and mental health. To break down a wellness program, think of a planned initiative by a company to enhance, improve, or promote the health/well-being of its employees. These wellness programs aim to address several facets of health, such as financial stability, emotional wellness, physical fitness, and nutrition by providing necessary tools, networks, and activities to aid them in this journey of well-being.
Companies that have robust wellness programs can now achieve a $3 return for every $1 invested, largely due to reduced absenteeism and healthcare costs (1). Inclusion is central and essential for the success of these initiatives. Every employee has different health and wellness requirements, which are impacted by their age, lifestyle, cultural background, and designations. Businesses that place a high priority on employee well-being also see improvements in relationships at work, more job satisfaction, and a higher morale boost.
A well-designed wellness program promotes a healthy corporate culture in addition to individual health advantages. Programs for workplace health significantly increase employee engagement, lower stress levels, and foster a more encouraging work atmosphere (2). Therefore, employees who feel that their well-being is a priority are more likely to be motivated, productive, and committed to their organization.
This guide explores the role of wellness challenges in creating a healthier, more engaged workforce. Now, whether you are a small business that is seeking budget-friendly wellness solutions or a large corporation that is looking to enhance existing programs, this resource will provide actionable insights to help you develop, implement, and optimize wellness initiatives that truly make a difference.
Getting employees to be more active doesn’t necessarily mean long hours at the gym or intense workout sessions. Fitness challenges generally bring people together in a fun, engaging way that encourages them to move and be healthy while building a sense of camaraderie for their co-workers.
One of the greatest advantages of workplace fitness challenges is that they build a shared sense of motivation. When employees support each other, celebrate small wins, and push themselves just a little further, healthy habits start to stick. Studies have shown that structured and planned wellness challenges can increase participation rates, boost employee morale, and contribute to an overall positive workplace culture (3).
BetterMe provides members with tailored plans that are based on their unique physical, psychological, and lifestyle needs and health goals. Start using BetterMe corporate wellness solutions to transform your team and business!
Wellness challenges provide numerous benefits for both employees and employers, which creates a healthier and more positive workplace. Key benefits include:
Wellness challenges directly impact productivity by boosting energy levels, enhancing focus, and reducing absenteeism. Workplaces with robust wellness programs reported higher levels of employee engagement and productivity (4). Physical activity improves oxygen flow to the brain, which leads to better cognitive performance. Furthermore, employees who feel physically and mentally fit are more likely to approach tasks with energy and enthusiasm.
Team-based fitness challenges foster camaraderie and engagement by uniting colleagues toward a common goal. Activities such as step challenges or group workout sessions enhance collaboration and create opportunities for employees to connect outside of their regular roles. This sense of teamwork improves workplace morale and encourages employees to support one another, which fosters a positive culture. For example, a “team fitness challenge” such as achieving a collective goal of 1 million steps in a month builds a sense of shared accomplishment.
Read more: How Corporate Wellness Nutrition Programs Can Improve Employee Health
A structured framework can help organizations design and sustain these initiatives effectively (5). From financial well-being, emotional wellbeing, and physical fitness, here are some wellness programs that are certain to encourage employees to develop healthy behaviors:
Mental Health Challenges:
Physical Well-Being Challenges:
Additional Challenges:
To organize a workplace fitness challenge, you need thoughtful planning and clear communication to ensure greater participation and eventually, success.
| Step | What to Do | Tips for Success |
|---|---|---|
| Set Objectives | Define clear goals of the challenge (e.g. increasing physical activity, promoting mental health) | Align objectives with employee needs and organizational goals for relevance and engagement |
| Choose Activities | Select activities for all fitness levels (e.g. walking, yoga, or hydration tracking) | Offer a mix of individual and team-based activities |
| Establish a Timeline | Set a clear start and end date for challenges | Keep the challenge duration between 4 and 12 weeks to keep the buzz and enthusiasm alive |
| Leverage Technology | Make use of apps or wearable devices to track progress and share live updates | Try user-friendly platforms that provide real-time updates and elements such as leaderboards |
| Communicate Effectively | Promote the challenge internally via emails, posters, and team meetings | Use motivating language to spark interest and excitement among employees |
| Recognize Achievements | Celebrate milestones and top performers with rewards or shout-outs | Provide meaningful rewards (e.g. gift cards, wellness gear) and public acknowledgment to keep morale high |
To maximize participation, it’s essential to create an inclusive and motivating environment. Here are some motivational techniques:
Measuring the success of a workplace fitness challenge involves both qualitative and quantitative metrics:
Are you looking to transform both your business and the lives of your team members? BetterMe corporate wellness solutions provide a holistic approach to physical and mental health that boosts productivity and job satisfaction.
The ideal duration for a workplace fitness challenge depends on the activity and goals. Most challenges last between 4 and 12 weeks, which gives participants enough time to build habits while avoiding a loss of interest. Short-term challenges, such as one-week step competitions, are great for quick engagement, while longer challenges, such as an eight-week wellness program, encourage sustained behavior changes.
Wellness challenges can encompass a variety of activities to cater to diverse interests and fitness levels.
Fitness isn’t every man’s game and we know it! It’s important that organizations understand this and ensure that the wellness challenges they create meet people halfway and make participation easy as well as enjoyable.
Read more: 7 Tips for Stress Management in the Workplace
Employee wellness programs and challenges witness increased participation if there are rewards involved – and who doesn’t love a gift at the end of the day even if it’s just memorabilia?
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not serve to address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on for making any kind of decision-making. Any action taken as a direct or indirect result of the information in this article is entirely at your own risk and is your sole responsibility.
BetterMe, its content staff, and its medical advisors accept no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, misstatements, inconsistencies, or omissions and specifically disclaim any liability, loss or risk, personal, professional or otherwise, which may be incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and/or application of any content.
You should always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or your specific situation. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of BetterMe content. If you suspect or think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor.