8 Unique Winter Wellness Challenge Ideas Employees Will Want to Do

December 21st marks the first day of winter. As the solstice ushers in the approaching New Year, most people take this time to consider their upcoming resolutions and goals for the year ahead.

These goals and habits often surround fitness, finances, and tweaking everyday routines to align with their goals, making winter the perfect time to support your employees with a wellness challenge that helps them in their New Year’s endeavors.  

Supporting and investing in employees’ overall health and wellbeing has a proven track record of increasing employee happiness while decreasing employee turnover. Check out some winter wellness challenge ideas.

Winter Wellness Challenge Ideas

1. Fit Finances Challenge

Recover from the holiday financial hangover with our financial wellness challenge. Establish weekly saving goals, nurture positive financial habits, and embrace "no-spend" days. It's a fiscal rejuvenation that aligns with a prosperous new year.

2. 21 Days of Healthy Habits

Studies show that it takes 21 days to make a habit. The new year is a great time to support employees in creating and maintaining new healthy habits. Equip your workforce with a list of health-conscious practices that employees can complete with a weekly minimum.  

3. Walk Away the Winter Blues

Bid farewell to holiday indulgence with our "post-holiday" walking challenge. Encourage employees to shed those sluggish feelings by setting daily or weekly step goals. Whether an individual pursuit or a team venture, it's a step towards a healthier, happier workplace.

4. Screen Time Detox Challenge

The colder months push people inside, resulting in higher screen time. Studies show that too much screen time can lead to an increased risk of depression, loneliness, and weight gain. Plan a challenge centered around encouraging participants to hang up and connect with the people and world around them.

5. Couch to 5k

Help support New Year’s resolutions by running a Couch to 5k wellness challenge. Not sure where to start? This guide provides tips and tricks for success, or check out this article on running for beginners.

6. Better Sleep Challenge

Sleep is vital for health and wellbeing. Acknowledge the importance of rest with our Better Sleep Challenge. Cultivate sleep goals and instill lifestyle changes to bolster overall wellbeing. As the nights grow longer, let your employees embrace a journey toward restful rejuvenation.

7. Winter Hydration Challenge  

Encourage employees to stay well-hydrated during the colder months. Set a daily water intake goal and provide tips on incorporating herbal teas and warm water with lemon to make hydration more enticing.

8. Tropical Walking Challenge

Are you tired of the cold? Distract from the dreary weather with a tropical walking challenge. Utilize Google Maps to identify how many steps are needed to get from your office location to your favorite tropical destination, and let the virtual race begin!

Wellworks For You specializes in creating interactive, customizable wellness challenges focused on various avenues, from walking and fitness challenges to healthy habits that concentrate on finances, mindfulness, and sleep.

In addition to the challenges managed by Wellworks, you can always create fun, internal challenges that allow your employees to support each other in their goals and the workplace.

Remember, success thrives on structure. Challenges succeed most when they have a clearly defined start and end date, outlined requirements, and an incentive for those who meet all needs.

If you have a wellness program with Wellworks For You, contact your wellness coordinator to plan and schedule your next challenge. If you still need a workplace wellness program to get your employees started on their journey, contact us today to see how we can help.