1. Step Goal Challenge: Walk Your Way to Wellness

Encourage employees to stay active by creating a company-wide step goal challenge. This could be a set number of steps per day or a group goal to reach by the end of the month. Employees can track their steps using a fitness app or pedometer, with the option to participate solo or in teams.

How to Make It Fun:

• Create Leaderboards: Share a weekly leaderboard to show top steppers, igniting some friendly competition.

• Reward Milestones: Offer small rewards or recognition for hitting key milestones, like “First to 10,000 Steps” or “Most Steps in a Day.”

• Team Themes: Create team names or themes, and let employees choose a fun name related to the holidays.

Walking more is an easy way to incorporate physical activity into a busy day and offers a mental break from work—ideal for boosting both wellness and morale.

2. Healthy Recipe Swap: Holiday Edition

The holidays are a time for delicious treats, but they don’t always have to be unhealthy! Launch a Healthy Recipe Swap where employees can share their favorite nutritious, holiday-inspired recipes. From wholesome desserts to veggie-packed sides, this challenge promotes better eating habits while encouraging creativity.

How to Make It Fun:

• Host a Recipe Share Day: Dedicate a day to sampling the shared recipes—either in person or through a virtual potluck.

• Create a Company Cookbook: Compile all the recipes into a company e-cookbook as a fun keepsake from the challenge.

• Voting and Prizes: Let employees vote for the “Healthiest Dish,” “Most Creative Recipe,” or “Best Presentation,” with small prizes for winners.

This challenge encourages healthy eating and gives employees new ideas for nutritious holiday meals.

3. Gratitude Journaling Challenge

The holidays are a perfect time to reflect on what we’re thankful for. Encourage employees to keep a gratitude journal by writing down at least one thing they’re grateful for each day. This simple practice is linked to improved mental well-being, stress reduction, and greater positivity.

How to Make It Fun:

• Weekly Reflection Prompts: Send out weekly prompts to inspire employees, such as “Who in the office are you grateful for and why?” or “What’s a small win this week that made you smile?”

• Gratitude Wall: Create a virtual or physical gratitude wall where employees can anonymously post what they’re thankful for, fostering a sense of community.

• Mindfulness Sessions: Incorporate short mindfulness sessions where employees can reflect and share their gratitude thoughts together.

Gratitude journaling offers a meaningful way for employees to connect with one another and appreciate the positive aspects of work and life.

4. Stress Less Challenge

The holiday season can be stressful, so why not help employees keep their stress in check? The Stress Less Challenge encourages employees to try various stress-relief activities, from meditation to yoga to deep-breathing exercises.

How to Make It Fun:

• Daily or Weekly Activities: Share daily or weekly stress-busting activities for employees to try, such as a quick desk yoga session or a five-minute breathing exercise.

• Mindfulness Monday: Designate Mondays for company-wide stress-relief activities, whether it’s a group meditation, a lunch-hour yoga class, or a guided mindfulness exercise.

• Points System: Award points for each stress-relief activity completed, and let employees redeem points for wellness-related prizes or relaxation-focused rewards.

This challenge encourages self-care and reminds employees of the importance of mental well-being, especially during busy seasons.

5. Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

The spirit of the holidays is all about giving back, and this challenge encourages employees to make kindness part of their daily routine. The Random Acts of Kindness Challenge invites everyone to perform small acts of kindness, whether it’s at work, at home, or in their community.

How to Make It Fun:

• Kindness Bingo: Create a bingo card with different kindness challenges, such as “Help a coworker,” “Send a thank-you email,” or “Volunteer for a local charity.”

• Company Kindness Wall: Set up a board or digital space where employees can share their acts of kindness, inspiring others to do the same.

• End-of-Challenge Raffle: For each act of kindness completed, employees earn a ticket for a prize raffle, encouraging everyone to participate.

This challenge builds a positive, supportive work culture and spreads holiday cheer.

6. Hydration Challenge: Drink Up!

Staying hydrated is crucial for energy and focus, but it can often be forgotten during a busy holiday season. The Hydration Challenge encourages employees to drink enough water each day, tracking their intake and building healthy habits.

How to Make It Fun:

• Water Tracking Tools: Provide employees with a simple tracking sheet or recommend apps to help them log their daily water intake.

• Hydration Reminder: Send fun daily hydration reminders via email or Slack to keep the challenge top of mind.

• Water Bottle Giveaway: Gift employees with branded water bottles to kick off the challenge and help them stay on track.

The Hydration Challenge is a simple yet effective way to promote health and boost energy, helping employees feel their best through the holiday season.

Bringing Wellness and Fun to the Holiday Season

Holiday wellness challenges can make the workplace feel festive while encouraging employees to focus on their health and well-being. From stepping it up with a step challenge to spreading kindness with acts of generosity, these activities foster a positive work environment and help employees start the new year feeling refreshed and inspired.

Choose one or a mix of these holiday challenges to suit your company’s unique culture. With a bit of holiday cheer and a focus on wellness, this season can be your healthiest—and most memorable—yet!