6 creative challenges to make your initiative a game 🎮

Go green with a commute challenge 🚴‍♀️

Why not combine wellness with eco-friendly vibes? A green commute challenge encourages employees to walk, bike, carpool, or use public transit instead of driving alone. Not only does this reduce their carbon footprint, but it also adds an element of physical activity to their day. Sharing experiences—like photos from a scenic bike route or stories from a fun carpool—creates a sense of community and highlights the collective impact of sustainable commuting.

To implement this, set up a leaderboard for tracking eco-friendly commutes and recognize the most creative or consistent participants. Offering small rewards or simply celebrating the collective efforts can make this challenge a highlight of your workplace vitality calendar.

Cook up excitement with a healthy recipe challenge 🥗

Bring on the aprons and get ready for a culinary adventure! A healthy recipe challenge invites employees to whip up their favorite nutritious dishes and share them with the team. Encourage participants to bring in dishes or share recipes tied to their cultural backgrounds, dietary preferences, or personal wellness journeys. From zesty salads to wholesome smoothies, this is a delicious way to get everyone excited about better eating habits.

Take it up a notch by hosting a “taste-off” event where participants can showcase their creations. Add some drama with a panel of “expert judges”—maybe even a local chef or the office foodie—to crown the “Healthy Master Chef.” And don’t forget to share these mouthwatering recipes on your intranet or newsletter so everyone can recreate them at home. Delicious, healthy, and full of fun!

Bring a zen-feeling to the office with a mindfulness marathon 🧘‍♀️

Not all competitions need to get your heart racing—some are about slowing things down. A mindfulness marathon encourages employees to focus on mental well-being while racking up points for activities like guided meditation, yoga, or even just a few minutes of tech-free time. These moments help reduce stress while encouraging employees to be more present. The calmer, the better!

Set up a scoreboard where employees can log their mindful moments, and add a dash of fun by creating mini-goals, like “Longest Digital Detox” or “Most Relaxing Lunchtime Stretch.” Throw in a workshop with a mindfulness coach or share quick de-stressing techniques. This challenge doesn’t just reduce stress; it’s a reminder to pause, breathe, and feel good.

Raise your glasses for a hydration challenge 💧

Let’s make water the MVP of your vitality initiative. A hydration challenge is a splashy way to encourage employees to sip smarter and stay hydrated throughout the day. The goal? Drink at least eight glasses daily and feel the difference in energy, focus, and mood. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter for sharing tips and tricks for staying hydrated!

Encourage employees to log their progress on a shared platform, and offer fun recognitions like “Hydration Hero” to celebrate their efforts. As employees feel the benefits—better energy, clearer thinking, and even glowing skin—this simple challenge becomes a workplace favorite. By making hydration a shared goal, you’ll build a sense of teamwork and fun around an essential habit.

Build consistency with a habit streak tracker 📅

Healthy habits start small, but the impact can be huge. Invite employees to select one health goal—whether it’s taking a lunchtime walk, drinking more water, or getting a full night’s sleep—and commit to maintaining their streak. This approach lets employees focus on personal goals while staying motivated as they track their progress.

Turn up the fun by creating a shared habit tracker and celebrating milestones. Recognize achievements like “Longest Streak” or “Most Creative Habit,” and encourage employees to cheer each other on. By focusing on small, consistent actions, you’re helping employees build a foundation for lasting health—and a whole lot of team spirit along the way.

Shake things up with a deskercise challenge 🪑

Who says you need to leave your desk to break a sweat? A deskercise challenge proves that staying active at work is totally doable (and hilarious). Chair yoga, seated dancing, or even desk push-ups—the possibilities are endless. The key? Make it fun, varied, and full of laughter.

Encourage employees to share their deskercise moves through photos or videos and award points for creativity. Titles like “Deskercise Dynamo” or “Most Flexible Desk Warrior” keep the challenge lighthearted and engaging. By the end, your workplace will be buzzing with movement and joy—and maybe even a few new dance moves.