Editor’s note: This blog post was originally published in March 2018 and has since been modified to include updated employee health and wellness data
One in two adults meet the recommended target of 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. This can lead to obesity, depression and increased stress levels. A workplace wellness program complete with wellness giveaways can help, and it’s not just employees who benefit. Employers can see a boost to their bottom line. When employees are healthier, they are more productive and more satisfied with their jobs.
Around 80 percent of businesses say they have the right programs in place to support staff members’ mental, physical, emotional and financial well-being. And employee wellness challenges coupled with some fun health and wellness giveaways can encourage employees to participate in these programs.
Get moving with exciting challenges and wellness giveaways
Employee wellness challenges are a great way to encourage a healthier lifestyle among your workers. Try one of these unique ideas for a fun and competitive challenge that’s sure to motivate them.
Make small changes for big wellness results
Small changes in everyday routines can have a big effect on overall health—think cutting back on soda or taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Focus on one challenge each month to encourage your employees to start taking small steps toward better health. Monthly challenge ideas include getting more sleep each night, awarding points for making a colleague laugh, tracking the number of steps taken each day or drinking enough water. Be sure to track each employee’s results where everyone can see them. Changing the challenge monthly, sharing results and providing wellness giveaways to the top finishers can encourage employees to join the fun.
Select a health and wellness giveaway that relates to each challenge. For tracking steps, the Extreme Multifunction Pedometer is a great tool. The large easy-to-read display lets you see steps taken, calories burned and miles/kilometres walked. The Koozie® Fanny Pack Cooler makes a great prize for a walking challenge. Not only does the pouch keep essentials close at hand, it keeps snacks and water cold. For water challenges, the Tempo Stainless Sports Bottle will help keep them hydrated. With a sleek, eye-catching design, everyone in the office will try to earn one of these.
Focus on wellness challenges that promote healthy eating
A nutritious diet is a major component of a healthy lifestyle. Around 73% of people say they eat a healthy diet. Help your staff stay on track with an employee wellness challenge that focuses on better eating. Start by providing healthy snacks around the office, sharing nutritious recipes and encouraging employees to pack their lunch. Then, have participants keep track of the fruits, vegetables and whole grains they eat every day.
Encourage healthy eating habits with one of these health and wellness giveaway ideas. Packing a nutritious lunch is a breeze with the Salad-To-Go Container. With a large bowl for salads and a separate dressing container, bringing a healthy meal is easy. The Portion Bowl is another practical tool. With the measurements right on the bowl, eating in moderation becomes stress-free. Keeping a food diary can help with weight loss and improve eating habits. Give away the High Tide Notebook Set for recipients to track their food choices. This writing set includes paper, pen and an inside pocket to hold healthy recipes.
Go straight to the source for wellness program ideas
Finally, when deciding on a wellness program for your office, be sure to take the time to ask the team what type of employee wellness challenges would interest them. Not only is this a great way to get everyone involved, but it could also uncover some valuable resources.
For example, if there’s a yoga instructor in the office, encourage them to start a daily or weekly yoga class. Provide a comfortable Fitness Mat with Carrying Case for each employee to use for stretching. Or, maybe there’s a passionate cyclist in the group who could offer tips on biking to work. Motivate everyone to ride with the Tri-Function Blinking Light. With options for blinking or steady light, this safety tool clips to backpacks, belts and directly to the bike.
A healthier team is a stronger one
No matter the employee wellness challenge, they all have the same goal: To build a healthier team. Put fun challenges paired with these health and wellness giveaway ideas to work in your office. Both you and your employees are sure to appreciate the results. For even more useful ideas on building a healthier team, check out our Blue Paper® on healthy giveaways to get your wellness program moving.