Employee wellbeing challenge ideas for the New Year

As the New Year unfolds, many of us set resolutions that aim to improve our lives – whether it’s getting fit, prioritizing mental health or adopting lifestyle changes, like healthier eating or embracing a hobby.

A study from Forbes Health highlights that most resolutions only last 2-4 months before they are abandoned. Organizations can play a pivotal role in supporting their employees to achieve these goals through employee wellbeing challenges in the first quarter.

Using structured activities and encouragement can directly help those resolutions, or at least create an environment where employees are reminded of the value of sticking to their goals. Discover some of our top employee challenge ideas to support your employees’ resolutions this new year.

Step challenges: Get moving together

Walking challenges are an excellent way to remind people to get moving and to encourage friendly competition.

Setting up an organization-wide or department-specific challenge allows employees to pay increased attention to how much they move and encourage others using leaderboards and challenge chats. To prevent the already-fit from overwhelming your challenge, our clients will often form teams that allow a wider range of folks to achieve the leaderboard.

To create a year-long challenge that supports all levels of movement, Montrose County School District used the “monthly step goal” challenge on the Wellbeing+ app. Every employee that increased their step goal and then hit it was entered into a raffle for prizes. This not only motivates employees to be more active, but also fosters camaraderie as teammates encourage one another to meet their goals.

Mental wellbeing and mindfulness challenges

Increasingly, People Teams are looking to help employee with mental health and stress reduction.

Consider launching a "Mindful Minute" challenge, where employees use meditation resources available in the app to practice breathing, meditation or even journaling. Organizations can provide resources such journals, calendar reminders to take a breath or even lunchtime sessions with mindfulness instructors. Employees can also share their successes in the challenge chat to increase connection. You can include topics such as: Were you able to stay focused, or did distractions get the best of you? Are you feeling the effects of increased mindfulness in your daily stress levels?

Our clients have found that language matters when it comes to meditation. Is your workforce less familiar with these practices? Maybe you can call the them “increasing awareness” minutes or the challenge “increase focus for safety.” These challenges will also prepare you for April and May’s Stress and Mental Health Awareness months.

Reducing alcohol intake

With many New Year’s resolutions centered around healthier lifestyles, reducing alcohol consumption is a common goal. To support this resolution, companies can introduce challenges focused on sobriety or moderation. For instance, a “Sober January” initiative can encourage participants to abstain from alcohol for the month, with weekly check-ins and virtual share sessions to discuss experiences, strategies and encouragement.

Make sure other company events don’t interfere with this support by also offering mocktails or alcohol-free parties where employees can enjoy themselves without relying on alcoholic beverages. This not only creates a more inclusive atmosphere, but sets a positive tone around healthy choices, too. Additionally, consider hosting educational seminars featuring health professionals who can address the benefits of reducing alcohol and share tips for maintaining moderation.

Our research has found that most employees value a company that cares about their wellbeing over a 10% pay raise.

Integrating employee wellbeing challenges into the workplace supports individuals in achieving their New Year’s resolutions and enhances overall employee appreciation and connection. By fostering environments that prioritize physical activity, mental wellness and healthier habits, companies can boost employee morale and retention, ultimately leading to greater productivity. As we embark on this new year, help employees commit to a healthier workforce and transform resolutions into realities.

Reach out to a member of our team to learn more about how Reward Gateway | Edenred can help you make your corner of the world a better place to work with our suite of integrated employee experience solutions.