Skip navigation

Wellness challenge examples for inclusive workplaces

Discover 8 wellness challenge ideas that create a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment.

There are four employees in an office gathered around a laptop. They are smiling looking at the laptop.There are four employees in an office gathered around a laptop. They are smiling looking at the laptop.

Table of contents

Insights from Ellen Raim, Founder of People MatterWe focus more on solving than preventing People problems.

Support mental health + boost employee engagement

Wellness challenges in the workplace can support mental health, boost employee engagement and enhance productivity. But too often, wellness challenges are not designed to include everyone. Wellness initiatives can be inclusive while encouraging a healthy lifestyle, fostering camaraderie and creating a supportive work environment. 

This blog post discusses why incorporating wellness challenges benefits your organization and outlines wellness challenge ideas that prioritize inclusivity.

Benefits of wellness challenges

Here are three reasons why implementing wellness challenges can be a game-changer for your organization:

  • Support mental health: Regular participation in wellness activities can reduce stress, combat depression and improve cognitive function.
  • Boost employee engagement: Challenges involving teamwork or friendly competition can strengthen colleague relationships, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
  • Enhance productivity: Healthier employees are often more energetic and focused, which can lead to improved work performance.

8 wellness challenge ideas for an inclusive workplace

Here are eight engaging wellness challenge ideas that can help create a more inclusive and supportive workplace environment:

  1. Hydration challenge: Set a goal for daily water intake and provide employees with reusable water bottles.
  2. Mindfulness minutes: Challenge team members to meditate for several minutes each day. Provide training to help them get started.
  3. Healthy recipe contest: Employees submit their favorite healthy recipes and pictures of enjoying the meal.
  4. Learning face-off: Offer various learning opportunities and see which team can achieve the highest attendance.
  5. Sleep goals challenge: Track sleep and educate on the importance of a good night’s rest.
  6. Deskercise challenge: Introduce simple exercises that can be done at the desk.
  7. Wellness quiz: Host weekly quizzes on health, wellness and nutrition with small prizes.
  8. Stress management workshop: Hold workshops focusing on stress relief techniques.

Making wellness challenges inclusive

To ensure wellness challenges benefit all employees, here are key strategies for fostering inclusivity:

  • Offer variety: Provide a wide range of activities that cater to different interests and abilities.
  • Flexible participation: Allow employees to participate at levels that are comfortable for them.
  • Accessible activities: Ensure that all physical activities are accessible to people with different levels of mobility.
  • Remote-friendly options: Include challenges that can be performed by team members who work from home.
  • Cultural sensitivity: Be mindful of dietary restrictions, health considerations and cultural practices when planning activities.

Wellness challenges can promote a healthier, more engaged and productive workforce. Ensuring your challenges are inclusive will support physical and mental wellbeing while fostering a sense of belonging and community.

Learn live. Adapt faster.

Latest resources

Learn more about creating a culture of learning throughout our resources below.

From friendly check-ins to coaching: How to turn manager 1:1s into growth engines
Electives team
 
Apr 24, 2025

From friendly check-ins to coaching: How to turn manager 1:1s into growth engines

Help managers turn 1:1s into real growth conversations with coaching prompts, development goals and practical tools that support learning.
Leadership + management
Electives appoints DraftKings' CPO Linda Aiello to board amid record quarter
Electives team
 
Apr 22, 2025

Electives appoints DraftKings' CPO Linda Aiello to board amid record quarter

Industry veteran joins modern learning platform reshaping how companies build real skills at scale
In the news + press releases
From busy to better: How to build a learn-it-all culture at work
Electives team
 
Apr 22, 2025

From busy to better: How to build a learn-it-all culture at work

Learn how to build a learn-it-all culture with practical habits, manager support and systems that make growth part of everyday work.
Culture + collaboration
Mental Health Awareness Month: A guide for people leaders
Electives team
 
Apr 22, 2025

Mental Health Awareness Month: A guide for people leaders

Here are seven ways you can celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month this May or throughout the year.
Culture + collaboration
Mental Health Awareness Month: 5 ways to support employees
Electives team
 
Apr 22, 2025

Mental Health Awareness Month: 5 ways to support employees

Mental Health Awareness Month, celebrated throughout May, was established to raise awareness of those living with mental or behavioral health issues, help reduce the stigma around mental health and recognize the importance of mental wellness.
Culture + collaboration
Thriving in the skills economy
Electives team
 
Apr 16, 2025

Thriving in the skills economy

In the skills economy, value is defined by what people can do—not what’s on their resume. Here’s how organizations and employees can adapt and grow.
Culture + collaboration

View all posts

ENJOYABLE. EASY. EFFECTIVE.

Learning that works.

With live learning + AI simulations, Electives is a learning platform that makes it easy to design, execute and measure effectiveness.

Request a demo

Request a demo

Learn more

Learn more