13 inspiring employee wellbeing challenges to elevate employee engagement in 2025

The landscape of workplace wellbeing is rapidly evolving, pushing HR benefits leaders to search for innovative strategies to enhance employee engagement and overall health. In a market that thrives on collaboration and productivity, it's essential to introduce challenges that not only engage your employees but also align with their core values and support their personal wellbeing journeys. Today’s workplace wellbeing programs must go beyond traditional wellness initiatives, creating meaningful experiences that resonate with employees on a deeper level. By introducing challenges that foster connection, encourage friendly competition, and address mental, physical, financial, emotional, balance, career, and purpose, organizations can build a culture where employees feel supported and motivated to bring their best selves to work.

Benefits of corporate wellness challenges

According to Rand, group challenges in workplace wellbeing programs significantly workplace culture, including:

Navigate leads the way in this movement, offering a range of group and individual wellbeing challenges that spark collaboration, support personal growth, and prioritize mental health as a core element of collective success.

Types of employee wellbeing challenges

Group wellbeing challenges

Step challenges may often come to mind first, but our clients are finding success with quarterly group challenges that encompass much more. These challenges keep employees engaged, motivated, and connected year-round by offering a variety of activities—from mindfulness and hydration goals to creative team-building tasks—giving employees multiple ways to participate. By creating regular opportunities for teams to bond over shared goals, quarterly challenges strengthen workplace belonging and foster a supportive, health-centered culture. They also keep your wellbeing program and benefits top-of-mind, providing fresh incentives to stay active and involved, helping prevent burnout and promote sustained healthy habits. Aligned with seasonal goals and themes, these challenges add variety, ensuring employees remain excited and invested in their wellbeing journey.

Individual and peer-to-peer wellbeing challenges

Individual and peer-to-peer wellbeing challenges have gained popularity because they offer a personalized, flexible approach to wellbeing that meets employees where they are. These challenges empower individuals to pursue their own health goals while enjoying the support and motivation of their colleagues, friends, and family, creating a sense of shared accomplishment. Including both types of challenges in your library, and ensuring they are available year-round, allows for greater customization, encouraging employees to engage at their own pace while fostering meaningful connections. This balance between personal growth and team collaboration helps to sustain motivation and build a resilient, health-focused culture.

To help you make 2025 the best year yet, we’ve compiled 13 wellbeing challenge ideas our clients use to engage their diverse workforces:

1. Healthy eating challenge

Quick overview: A healthy eating challenge encourages employees to explore nutritious options and build lasting habits by trying new recipes (a favorite area in the Navigate wellbeing program), tracking balanced meals, or joining a group meal-prep session. It’s a fun way to foster mindful eating while boosting energy and focus throughout the workday.

Healthy eating challenge idea: “NEWtrition!” Nutrition doesn’t have to be boring! Focus on a key theme each week from trying new foods as an adult to experimenting with fruits, building a vege-TABLE, and learning about the filling power of fiber.

When to run a healthy eating challenge: March is National Nutrition Month.

Navigate challenge tip: This challenge is not only a great way to engage employees beyond a step challenge but also gives employees opportunities to explore new offerings in your wellbeing program such as food trackers, meal planners, and recipes to build sustainable healthy habits. To add a fun, interactive element, invite a local nutritionist or chef to give a quick demo of a quick, easy, balanced meal and promote through your Events Calendar in the Navigate platform for a large crowd!

2. Sleep challenge

Quick overview: Many corporate wellness challenges focus on physical health by promoting fitness challenges but neglect a critical component that fuels physical performance: sleep. According to a recent employee sleep study, half of full-time workers say they aren’t getting enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can affect productivity, mental and emotional health, contribute to chronic disease progression, and lead to serious workplace accidents. Sleep challenges help educate employees and support them to practice healthy sleep habits.

Sleep challenge idea: “In your dreams“ A good night’s sleep isn’t just a dream – it’s attainable through actionable healthy habits to implement for better sleep. Each week of this Navigate challenge focuses on educational content from recognizing tired feeling to building a sustainable bedtime routine.

When to run a sleep challenge: March 14, 2025, is World Sleep Day, or consider aligning with sleep observation months such as Better Sleep Month in May or National Sleep Comfort Month in November.

Navigate challenge tip: Sleep quality is heavily influenced by daily activities such as workplace stress, exercise, nutrition, and family or financial needs. When planning a sleep challenge, ensure employees have access to a holistic wellbeing platform that can support their whole-person wellbeing to ensure they don’t feel overwhelmed or, even worse, discouraged because they feel like they cannot follow the recommendations alone. Navigate provides people-first support in addition to workplace challenges to ensure a successful program.

3. Step challenge

Quick overview: Step challenges are wellness programs designed to encourage physical activity by tracking the number of steps participants take each day. For HR leaders and wellbeing champions, walking challenges are some of the most popular and are used to promote health, movement, and team building among diverse workforces. Step challenges can also help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and pain, a common claims cost driver, and help individuals build sustainable healthy habits with a low impact activity to boost overall health.

Step challenge idea: “Courtside Steps” A fun step challenge that brings the excitement of basketball from the TV to daily life. New themes each week provide educational content to support employees starting a new walking habit or building more steps into their routine, creating a sense of community and shared motivation, regardless of whether they are stepping on the court for the first time or ready to hustle – a slam dunk for everyone!

When to run a step challenge: Step challenges are versatile.

Navigate challenge tip: Remove barriers to participation and engagement by helping employees connect their preferred device before the challenge begins.

4. Financial wellbeing challenge

Quick overview: Financial stress significantly impacts both work performance and personal life. Financial wellness challenges are valuable for a wide range of individuals, from recent graduates managing student loans to mid-career professionals juggling mortgages and other financial commitments. Many can benefit from tools to strengthen their financial wellbeing.

Financial challenge idea: Since financial information is sensitive, the most effective way to introduce financial wellness as a challenge is through educational support. The “Smart Cents” challenge engages employees with expert guidance from our partner, Your Money Line, helping them set achievable financial goals and build confidence in their financial future. From turning small savings into larger plans, this expert advice helps employees feel seen, valued, and empowered as they onboard your financial wellness program.

When to run a financial challenge: January is recognized as Financial Wellness Month, driven by holiday spending and New Year’s resolutions. It's a time when many evaluate their spending habits, set goals, and plan for savings. However, financial wellness extends beyond money; it plays a crucial role in overall well-being. Being financially healthy is a critical piece of overall wellbeing. Financial health is defined as the dynamic relationship of one’s financial and economic resources as they are applied to or impact the state of physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Navigate challenge tip: After the challenge use Navigate’s targeted communications to send updates from your financial wellness partners to keep this benefit top of mind and engagement high!

5. Workplace wellbeing challenge that focuses on mental health awareness

Quick overview: Building a workplace that prioritizes mental health is more than a perk—it’s transformative for both productivity and employee satisfaction. Envision a culture where everyone feels valued and understood, with supportive policies as a standard part of the employee experience.

Mental health awareness challenge idea: Centered around empathy, choice, and a people-first approach to wellbeing, the "Reflect Where You Connect" challenge encourages employees to explore their work, community, and sense of purpose to identify what brings them joy. Supported by mindfulness tools and the power of connection, this challenge empowers employees to cultivate awareness, compassion, and a deeper sense of belonging.

When to run a mental health challenge: May is mental health awareness month. This month serves as a pivotal opportunity to focus on raising awareness about mental health issues, reducing stigma, and promoting wellness strategies. It's an ideal time to engage with your community, provide resources, and encourage open conversations about mental health. By organizing a challenge during this month, you can align your organization’s efforts with nationwide initiatives and contribute to a broader movement that emphasizes the importance of mental wellbeing.

Navigate challenge tip: Managers, as the primary point of contact for employees, naturally foster greater trust and rapport with their teams compared to higher-level leadership. To enhance their effectiveness, consider providing managers with in-depth training on policies and benefits, and organize a "lunch and learn" session focused on how to discuss sensitive topics with empathy and tact. Additionally, managers should be informed that they can guide employees to the Navigate platform, where all benefits and resources are conveniently accessible in one place.

With Navigate's mental health coaching service, you can also help alleviate the financial concerns that prevent many individuals from seeking care. Scheduling an appointment with a health coach is straightforward, and there are no out-of-pocket costs for the service—offering a powerful way to support your entire organization's wellbeing.

6. Fitness challenge

Quick overview: Fitness challenges are an exciting way to get moving and build stronger connections with others! Picture this: a group of co-workers coming together, each bringing their unique skills and energy, all for the thrill of friendly competition. Whether it's a step-count challenge, or a vigorous workout session, these challenges spark motivation and camaraderie.

Fitness challenge idea: “Good for the Soles” will have employees trusting their instincts, exploring new paths, and savoring the sights and experiences along the way – at their own pace.

When to run a fitness challenge: April is recognized as Physical Wellness Month, encouraging individuals to actively participate in regular physical activities, such as walking, jogging, cycling, or participating in sports, helping to enhance cardiovascular fitness and overall strength. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of making informed dietary choices, such as incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into meals, while reducing processed foods and sugars.

7. Focus on sustainability challenge

Quick overview: Motivate employees to engage in initiatives that enhance their personal wellbeing while contributing to the health of our planet. These initiatives can encompass wellbeing programs focusing on physical fitness, mental health, and nutritional education, as well as eco-friendly practices such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and promoting sustainable transportation options. By embedding these practices into the workplace culture, employers can cultivate a community that prioritizes both personal health and environmental responsibility.

Sustainability challenge idea: Enhance your sustainability efforts while promoting physical health with our innovative challenge, "Plan it for the Planet.” This initiative goes beyond a simple walking challenge by combining the benefits of physical activity with meaningful community involvement and ecological impact. Each activity is purposefully designed to help employees forge a stronger connection with their environment, reducing their carbon footprint and fostering a culture of sustainability within the workplace.

When to run a sustainability challenge: Earth Day, celebrated every year on April 22 since 1970, is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to protect our planet. It celebrates the achievements of the environmental movement and encourages us to think about how our actions today will affect future generations. But why limit efforts to just one day? The real impact lies in adopting eco-friendly practices every day of the year! Whether it’s reducing waste, conserving energy, or supporting sustainable companies, small changes in our daily routines can make a significant difference.

Navigate challenge tip: Transform the Social Wall into your go-to-eco-hub for sharing inspirational resources and celebrating team contributions. Consider engaging with local environmental organizations to organize and feature impactful community projects on the Social Wall. Envision activities like tree-planting events, cleanup drives, and vibrant environmental awareness campaigns that not only bring your community together but also ignite a collective passion for sustainability.

Bonus! The Social Wall is accessible to everyone, including new hires after the challenge ends, making it the perfect sustainable platform where employees can connect, learn, and celebrate their contributions to a more sustainable future.

8. Work-life balance challenge

Quick overview: Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is essential for both employees and organizations. When employees achieve this balance, they feel better mentally, experience less stress, and avoid burnout. This leads to higher productivity and creativity. Additionally, a balanced work-life environment keeps employees satisfied and engaged, leading to higher retention rates.

Work-life balance challenge idea: The “Work Towards Balance” challenge empowers employees to develop strategies for setting healthy boundaries and prioritizing personal wellness. By providing tools to help them self-assess, establish boundaries, understand self-care, and adapt to change, employees can focus on the most critical aspects of maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

When to run a work-life balance challenge: October is National Work and Family Month, a great time to reflect on work-life balance, implement family-friendly workplace policies, and promote activities that support the wellbeing of employees and their families. Whether it's through flexible scheduling, encouraging time off, or organizing family-inclusive events, this month offers an opportunity to reinforce the importance of balancing work responsibilities with family life.

Navigate challenge tip: There are multiple reasons why work-life balance is a struggle. Not having access to reliable childcare, transportation, food, housing, financial assistance, health care, and more can create significant barriers for individuals trying to balance their professional and personal lives. These challenges can lead to increased stress, reduced productivity, and overall dissatisfaction. Every Navigate wellbeing program offers free social care solutions that improve health equity from findhelp.org in support of our mission of doing good things for the people and communities we serve.

9. Hydration challenge

Quick overview: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the years 2015 to 2018, children and adolescents in the United States consumed an average of 23 ounces of plain water daily. In comparison, U.S. adults drank an average of 44 ounces. This amounts to just under 3 cups for children and approximately 5.5 cups for adults. Both figures are significantly below the recommended daily intake, which is 10 cups less for men, 11 cups less for women, and at least 2 cups less for children.

Hydration is crucial for maintaining both physical health and cognitive function, making it a vital aspect of employee wellbeing that should not be overlooked. Adequate fluid intake is essential for various bodily functions, including regulating body temperature, supporting digestion, and ensuring the efficient transport of nutrients. Additionally, staying properly hydrated has a direct effect on mental clarity, focus, and overall productivity. When employees are well-hydrated, they often experience improved concentration and reduced fatigue, which can lead to enhanced performance and greater job satisfaction.

Hydration challenge idea: Engage your entire workforce to ‘Think About Your Drink’, helping them learn the importance of hydration while also reducing their sugar intake. Practical tips and strategies, such as setting hydration goals, using refillable water bottles, and exploring healthy beverage alternatives, help employees take small steps to building new routines.

When to run a hydration challenge: Plan a hydration challenge for the summer months, when the heat can be particularly intense. This initiative is especially crucial for employees who work outdoors, as they are more susceptible to dehydration.

Navigate challenge tip: Encourage participation by setting clear goals, such as a daily water intake target. Swap out food day or sugary afternoon snacks with branded water bottles to keep hydration top of mind. And foster a sense of community by adding your “Stay hyra-tion ahead of the competition!” comments to the Team Leaderboard.

10. Discover your spark challenge

Quick overview: Encourage employees to actively pursue and develop their passions, both in their professional roles and personal lives. By fostering a supportive environment, organizations can help individuals identify and explore their interests, leading to greater job satisfaction and personal fulfillment. Implement initiatives such as workshops, mentorship programs, and team-building activities that align with these passions.

Discover your spark challenge idea: Ignite passion and gratitude with "Discover Your Spark" challenge designed to help employees gain a greater sense of fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives. By fostering this journey of personal growth, you’ll not only enhance individual wellbeing but also cultivate a motivated and energized team. As employees reconnect with their passions, they will likely bring newfound enthusiasm and innovative ideas to their roles. This infusion of creativity and positivity can significantly contribute to overall job satisfaction and a vibrant team spirit, making the workplace more enjoyable and productive for everyone involved.

When to run a discover your spark: As the winter months approach and the days grow shorter, many employees may find themselves experiencing the effects of seasonal depression. The lack of sunlight and colder temperatures can dampen spirits and decrease motivation. To combat these feelings, it’s essential to find ways to ignite a sense of enthusiasm and bring a little brightness into daily routines. This can include seeking out activities that inspire joy, such as engaging in creative projects, connecting with colleagues for uplifting conversations, or incorporating moments of self-care throughout the workday. By actively cultivating a more vibrant atmosphere, employees can enhance their overall wellbeing and foster a more positive workplace environment.

Navigate challenge tip: Feature stories of managers and leaders actively pursuing their passions outside of daily work. Stories can inspire people to engage and take action in ways that might feel unfamiliar.

11. Seasonal challenge

Quick overview: Take advantage of the changing seasons by implementing wellbeing activities that resonate with the natural rhythms of the year. For instance, in the spring, consider spring cleaning challenges, organizing outdoor yoga sessions or gardening workshops that encourage mindfulness and connection with nature. As summer approaches, activities like step challenges, hiking, or community picnics can promote physical fitness and social interaction. In the fall, focus on activities that emphasize gratitude and reflection, such as guided meditation retreats or nature walks to observe the changing foliage. As winter arrives, create cozy indoor wellbeing routines, like group meditation, journaling workshops, or warm drink tastings, that foster introspection and self-care. By aligning these wellbeing initiatives with the seasons, you can enhance participants’ wellbeing and encourage them to embrace the unique qualities each season brings.

Seasonal challenge idea: Begin the New Year with a focus on sustainability, prioritizing consistency over intensity. Instead of the typical sprint at the year’s start, which often results in burnout before reaching the goals, ‘New Year Rest-olution' encourages employees to align with their core values. By emphasizing prioritization and recharging, employees can better manage the pressures of the new year and maintain their wellbeing and productivity throughout the year.

When to run the seasonal challenge: Kickstart the New Year with a positive mindset and fresh perspective. Embrace the concept of a New Year Rest-olution, which encourages you to reflect on your current habits and make a commitment to prioritize rest and rejuvenation. This approach not only helps to inspire a new outlook on life but also emphasizes the importance of self-care and mental wellbeing.

12. Holistic wellbeing challenge

Quick overview: Employee wellbeing encompasses the holistic health and happiness of individuals in the workforce. It's a common misconception that employee wellbeing refers solely to physical or mental health; however, it extends far beyond those two areas. At Navigate, we strongly believe that employees require support across what we define as the 8 Pillars of Wellbeing: Balance, Community, Financial, Mindfulness, Nutrition, Physical, Purpose, and Social.

Holistic challenge idea: "The Great Wellness Experiment" unites a variety of wellness activities you've encountered in articles or on TikTok. It offers you the trending health practices that truly benefit your well-being, and together, we'll delve into and explore them!

When to run the wellness experiment: August is National Wellness Month! This is the perfect time to prioritize our wellbeing and explore the many dimensions of wellness that make life truly fulfilling. From nurturing your mental and physical health to enriching your social connections and intellectual pursuits, and work-life balance, every aspect plays a vital role in our overall quality of life.

13. Digital detox challenge

Quick overview: In today's hyper-connected world, the constant barrage of notifications, emails, and social media can be overwhelming and lead to digital fatigue. A digital detox challenge offers an intriguing opportunity to step away from screens and reconnect with the present moment.

Digital detox challenge idea: Unplug and recharge from morning mindfulness to no digital meals to screen-free evening and digital decluttering, the possibilities are endless.

When to run a digital detox challenge: This challenge is best suited for individuals and peer-to-peer challenges so that individuals on their own can determine which areas of their digital life need detoxing, whether it’s social media, gaming, or turning off work notifications after the work day has ended, creating a more relevant and impactful experience.

Running workplace wellbeing challenges with Navigate

Evaluating your employee engagement levels and creating an exceptional workplace environment can greatly benefit from additional support. A people-first wellbeing solution like Navigate is designed not only to boost employee engagement but also to provide meaningful insights that enhance and contextualize your wellbeing program.

With Navigate, your organization can:

All of this is delivered with empathy, choice, and people-first content. Supported by our dedicated account management team, we help you transform employee wellbeing into a distinctive competitive advantage. Our approach is built on your core values and tailored to meet your specific goals and needs, ensuring that your program is perfectly designed for you.

Discover the difference – Get a personalized Navigate demo today!