12 Summer Wellness Challenges for the Office
Summer brings sunshine, longer days – and scattered vacation calendars. A good summer challenge works with that reality: it is flexible, fun and easy to join from anywhere. Here are 12 summer wellness challenges for the office that keep employees engaged, plus tips for running them during holiday season.
Table of Contents
1. Activity Challenges
1.1. 1. "Around the World" Virtual Journey
Take your team on a virtual trip across the globe. Teams walk, run or cycle, and their combined distance moves them along a route on a map. Share fun facts about each "stop" and celebrate milestone destinations. Set it up as a distance challenge or see 10 virtual journeys for teams.
1.2. 2. Wellness Olympics
Turn summer into a games season. Teams represent countries and earn points in different "events" – steps, workouts, desk yoga, brain teasers or a relay race at the summer party. A points-based challenge brings everything together – see the total wellness points challenge. For inspiration, read how Health Carousel powers its Olympics Move Challenge with YuMuuv.
1.3. 3. Summer Step Challenge
The classic for a reason: everyone can join with a phone, and steps count at home, at the office and on the beach. Use a consistency goal – for example 7,000 steps on 20 of 30 days – so holidays do not ruin anyone's chances. See 17 corporate step challenge ideas for summer.
1.4. 4. Outdoor Yoga
Organize yoga or stretching sessions in a park, garden or on the office roof, and run a yoga challenge alongside it for people who prefer to practice at home.
1.5. 5. Summer Running Challenge
Invite runners to explore their vacation spots with destination runs or sunrise runs. A running challenge keeps everyone connected – read more ideas in summer running challenges.
2. Mind and Recovery Challenges
2.1. 6. Sleep Challenge
Long, light evenings can push bedtimes later. A sleep challenge encourages consistent routines, less screen time before bed and a cool, dark bedroom.
2.2. 7. Gratitude Challenge
Ask participants to note one thing they are grateful for each day, or share it in the challenge chat. A simple daily check-in turns it into a habit.
2.3. 8. Mindful Art Break
Set up a creative corner with art supplies and simple prompts, or invite a local artist to lead a relaxed session. Display the results in the office.
2.4. 9. Self-Care Bingo
Create a bingo card with small self-care actions – a walk without a phone, a new recipe, an hour of reading, a swim. The first to complete a row or the whole card wins.
3. Team and Community Challenges
3.1. 10. Hydration Challenge
Hot days make hydration a natural summer theme. Set a daily water goal and track it with a simple check-in. See what hydration has to do with workplace wellness.
3.2. 11. Sustainability Challenge
Combine wellbeing with climate action: points for cycling or walking to work, plastic-free lunches or a team park clean-up. Try the car-free commute challenge idea.
3.3. 12. Community Service Scavenger Hunt
Teams complete tasks that help local causes: a donation drive, helping at a community event or collecting litter on a walk. Pair it with steps for a cause – see how to run a charity challenge.
4. Tips for Running Challenges During Holiday Season
- Use consistency goals instead of totals, so a two-week holiday does not end anyone's chances.
- Make it work anywhere – activity should sync automatically from phones and wearables wherever people are.
- Keep it light – four to six weeks is plenty.
- Share photos from vacation walks and runs in the chat to keep everyone connected.
- Stay safe in the heat – share tips for exercising in the heat.
Planning ahead? Read how to prepare a summer wellness challenge people actually join and how to set SMART goals for summer challenges.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
5.1. What is a good summer wellness challenge for the office?
A team step challenge or a virtual journey is the easiest start, because everyone can join from anywhere, including on vacation.
5.2. How do I keep people engaged when many are on holiday?
Use consistency goals, let activity count anywhere and keep the chat lively with photos and short updates.
5.3. Should summer challenges include non-fitness activities?
Yes. Sleep, hydration, gratitude and self-care challenges include people who are less interested in sport.
5.4. How do I get started?
Book a demo and we will help you set up your summer challenge.
