Wellness Challenge Prizes: What Participants and Organizers Prefer (Survey Results)
Do prizes really matter in a wellness challenge? Which rewards do people prefer, and who should get them? In 2023 we surveyed YuMuuv challenge organizers and participants about wellness challenge prizes. The sample was small – roughly 10 to 17 answers per question – so treat the numbers as directional, but the patterns are clear and useful for planning rewards.
Table of Contents
1. Key Findings at a Glance
- Prizes matter: respondents rated the importance of prizes at 4.6 out of 5 on average.
- Flexible rewards win: gift cards and cash bonuses were the most popular choice (71%).
- Experiences are close behind: 65% liked vouchers for experiences such as spa visits or adventure activities.
- Reward everyone who is active: this was the most popular way to distribute prizes.
- Monthly rhythm: 70% of organizations preferred monthly challenges.
2. Which Prizes Do Participants Prefer?
| Reward type | Share of respondents who liked it |
|---|---|
| Gift cards and cash bonuses | 71% |
| Vouchers for experiences (spa, adventure activities) | 65% |
| Physical goods such as T-shirts and equipment | 59% |
| Extra vacation days or leaving early | 50% |
| Charity donations | 35% |
Respondents could choose several options. Exclusive company merchandise was also mentioned by a significant group. The takeaway: offer a mix. Flexible rewards are the safest choice, but experiences, merch, time off and charity options each appeal to different people. For ideas, see 100 branded merchandise ideas under $30 and wellness challenge rewards.
3. How Much Do Prizes Matter?
- Importance of prizes: 4.6 out of 5 on average (median 5).
- Influence on motivation to participate: 3.85 out of 5 on average (median 4).
- Satisfaction with past prizes: 3.68 out of 5 on average (median 3.5).
Prizes are clearly seen as important, and they do influence motivation – but satisfaction with past prizes leaves room for improvement. Better-chosen, more varied rewards are an easy win. Remember that prizes are only one part of motivation: social connection, team spirit and visible progress matter too. See employee wellness incentives: what works and what backfires.
4. Who Should Get the Prizes?
| Approach | Share |
|---|---|
| Everyone who is active | 38% |
| The most active participants | 23% |
| A prize draw among active participants | 23% |
| Other | 15% |
Rewarding everyone who takes part was the most popular approach. Combining a small reward for all active participants with a draw or special prize keeps both casual and competitive people motivated. See how to design challenges for non-competitive employees.
5. How Often Should Challenges Run?
| Frequency | Share of organizations |
|---|---|
| Monthly | 70% |
| Twice a year | 20% |
| Quarterly | 10% |
Most organizations preferred a monthly rhythm, often tied to themes or seasons. If monthly feels like too much, a quarterly or two-challenge year works well too – see the 12-month wellness challenge calendar, the 4-challenge plan and the two-challenge year.
6. Prize Budgets and Admin Time
Prize budgets varied widely between organizations. The most common way to budget was a total per challenge (44%), followed by a budget per participant per challenge (33%).
Managing prizes takes time:
- Less than 5 hours per challenge: 56%
- 5–10 hours: 33%
- More than 20 hours: 11%
Organizers said they would most like help with choosing motivating prizes, designing or customizing prizes, logistics and distribution, budgeting, legal and compliance questions, and collecting employee feedback.
7. What We Learned
We asked whether organizers would use a YuMuuv-managed prize service. Opinions were mixed (22% yes, 22% no, 56% maybe). Today, YuMuuv does not manage or distribute prizes: organizers choose and deliver their own rewards, and admins can describe prizes in the challenge details – see how prizes work in YuMuuv.
8. Practical Tips for Your Next Challenge
- Offer choice – gift cards, experiences, merch, time off or a donation.
- Reward participation – something for everyone who is active, plus a draw or special prize.
- Keep admin light – digital rewards are easier to deliver, especially to remote employees.
- Ask your people – a two-question survey before launch prevents unpopular prizes.
- Keep a rhythm – regular challenges with smaller rewards often work better than one big prize.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best prizes for a wellness challenge?
In our survey, gift cards and cash bonuses were most popular, followed by experience vouchers, physical goods and extra time off. Offering a choice works best.
Should only winners get prizes?
Most respondents preferred rewarding everyone who is active, sometimes combined with a prize draw or a special prize for top performers.
Does YuMuuv provide the prizes?
No. The organizer chooses and delivers prizes; YuMuuv runs the challenge. Book a demo to plan your next challenge.
