Table of Contents:
- What is a step challenge
- What is a step challenge at work?
The main benefits of a workplace step challenge
- Reduction of workplace stress and burnout
- Improved relationships and trust between colleagues
- Higher morale and happiness
- Improved company culture
- Better company image
- Plan your company step challenge
- Step challenge rules
Choosing Between Manual steps tracking or a steps tracking app
- What is a step challenge app
- Manual Challenge Pros and Cons
- App-Based Challenge Pros and Cons
Promoting your workplace step challenge
- Example Template Emails for Invitation
- Creating Buzz
Motivating Participation with Rewards
- Incentive Ideas
- Prizes and Recognition
Promoting Inclusivity by Allowing Different Activities
- Customizing Challenge Options
- Duration and Frequency
- Rules and Guidelines
- Tracking Progress
Engaging and Motivating Participants During the Challenge
- Regular Updates and Leaderboards
- Support and Encouragement
- Announcing Winners and Recognizing Participants
- Collecting Feedback
1. What is a step challenge
Step challenge is a team-building activity where team members compare their steps with one another. This activity encourages participants to track and increase their daily step count. There are a few main types of step challenges:
Individual Competition: Participants compete to achieve the highest number of steps over a certain duration. The winner is the participant with the highest number of steps at the end of the challenge.
Team Competition: Participants are divided into teams that compete against each other. The winner is the team with the highest total number of steps at the end of the challenge. To ensure fair competition among teams of different sizes, the winner is determined by the highest daily average steps, which eliminates the advantage of having more participants.
Goal Challenge: In this challenge, all participants work together to achieve a collective goal, such as walking a total of 1 million steps. The challenge is completed when the group reaches the goal. This format is often used for charity fundraising or challenges with a specific meaning.
Point-Based Challenge: This inclusive option allows participants to earn points for reaching daily step goals. Additionally, participants can earn extra points for other activities like cycling, gym visits, or running. The winner is the participant with the highest number of points at the end of the challenge.
Social Challenge: In this challenge, participants earn points for sharing their progress and supporting each other. For example, participants can earn points for every picture they share in a communication channel, and others can earn points for commenting on or liking the picture. This type of challenge encourages social interaction and team bonding.
2. What is a step challenge at work
A step challenge at work is a walking competition where employees compete to see who can accumulate the most steps during a set period. Companies organize step challenges to promote health and wellbeing while also building stronger connections between employees. A study by the American Heart Association found that employees who participate in workplace wellness activities, such as step challenges, are more likely to improve their overall health and productivity.
3. The main benefits of a workplace step challenge
A workplace step challenge is an effective way to improve employee health, wellness, and engagement. It can also lead to a reduction in burnout and stress. Here are five main benefits of a step challenge at work:
- Reduction of Workplace Stress and Burnout: Research by the American Psychological Association (APA) shows that physical activities like walking are effective in managing and reducing stress, a key component of burnout. A step challenge increases employees’ physical activity, helping them to better manage stress and reduce the risk of burnout.
- Improved Relationships and Trust Between Colleagues: A workplace walking challenge drives social interaction and conversations between employees, leading to better relationships and trust. Similar to other team-building activities, a step challenge encourages participants to interact more frequently, share experiences, and support each other’s progress—core components of team bonding. According to a study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, workplace wellness programs that include social components, like group challenges, lead to better teamwork and stronger interpersonal relationships.
- Higher Morale and Happiness: A workplace walking challenge can lead to increased levels of morale and happiness at work. Walking stimulates the release of dopamine—a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. This boost in dopamine improves mood and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety, leading to a more positive work environment. Studies have shown that happier employees are 13% more productive, and companies with high employee morale often experience lower turnover rates and better overall performance.
- Improved Company Culture: A workplace step challenge contributes to building a positive and cohesive company culture. As employees participate in a shared goal and collaborative experience, they strengthen their emotional connection to the company’s culture. The collaborative atmosphere created in a step challenge reinforces the values of teamwork, wellness, and mutual support, which are key components of a strong company culture. According to a study by Deloitte, companies with strong cultures are 92% more likely to retain their best employees and are 2.5 times more likely to experience significant growth.
- Better Company Image: A workplace step challenge can improve your company’s image both internally and externally. Companies that prioritize employee wellness and foster a culture of health and teamwork are viewed as more attractive by both current and potential employees. According to research by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), companies that invest in wellness programs are perceived as more appealing by job seekers and experience higher levels of employee satisfaction and loyalty.
4. Planning a workplace step challenge
Set a Goal: To make your workplace step challenge successful, you need to first define your goal. Make it quantifiable and achievable, such as the percentage of employees participating, the increase in average steps from the first week to the last, or the number of social interactions between participants (or any other goal you have in mind).
Choose a Type of Challenge: Decide whether the challenge will be a team competition, individual competition, common goal, or a mix of all. Based on what you want to achieve, select the type of challenge and a prize for the winner.
Choose a Platform and Set the Challenge: Determine if you will use a workplace step challenge app or manage the challenge manually through an Excel sheet. Select a start date and duration. It’s beneficial to link it to a relevant event, such as Mental Health Awareness Month or Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Select Champions: Identify 3-5 employees who are likely to engage enthusiastically with the challenge and share your idea with them. If possible, run a small-scale mini-challenge with them to ensure the platform you’ve chosen works as expected. If any issues arise, it’s better to address them early on.
Build an Internal Marketing Plan: Plan your communications from pre-launch to recap, including mid-challenge recognition and milestone celebrations. You can use this tool to create an effective communication plan.
5. Step challenge rules
o make your step challenge fair, inclusive, and successful, it’s important to create clear rules and share them with participants early on. Here are some considerations and examples:
Eligibility: Determine who is eligible to participate (e.g., all employees, employees and their family members, specific departments, etc.).
Step Tracking: Decide whether employees can manually input steps or if only automated tracking through devices/apps is allowed. It’s recommended to enable only automated step tracking to prevent disputes over data accuracy.
Duration: Set a clear timeframe and specify the time zone. For example, the challenge could start on January 1st at 00:01 MST and end on January 31st at 23:59 MST.
Cheating: Clearly communicate your expectations regarding cheating and outline how you will handle any incidents. Explain the process for notifying participants if suspicious data is detected and outline the consequences for cheating or falsifying data.
Data Security: Recognize that step counting and activity tracking involve sensitive data. Avoid free apps or platforms with low security or data-selling practices, as you could be responsible as the organizer. Ensure participants understand what data will be used and how it will be protected.
Rewards: Specify the number of rewards and what achievements they will be given for. Clarify what will happen if two participants have the same number of steps or points at the end of the challenge.
Additional Notes: Communicate any other relevant restrictions that could impact the challenge dynamics. Focus on fairness and inclusivity to achieve the best results.
6. Choosing Between a Manual Challenge and an App
What is a step challenge app
A step challenge app is a mobile application that helps users track their daily step counts and participate in step-based challenges. These apps usually work in conjunction with a smartphone or wearable fitness tracker, automatically recording steps taken throughout the day.
Key features of step challenge apps include:
- Step Tracking: The core function, accurately counting steps taken during walks, runs, or other activities.
- Goal Setting: Allowing users to set daily or weekly step goals, providing a clear target to aim for.
- Progress Monitoring: Visualizing progress through graphs, charts, or other visual aids, showing how close users are to achieving their goals.
- Challenges and Competitions: Many apps offer challenges or competitions, allowing users to compete with friends, colleagues, or even strangers to see who can accumulate the most steps.
- Social Features: Some apps incorporate social features, such as leaderboards, news feeds, or chat functions, to foster a sense of community and friendly competition.
- Rewards and Incentives: Certain apps offer rewards or incentives for reaching milestones or achieving goals, providing an extra layer of motivation.
There are apps designed specifically for workplace walking challenges that offer improved security and better inclusivity. Apps like Reaction Club, MoveSpring, and CorporateFitness are built specifically to meet the requirements of organizations and make the challenge easy to run.
Pros and cons of using an app for your step challenge
Pros:
- Easy and quick to get started
- Track in real-time: See everyone’s progress instantly, right from your phone or computer.
- Data crunching made easy: The app does all the calculations for you, so you can focus on the fun stuff.
- More fun and engaging: Many apps offer leaderboards, challenges, and other features to keep people motivated.
Cons:
- Can be pricey: Some apps require a subscription or one-time fee.
- Some setup needed: You’ll need to choose an app and get everyone signed up.
- Not for everyone: Some people might not be comfortable using apps or may not have a smartphone.
Pros and cons of manual step challenge tracking with a spreadsheet
Pros:
- Free or low-cost: This option won’t put a dent in your budget. Manual tracking challenge is a great way to do team building activity on a budget.
- Simple to start: Just grab a spreadsheet or some paper and you’re good to go.
- No tech headaches: You don’t need any special skills or software.
Cons:
- Limited tracking: You’ll have to rely on people to manually report their steps, which can be less accurate.
- More work for you: You’ll need to spend time collecting and organizing everyone’s data.
- Mistakes happen: It’s easy for errors to slip in when you’re doing everything by hand.
If you’re looking for the quickest and easiest way to get started, a step challenge app might be the way to go. But if budget is the main consideration a manual challenge worth considering.
Before you kick off your step challenge, it’s important to get the green light from key decision-makers in your company. This could include managers, HR representatives, or even the CEO. Here’s how to win them over.
- Highlight the Benefits: Explain how the step challenge will improve employee health, morale, and productivity. Back up your claims with data and examples if possible.
- Outline the Logistics: Present a clear plan for how the challenge will be organized, including the timeline, budget, and resources needed.
- Address Concerns: Anticipate any potential objections or concerns and be prepared to address them proactively.
- Emphasize the Fun Factor: Remind stakeholders that a step challenge is not only beneficial but also a fun way to engage employees and build team spirit.
7. Promoting your workplace step challenge
Now that you’ve designed an awesome step challenge, it’s time to rally the troops and get everyone on board. Clear and enthusiastic communication is key to maximizing participation. Here are some email templates to help you invite, remind, and motivate your team:
Initial Invitation Email:
Subject: Join the [Company Name] Step Challenge – Let’s Get Moving!
Dear [Company Name] Team,
We’re excited to invite you to participate in our upcoming Step Challenge! It’s a fun and easy way to get moving, boost your energy, and connect with your colleagues. Plus, there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs!
[Include details about the challenge, such as the start date, duration, how to sign up, and the types of rewards available.]
We can’t wait to see you step up and join the fun!
Sincerely,
The Step Challenge Team
Creating Buzz:
- Promote the challenge in company meetings and newsletters.
- Create posters and flyers to display in common areas.
- Encourage employees to spread the word through word-of-mouth
8. Step challenge incentives and rewards
Everyone loves a little recognition and some fun incentives can be the key to keeping your team motivated and engaged throughout the challenge.
Research shows that rewards can significantly boost participation and performance in workplace wellness programs. A study by the University of Pennsylvania found that employees who received small financial incentives for reaching step goals were 27% more likely to achieve them compared to those who didn’t.
Here’s how to create a smart rewards program that goes beyond just counting steps:
- Tiered Rewards: Offer a variety of rewards at different levels to keep everyone motivated. This could include small, frequent rewards for hitting daily or weekly goals, as well as larger prizes for overall winners or top performers.
- Team-Based Incentives: Encourage collaboration and camaraderie by offering rewards for team achievements, such as reaching a collective step goal or having the highest average step count.
- Social Recognition: Incorporate a social element into your rewards program by creating a leaderboard, sharing success stories, or hosting virtual celebrations to acknowledge everyone’s efforts.
- Peer-to-Peer Recognition: Allow employees to recognize and reward each other for their efforts, creating a culture of appreciation and support.
- Personalized Rewards: Consider offering personalized rewards that align with employees’ individual interests and preferences, such as fitness gear, wellness experiences, or charitable donations.
Implementing a smart rewards and recognition program will create a positive and engaging experience that not only encourages physical activity but also strengthens relationships, boosts morale, and fosters a culture of wellness within your organization. It’s a win-win for both the company and its employees.
9. How to make your step challenge inclusive
We want everyone to join in on the fun, no matter their fitness level or abilities. Here are some easy ways to make sure your step challenge is open to all. The goal is to create a fun and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome and can succeed.
- Mix It Up: Don’t just focus on steps. Let people earn points for a variety of activities they enjoy, like biking, swimming, dancing, gardening, or even adding a squat challenge or a plank challenge.
- Get Creative: Think outside the box! You could add a photo challenge where people share pictures of their activities, or a score prediction game for company sports events. This adds another layer of fun and makes the challenge more social.
- Set Your Own Pace: Let everyone choose their own goals, so it’s challenging but still achievable for everyone.
- Be Flexible: If someone has a disability, work with them to find activities that fit their needs. For example, wheelchair users could participate by tracking distance or arm cycles.
10. Creating a workplace step challenge
Duration and Frequency:
- Typically 4-12 weeks.
- Weekly or monthly progress updates.
Rules and Guidelines:
- Define what counts as an eligible activity.
- Specify how participants should log their activities.
- Set clear rules for tracking and disputes.
Tracking Progress:
- Manual: Use spreadsheets or paper logs.
- App-Based: Utilize fitness tracking apps or custom challenge apps.
Don’t let the excitement fizzle out! Here’s how to keep your step challenge fun and engaging from start to finish:
Share the Buzz:
- Weekly Updates: Send regular emails or post updates on your company’s communication channels to share progress, highlight top performers, and celebrate milestones.
- Leaderboards: Display leaderboards in common areas or through the app to create friendly competition and show everyone how they’re doing.
Build a Supportive Community:
- Cheer Squad: Create a space (online or offline) for participants to connect, share tips, and motivate each other.
- Shout-outs: Recognize and celebrate individual and team achievements regularly. A little praise goes a long way!
12. Making announcements at the end of the challenge
Announcing Winners and Recognizing Participants:
- Host a closing ceremony or virtual event.
- Award prizes and certificates.
- Share success stories and acknowledge everyone’s effort.
Collecting Feedback:
- Send out surveys to gather feedback for future challenges.
- Use feedback to improve and enhance the next challenge.
13. Tips for a Successful Step Challenge
Here’s a quick recap of the essential ingredients for a successful step challenge
- Make it Fun: Inject some personality and humor into your challenge. Encourage friendly competition and celebrate everyone’s achievements, big or small.
- Keep Talking: Communicate regularly with your team. Share updates, tips, and motivational messages to keep the energy high.
- Get Social: Create opportunities for participants to connect and support each other. This could be through online forums, team events, or even a dedicated Slack channel.
- Celebrate Milestones: Recognize and reward progress throughout the challenge. This will keep everyone motivated and excited to reach their goals.
- Learn and Improve: Gather feedback from participants after the challenge and use it to make your next one even better.
By following these simple steps and tailoring them to your company’s unique culture, you’ll create a step challenge that not only improves your employees’ health and well-being but also fosters a sense of community and shared accomplishment. So get ready to step up your wellness game and watch your workplace thrive!
