15 Summer Wellness Challenge Ideas To improve Employee Health and Engagement in 2025

As summer peaks, workplaces face an unavoidable trifecta: heat waves, vacation gaps, and the notorious “August slump.” Between June and August, productivity drops by 20%, attendance falls 19%, and employees are 45% more distracted.

The average worker is productive for just 2 hours and 53 minutes per day—barely a third of an eight-hour shift!

Besides, outdoor teams face higher risks of dehydration and sun exposure, while financial stress from summer spending and higher utility bills weighs on everyone.

With so many factors at play, it’s clear that a generalized approach to employee wellness won’t cut it. That’s why adapting your wellness strategy for summer is essential. The right wellness challenges can help your team stay healthy, engaged, and resilient—even when motivation is at its lowest.

Below, you’ll find actionable summer wellness challenge ideas, each designed to solve a real seasonal problem and keep your workforce thriving.

But first, here’s a free bingo template for your employees:

Now, let’s dig in then?

15 Summer Wellness Challenges for the Workplace

1. Step Into Summer Challenge

Why this challenge? As summer heats up, employees are more likely to avoid outdoor activity, leading to a spike in sedentary behavior. In fact, research shows that office workers sit for 78% of their workday. That’s a lot of hours, don’t you think?

However, it is seen that conducting workplace step challenges increase daily steps by an average of 4,799 steps and significantly reduce stress. Studies also demonstrate that taking just 4,000 steps daily reduces cardiovascular risks.

How to do it?

• Launch a friendly step challenge where departments compete to reach daily step goals (starting at 6,000-8,000 steps), with early morning and evening "power walks" scheduled before 9 AM and after 6 PM to avoid peak heat hours.
• Add a plogging twist: Encourage participants to try "plogging". It's a fitness and environmental trend where people pick up litter while jogging or walking.
• Use a simple tracking platform or our own Vantage Fit app. Our wellness platform makes tracking your steps, setting personalized goals, and seeing real-time progress easy.
• Celebrate milestones with shout-outs in team meetings and a leaderboard to keep the energy high.

Rewards for motivation: Fitness trackers, cooling towels, early morning coffee shop gift cards, or “Summer Step Champion” certificates for those who keep moving all season.

2. Skin Shield Champions

Why this challenge? UV radiation is a leading cause of skin cancer and premature skin aging. Even mild sunburn is a sign of cellular damage, and repeated exposure increases long-term health risks.

How to do it?

• Provide employees with sun-safe starter packs, including SPF 30+ sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts.

• Provide them with a checklist of daily sun-safe habits: For instance, it could have pointers like:
  Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin every two hours (more often if sweating).
  Wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat during outdoor breaks or commutes.
  Use sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays.
  Seek shade or schedule outdoor activities before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
  Check the daily UV index and adjust your plans accordingly.

• Feature winners in internal newsletters or team channels.

Rewards for motivation: SPF skincare kits, sunnies, UV-protection sleeves, Gift cards for a professional skin check or consultation, cooling aloe gel packs.

3. Summer Swimmer Challenge

Why this challenge? Swimming is the perfect summer exercise! A leisurely swim at the beach, or joining a water aerobics class, swimming engages multiple muscle groups while offering natural relief from summer heat.

How to do it?

• Host weekly swimming sessions at a local pool or beach.
• Hire an instructor to guide all skill levels and keep things safe.
• Make it a friendly space—encourage employees to bring family for special “Family Splash Days.”
• Track participation through simple attendance sheets and celebrate consistency with rewards.

Focus on fun: organize water games or just chill together after work.

Rewards for motivation: Waterproof headphones, swim gear, pool passes, or “Cool Champion” certificates for regular participants.

4. Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku) Challenge

Forest bathing, or Shinrin-yoku in Japanese, means "taking in the forest atmosphere" through all five senses.

Born in Japan during the 1980s as a remedy for tech overload and urban stress, forest bathing has become a scientifically backed wellness practice that transforms how we connect with nature.

Why this challenge? Research shows that just 20 minutes of forest bathing significantly lowers cortisol levels and increases natural killer (NK) cell activity by 40%—immune cells that fight infections and cancer.

How to do it?

• Encourage "Micro Forest Breaks" where employees spend 10-15 minutes near any trees or green spaces during their preferred time, focusing on breathing and sensory awareness rather than conversation or productivity.
• Introduce "5-Senses Forest Activities" using simple exercises like touching tree bark, identifying nature sounds, and practicing "sit spot" meditation.

Partner with local nature centers to offer guided forest bathing sessions or train internal wellness ambassadors in basic forest bathing techniques.

• Celebrate the most consistent forest bathers with premium rewards.

Rewards for motivation: Nature photography workshops, essential oil diffusers with forest scents, portable outdoor cushions for sit spots, or guided forest therapy session vouchers.

5. Summer Sipper Challenge

Why this challenge? Hot summer days increase dehydration risk, which can cause headaches, fatigue, and a noticeable drop in focus and productivity.

How to do it?

• Encourage everyone to drink at least 8–10 glasses of water daily.
• Set up hydration stations around the workplace with infused water options—think cucumber-mint, lemon-ginger, or berry-basil—to make sipping more appealing.
• Provide water bottles with measurement markers so employees can track their intake easily. Also, share recipes for natural fruit-infused waters.
• Give rewards to the most consistent sippers.

For remote or hybrid teams, encourage photo sharing of their favorite summer drinks or water-rich fruit snacks in a team chat.

Rewards for motivation: Smoothie shop gift cards, insulated water bottles, fruit-infuser bottles, or a “Summer Sipper Champion” trophy for the most consistent participants.

6. Cool Commute Challenge

Why this challenge? Summer heat makes the daily drive tougher and tempers shorter. During heat waves the risk of car crashes jumps 7.7%, and drivers honk far more once temperatures top 90 °F.

A stressful commute drains energy before work even begins, fueling burnout and slashing on-the-job focus. Therefore, encouraging cooler, less-stressful travel keeps employees safer, calmer, and more productive.

How to do it?

• Launch a month-long challenge where employees earn points each day they carpool, use public transit, bike, walk, or shift their hours to avoid peak heat.
• Provide resources like a carpool sign-up board, safe bike storage, or transit pass subsidies.
• Encourage remote work or flexible start times, especially on the hottest days.
• Celebrate those who log the most cool commutes—with shout-outs in team meetings or your company’s newsletter.

Rewards for motivation: Transit or bike-share credits, cooling seat covers, preferred parking for carpools, or an extra remote-work day for top scorers.

7. Personal Glow Up Challenge

Why this challenge? Summer’s “productivity dip” is real—studies show output falls by about 20% and distractions rise 45% between June and August. Clear, self-chosen goals counter that slump.

This challenge is all about that. It lets every team member define one summer goal—fitness, learning, or life habit—so motivation stays high even when vacation season tempts focus away.

**How to do it? **

• Invite employees to pick one meaningful goal for the summer—this could be related to fitness, learning, wellness, or a professional milestone.
• Provide a simple template or digital tracker for everyone to jot down their goal, break it into small weekly steps, and monitor progress.
• Wrap up with a casual showcase or team huddle where participants highlight their achievements, lessons learned, and future goals.

Rewards for motivation: Digital “Personal Best” badges, gift cards for books or learning platforms, paid online-course vouchers.

8. Smart Summer Spending Challenge

Why this challenge? This season also brings unique financial pressures that can strain employee budgets and increase workplace stress. 45% of Americans plan summer trips spending an average of $3,861, while 83% use credit cards to fund vacation expenses.

How to do it?

• Group employees into small teams and set a collective savings goal for the month. It could include cutting back on dining out, lowering energy bills, or planning budget-friendly summer activities together.
• Set up a shared tracker (physical or digital) where teams log their weekly money-saving wins, like finding free events, meal prepping, or using coupons.
• Roll out a new micro-challenge each week—“No-Spend Sunday,” “Find three free summer events,” or “Swap a restaurant meal for a potluck”—and encourage teams to complete them together.
• Host a mid-challenge showcase where teams present their top money-saving hacks, then vote for the most creative or practical ideas.

Rewards for motivation: Budget planners, discount retailer gift cards, financial coaching sessions, or a “Savings Star” certificate for employees who show the most creativity and consistency in managing their summer finances.

9. Energy Saver Superhero Challenge

Why this challenge? Research shows that air conditioning accounts for 14% of total electricity consumption in U.S. commercial buildings, while cooling costs can increase by 56% during summer months.

Energy saving is an essential step to preserve the environment. Climate change is a real deal!

How to do it?

• Divide employees into small teams and challenge them to spot and reduce daily energy waste around the office or at home.
• Assign each team a checklist of simple actions—turning off unused lights, unplugging chargers, adjusting thermostats, closing blinds during peak sun, and using fans instead of cranking the AC.
• Set up a shared tracker (physical board or digital log) where teams record their daily energy-saving wins.
• Celebrate progress with a “Power Down Hour” each Friday, where everyone unplugs, enjoys a screen-free break, and recognizes the team with the most energy-saving actions.

Rewards for motivation: Smart power strips, energy-efficient desk fans, utility bill gift cards

10. August Recharge Challenge

Why this challenge? August is infamously known for the “summer slump”. It’s the time of the year when employee engagement and motivation reach a halting point.

The August Recharge Challenge is designed to aid employees amp up their energy levels.

How to do it?

• Kick off each week with a brief “Monday Motivation” huddle. Teams can share recent wins, set a weekly focus, or start with a fun energizer like a group stretch/ a quick brain teaser.
• Pair employees as “Accountability Buddies” to check in midweek, encourage each other’s progress, and celebrate completed goals. It could be about finishing a project or a course. Sky's the limit.
• Organize a Friday “Recharge Hour” where teams can choose from relaxing activities. Be it playing a favourite sport, a group walk, or a creative session karaoke/dancing, the options are endless.
• Reward those who consistently show up and uplift their teammates.

Rewards for motivation: Energy-boosting snack boxes, motivational desk accessories, wellness kits, or “August Champion” certificates for those who keep the momentum going all month.

11. Digital Sunset Challenge

Why this challenge? Long summer days can blur the line between work and rest, especially when evening screen time stretches late into the night. Research shows that extended evening light and device use can delay melatonin production by up to 90 minutes.

This challenge can help employees create intentional boundaries with technology. Employees can benefit by getting time to wind down, sleep better, and show up refreshed the next day.

How to do it?

• Encourage employees to set a “digital sunset”—a consistent time each evening (ideally 1–2 hours before bed) to power down work devices and personal screens.
• Suggest relaxing alternatives for wind-down time, such as reading a book, meditating, gentle stretching, or enjoying a screen-free walk outdoors.
• Launch a friendly team tracker: employees log their digital sunset streaks, share their favorite screen-free activities, and support each other’s progress.
• Recognize employees with weekly shout-outs and invite employees to reflect on how their sleep and mood improved.

Rewards for motivation: Blue light blocking glasses, analog alarm clocks, evening tea samplers, or cozy relaxation kits for those who stick to their digital sunset routine.

12. Reboot Nap Challenge

Why this challenge? The Reboot Nap Challenge is inspired by the Navy SEAL nap technique—taking a short nap with legs elevated above heart level. This position encourages better circulation, reduces swelling, and helps the body relax faster.

Research shows that just 8–10 minutes of napping with legs elevated can leave you feeling refreshed and alert, without the grogginess of longer naps.

How to do it?

• Encourage employees to use a break room, wellness area, or quiet corner where they can lie down comfortably.
• They can use a chair, couch, or wall to prop legs up above heart level—this can be done on the floor, a sofa, or even at a desk with a footrest.
• Naps can be kept short. 8 to 10 minutes is ideal for a quick recharge without sleep inertia.
• Encourage them to keep their eyes closed, focus on slow breathing, and let their body unwind. Employees can listen to calming sounds or white noise if preferred.
• Once done, they can engage in stretching before resuming work.

Rewards for motivation: Plush eye masks, portable footrests, relaxation kits, desk-friendly neck pillows.

13. Fresh Finds Challenge

Why this challenge? Summer’s heat can sap energy and hydration, but nature offers a solution: fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Watermelon, cucumber, berries, tomatoes, and leafy greens are packed with water, vitamins, and antioxidants that help employees stay hydrated, boost immunity, and maintain focus.

The options are ample!

How to do it?

• Encourage employees to add at least one colorful summer fruit or vegetable to their plate each day.
• Host a weekly “Lunchbox Swap” day where employees bring in a dish or snack featuring a summer fruit or vegetable.
• Provide a simple “Produce Passport” tracker for employees to log each new fruit or veggie they try. Celebrate those who fill their passport with a variety of summer produce.

Rewards for motivation: Fresh produce delivery boxes, smoothie shop gift cards, fruit-infuser water bottles.

14. Dead Poets Society Challenge

Why this challenge? Summer can leave employees feeling uninspired or stuck in routine, especially during the mid-year slump. Tapping into creativity is proven to relieve stress, boost morale, and help people reconnect with their passions—even if they haven’t written a poem or painted in years.

This challenge is to revive the dead artists in us!

How to do it?

• Invite employees to create and share a poem, short story, artwork, or song inspired by summer or their personal experiences.
• Host a relaxed “Open Mic” or virtual gallery event where participants can present their creations—no pressure, just encouragement.
• Encourage anonymous submissions for those who feel shy, and offer a digital space for sharing written or visual art.
• Recognize outstanding creativity with categories like "Most Heartfelt," "Most Original," and "People's Choice," offering valuable rewards.

Rewards for motivation: Art supply kits, gift cards of their interest, creative journals, pottery class vouchers, or a "Spotlight Artist" feature in company communications for the most inspiring contributions.

15. Liberation Run & Rave Challenge

Summer in the U.S. is Pride season—when cities nationwide celebrate LGBTQ+ liberation, self-expression, and community with vibrant rallies and parades throughout June and beyond.

At the same time, running events like Nike's After Dark Tour have shown how movement, music, and empowerment can come together for unforgettable experiences. This challenge fuses both: a nighttime run that doubles as a liberation party, championing freedom, inclusivity, and joy.

How to do it?

• Align the event with your city's Pride celebrations—many major U.S. cities host their biggest rallies and marches in June, with some continuing into July and August.
• Transform your route into a rainbow-lit rave. Use glow sticks, LED wristbands, and pride flags. Encourage participants to dress in neon, glitter, and pride colors.
• Plan a 5K or 10K evening run through city landmarks or safe, accessible neighborhoods.
• Invite local LGBTQ+ groups, allies, and running clubs. Start with a brief "liberation moment" where participants share what freedom means to them.
• End with a dance party—think open-air DJ, pride anthems, and a celebration of self-expression. Offer hydration stations with rainbow-themed drinks and healthy snacks.

Virtual Option: For remote teams, host a synchronized "Liberation Run" where employees run or walk in their own neighborhoods, sharing photos and stories in a digital gallery.

Rewards for motivation: Pride-themed medals, glow swag, expressive outfit prizes, team spirit awards, wellness and self-care kits, virtual photo/story spotlights, donation-based impact, and finisher raffles to celebrate participation, creativity, and community.

Uplift Your Workforce Well-Being: Vantage Fit's All-in-One Wellness Challenges Platform

Vantage Fit User Friendly Interface comes handy in conducting summer wellness challenges, Picture

This summer, bring wellness to the forefront with Vantage Fit—your all-in-one platform designed to energize and uplift your workforce. Our platform is here to help you create wellness challenges that don’t just track progress, but spark excitement and connection.

Whether it’s tracking daily steps, staying hydrated, or practicing mindfulness, our platform ensures every employee feels involved and motivated with personalized experiences.

For you, Vantage Fit offers real-time insights into your team’s well-being, giving you the power to create challenges that matter. From celebrating small victories to offering meaningful rewards, this platform ensures your employees stay inspired all summer long.

And with the flexibility to customize activities, you’ll create a wellness experience that truly reflects your company’s unique culture.

Ready to inspire your employees and create a healthier, happier workplace? Take the first step by scheduling a demo of Vantage Fit today. Let’s make this summer the turning point in your team’s wellness journey.