When you think of workplace wellness programs, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s a monthly newsletter about nutrition or a reminder to drink more water. While those have value, employee wellness has evolved. It can be fun.
At Motion Connected, we believe wellness should inspire people to move, connect, and enjoy the process. That’s why we love step challenges. They are simple, inclusive, and powerful for sparking employee engagement.
Whether your organization is launching a new wellness program or looking to boost participation, step challenges deliver strong results with a lower financial investment. They’re also a great fit for today’s remote and hybrid workplaces, offering a simple way to unite teams through movement, motivation, and shared goals. You can turn wellness from a routine task into an experience employees genuinely look forward to.
A Fresh Twist on Employee Wellness Programs
This year, our team brought that message to life at SHRM Wisconsin and SHRM Michigan. We wanted to show that wellness can be exciting, interactive, and memorable.
At our booth, attendees took our “Adventure Persona Quiz” to discover their perfect step challenge match. After a few fun questions, each person learned which adventure persona fit their style:
- The World Traveler: Perfect for our Global Adventure Step Challenge
- The Mountain Climber: Designed for our Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge
- The Ghost Hunter: Matched with our Haunted Destinations Challenge
- The Park Ranger: Ready for our National Parks Challenge
Attendees received themed goodie bags and learned how Motion Connected’s story-driven challenges turn movement into meaningful connection. The booth buzzed with energy and conversation as people explored ways to bring this excitement back to their own organizations.
By the end of both events, one theme was clear: when wellness is fun, people engage.
Why Step Challenges Work
Step challenges have become one of the most effective and engaging tools for workplace wellness. They meet employees where they are, regardless of fitness level, and encourage small, consistent actions that lead to big results.
Here’s why organizations love them:
- High engagement through friendly competition and visible progress
- Low costs with minimal setup or equipment
- Quick implementation in days rather than weeks
- Scalability for teams of any size
Beyond the data, step challenges help employees stay connected. They transform individual wellness goals into shared adventures, strengthening community and culture across departments.
Meet the Motion Connected Adventures
Each Motion Connected step challenge brings wellness to life through storytelling and purpose:
Mt. Kilimanjaro Challenge: The Mountain Climber
Virtually climb and summit Africa’s tallest peak, tracking progress and celebrating milestones that mirror the real trail and achievements.
Global Adventure Challenge: The World Traveler
Travel the world one step at a time. Explore major cities across the globe and collect stickers as you move from city to city.
Haunted Destinations Challenge: The Ghost Hunter
Explore spooky and historical locations across the United States, keeping engagement high during the fall season.
National Parks Challenge: The Park Ranger
Journey through some of America’s most iconic national parks, learning about nature, landmarks, and conservation along the way.
Each themed step challenge tells a story and helps employees find an experience that fits their personality and interests.
Turning Participation into Connection
At Motion Connected, we know that successful wellness programs start with participation. Themed step challenges make wellness personal by helping employees see themselves in the journey. When people connect with a challenge that reflects who they are, participation naturally grows.
Step challenges are also the perfect starting point for organizations new to wellness or looking to refresh their programs. They build momentum for other initiatives, such as mental health awareness, nutrition programs, and team-building events.
A single challenge can shift company culture. When employees have fun, they move more, engage more, and feel more connected to their workplace community.
Ready to Make Your Wellness Program Fun?
If your wellness program feels repetitive or participation is slowing down, it might be time to add some adventure. Step challenges are a proven, cost-effective way to boost engagement and excitement.
Whether your team is ready to conquer Kilimanjaro, explore national parks, hunt ghosts, or travel the globe, Motion Connected can help you design a wellness experience that gets people moving and smiling.
Interested in launching a themed step challenge?
Schedule a demo today to learn how our platform can help you build a wellness program that’s engaging, inclusive, and unforgettable!
