21 Fall Wellness Challenge Ideas for Your Workforce in 2024

"There is something so special in the early leaves drifting from the trees – as if we are all to be allowed a chance to peel, to refresh, to start again."
– Ruth Ahmed

As autumn arrives, it paints the world in warm shades of orange and gold. The once vibrant greens fade, giving way to a quieter, more reflective beauty. It’s as if nature is teaching us a lesson—how to let go gracefully, embrace change without resistance, and find peace in transformation.

However, it's also a season when the challenges of stress and burnout can intensify. A recent SHRM report revealed that 44% of employees feel emotionally drained from their work, with this fatigue often peaking during seasonal shifts.

This fall let's change the narrative. By introducing comprehensive wellness challenges that address every dimension of well-being - from physical health to emotional resilience - we can create a workplace that thrives amidst change.

Join us as we unveil dynamic challenges designed to energize your team, foster resilience, and cultivate a thriving workplace culture. It's time to fall into wellness and watch your team flourish.

21 Fun and Engaging Fall Wellness Challenge Ideas for Your Employees

We've curated a list of 21 exciting and innovative wellness challenge ideas that will energize your team, boost morale, and promote holistic well-being.

1. Spooky Step Challenge

I can't emphasize enough how transformative stepping out in autumn can be. The warm hues of the landscape, the crisp air, and the confetti of fallen leaves beneath one’s feet make every step feel like a blessing.

Here’s what you can do:

Host a month-long step challenge with a Halloween twist. Employees can form teams named after fictional characters (Werewolves, Vampires, etc.). Make a virtual “haunted forest map”. Urge them to compete to see which team can "escape the haunted forest" first by collectively achieving step goals.

You can use Vantage Fit’s step challenge feature. It comes with a tracker that can help track progress and offer fitness points as rewards for the winning team. In the end, your employees will get to bask in both glory and better health.

2. Fall Eco-Challenge

Inspire employees to reduce their environmental impact with fall-themed initiatives. Here are some sustainable tips to kickstart the challenge:

a. Composting Fallen Leaves

Rather than disposing of fallen leaves, employees can turn them into compost, which enriches the soil. These leaves can also be used as natural mulch to protect gardens through the colder months.

b. Sustainable Fall Crafts

Promote using fallen leaves, acorns, or pinecones for seasonal decorations, such as leaf garlands or acorn wreaths. These can be composted afterward, reducing waste. This can also help build camaraderie amongst employees.

c. Plastic-Free Halloween

Employees can reduce waste by creating their own Halloween decorations, such as:

• Upcycling glass jars into candle holders,
• Using old fabric scraps for ghost decorations, or
• Making bat cutouts from cardboard.

These DIY projects align with your company’s CSR goals, fostering a greener and more mindful celebration.

Suggested Read: Impacts Of Green HR Practices On Employees And Sustainable Business

3. Autumnal Acts of Kindness

This fall, encourage employees to perform small acts of kindness. It can make all the difference in someone’s day. They can rake a neighbor’s leaves, leave a thoughtful note for a coworker, or surprise someone with a small gift.

For a meaningful group effort, consider organizing a Knitting for a Cause Challenge. Employees can knit scarves, hats, or blankets to donate to local shelters. Each stitch is a tiny act of kindness, weaving together a warmer community as the weather turns cold.

It’s a simple but impactful way to connect the team to a greater purpose.

4. Campfire Story Circles

Remember the movie ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ where Hazel and Augustus share each other’s struggles in a support group? Such groups truly work like miracles!

What if it works wonders for your employees too?

To do that, you can organize small group meets weekly via video call, with a virtual campfire background. Each session, one person shares a true story about overcoming a challenge. These vulnerable stories foster deep connections and offer inspiration, all in a cozy, autumn-inspired setting.

To add some seasonal fun, after the personal stories, employees can exchange real spooky stories. Whether it’s a personal eerie experience or a classic ghost tale, this spooky twist adds a sense of excitement and thrill to the cozy gathering.

The goal is to keep the conversations flowing, just like the endless stream of fall leaves dancing in the wind!

5. Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness

As the sunlight gets dimmer and pale, many people suffer from S.A.D. It is a form of depression that often occurs during the fall and winter months.Many individuals with SAD also have other mental health disorders, such as anxiety or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

To help them cope with it, encourage employees to become "Sunshine Seekers". For example, they can go for walks during lunchtime hours.

There’s also an alternative to this, although not as effective as sunrays. It's called Light Therapy. You can provide employees with desk lamps that mimic natural daylight. The warmth and the light will help them maintain their circadian rhythms to a certain extent.

6. Flu Fighter Campaign

Get into the spirit of flu prevention with the Festive Flu Fighter Campaign!

On average, between 5% and 20% of the U.S. population gets infected with the flu each year. This translates to approximately 16 million to 64 million individuals based on a population of about 320 million.

To combat that, host an on-site flu shots campaign. Employees can earn immunity points for taking simple actions that help fight off the flu. These could be:

• Eating more immunity-boosting foods, or
• Practicing good hand hygiene.

Every healthy habit counts.

Suggested Read: A Detailed Guide On Employee Health Screening

7. Fall Flavor Hydration Challenge

This autumn, invite employees to infuse their water with seasonal flavors. They can experiment with combinations like apple-cinnamon or cranberry-orange, adding a touch of fall to their daily hydration.

Set up an "Autumn Aqua Log" in the break room where team members can share their favorite recipes and track their water intake. You can also use our in-house wellness platform’s hydration tracker.

It's a refreshing way to stay healthy and embrace the flavors of the season.

8. Brewery or Vineyard Visit

Imagine a crisp fall weekend, the air tinged with the smell of woodsmoke, as employees head out to a local brewery or vineyard. Encourage them to indulge in the season by trying freshly pressed apple cider, a pumpkin-spiced latte, or a warm herbal tea—perfect for the cooler days.

Ask them to snap a photo of their favorite tasting—the warm glow of golden leaves in the background—and share it with the team.

For extra fun, offer bonus points for anyone who brings back their favorite seasonal treat to share at your next gathering, turning it into a cozy celebration of the season together. This way, everyone can enjoy the warmth and taste of fall in their own unique way.

9. Pumpkin Carving Showdown

Let the creativity flow with a friendly pumpkin carving competition. Provide each department with pumpkins and carving tools. Give them one hour to transform their pumpkins into spooky, funny, or artistic masterpieces.

When the time's up, let the entire office vote on their favorites, with prizes for the most terrifying, hilarious, and inventive designs. It’s a competition with a twist—watch the intensity rise as the clock ticks down!

10. Fall Baking Challenge

Calling all office bakers! It's time to preheat those ovens and whip up some autumn magic!

Celebrate the flavors of fall with a baking challenge that’s both delicious and competitive. Each week, spotlight a different seasonal ingredient—pumpkin, cinnamon, or nutmeg—and ask employees to bring in their homemade creations.

The office becomes a tasting panel, judging the treats and awarding prizes for the most mouth-watering and inventive dishes. Let the sweet smell of competition fill the air!

Here's a list of fall baking favourites curated by Preppy Kitchen.

11. “Soup-er Chef” Showdown

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup on a cool autumn day. Encourage employees to whip up their best soup recipes and bring them to a company potluck.

Categories like “Most Comforting”, “Most Unique Flavor” and “Best Use of Fall Vegetables” can add a fun twist. It’s more than a potluck—it’s a cozy, flavorful competition that’s sure to spark friendly rivalry and plenty of delicious moments.

To stir up some extra warmth, create a "Soup Story Swap" where everyone can share the tale behind their dish. Was it Grandma's secret recipe? A culinary experiment gone deliciously right? Let the stories simmer alongside the soups!

For remote teams, consider hosting a virtual potluck with themed fall recipes.

12. Farmers Market Fresh Finds

Take your team on a journey through the colors and flavors of autumn.

Organize a team outing to the local farmers market, where employees can wander through stalls brimming with the best of the season—

• crisp apples,
• vibrant squash,
• golden pumpkins, and
• fragrant herbs.

Encourage them to pick up the fresh, seasonal produce and use it to create a fall-inspired dish. It could be a warm apple crisp, a perfectly roasted butternut squash, or a spiced pumpkin bread that captures the essence of fall.

Invite everyone to bring their culinary creations to the next office potluck to share the seasonal magic. Award bonus points to those who get creative with their recipes.

Suggested Read: How Fitness Points Can Boost Your Corporate Wellness Program?

13. Fall Film Club

Lights, camera, autumn! It's time to cozy up with some fall favorites.

Revamp your fun Friday with a Fall Film Club, where employees can gather virtually or in small groups to watch autumn-themed or spooky movies. Think classic thrillers or cozy fall favorites.

To add to the fun, encourage participants to come up with themed snacks and drinks that match each film and share their creations in a company chat. It's the perfect way to "reel" on the weekend and bond after a long week.

Here’s an amazing fall film list.

14. Thrills and Chills Book Club

Dive into the eerie side of fall with a Thrills and Chills Book Club. Choose a thriller or horror novel each month and invite employees to meet over a cozy cup of pumpkin spice latte or apple cider to discuss the book.

Encourage them to share their favorite plot twists or chilling moments. Was there a scene that made them sleep with the lights on? A character they'd dress up as for Halloween?

It's a fun way to spark conversations and enjoy a little "goosebumps and giggles" through great reads.

To help you out, here’s a popular fall reading list curated by Goodreads.

15. Gratitude Journaling

Autumn is a time for reflection. Invite employees to keep a gratitude journal, where they jot down three things they’re thankful for each day.

To add some autumnal magic, create a “Gratitude Tree” in a common area or on a virtual board. In it, employees can add leaves with things they’re grateful for. This helps cultivate a positive mindset, reduces stress, and builds resilience as the days grow shorter.

After all, "Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall".

16. Workspace Revamp

As nature redecorates outside, why not bring some of that refresh energy indoors?

Encourage employees to declutter and add autumnal touches to their workspace, such as a small pumpkin, fall-scented candle, or a cozy blanket.
They can create their own "Autumn Oasis", whether they're in the office or working from home. Maybe it's a "Pumpkin Spice Corner" or a "Leaf Peeper's Paradise" desk setup.

This challenge can improve focus and create a more pleasant work environment, turning every workday into a cozy fall retreat.

17. Fall Savings Challenge

The holidays are around the corner, making fall a great time to focus on financial wellness.

Host a savings challenge where employees set a small goal to save each week. Provide tips on budgeting, holiday shopping, and even DIY gift ideas. Encourage them to become "Autumn Economizers", finding creative ways to save.

This challenge can help employees prepare financially for the festive season and reduce financial stress.

"As the leaves fall, let's watch our savings grow”.

18. Autumn Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Transform the office or local park or your office into an autumnal wonderland with a festive scavenger hunt. Hide fall-themed items like mini pumpkins, colorful leaves, or seasonal treats around the area.

Divide employees into teams, each armed with a list of items to find and autumn-inspired riddles to solve.

The winning team could earn a cozy prize, like a basket of apple cider and warm blankets. It's a playful way to get everyone moving, working together, and embracing the spirit of fall.

19. No-Sugar November

Ready to give your sweet tooth a little vacation? As a fun, healthy challenge, invite employees to cut out added sugars for the month of November.

Encourage them to become "Natural Sweetness Seekers", exploring the inherent sweetness in whole foods.

To keep it fun and supportive, create a "Sugar-Free Support Squad" where employees can share tips, sugar-free recipes, and cheer each other on. Who knows? They might just discover their new favorite treat doesn't need any added sugar at all!

20. Apple Orchard or Pumpkin Patch Adventure

There’s something magical about an afternoon at a local apple orchard or pumpkin patch. The sun dips low, casting that perfect autumn glow, as employees search for the best apples to bake the perfect pie or the ultimate pumpkin for their porch.

It’s a chance to leave the office behind, to breathe in the crisp air, and enjoy the season’s bounty. Once the adventure’s over, bring the fun back by swapping recipes, sharing the sweet scents of freshly baked apple pies or trading pumpkin carving ideas.

These aren’t just outings—they’re memories in the making, wrapped in the warmth of fall.

21. Fall Intentions Vision Board

Host a vision board workshop focused on fall intentions and professional goals. Provide supplies like magazines, scissors, and glue, and encourage employees to reflect on what they want to accomplish by the end of the year.

For remote teams, use digital tools like Canva. This activity is not only therapeutic but also keeps employees motivated to work toward their goals.

Make Sure Employee Wellbeing Blossoms This Fall!

In the above section, you read about all the challenges that you can host in this tangerine season. Now it's time to know how you can alter those ideas into action.

With Vantage Fit, this becomes possible.

Our customizable wellness challenges and dynamic rewards are designed to seamlessly fit your company’s goals. From step competitions that explore local fall foliage to mindfulness exercises that embrace the season's tranquility, we craft experiences that resonate.

But here's the real magic: as your team's wellness flourishes, watch your bottom line follow suit. Reduced sick days, increased productivity, and a palpable buzz of positivity – that's the Vantage Fit effect.

Don't let another season slip by. Your team deserves more than generic wellness programs. They deserve Vantage Fit. Click here to schedule your free consultation and unlock exclusive fall wellness packages. Your team's best autumn ever starts with one simple click.

Act now – because your company's wellness can't wait for winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are wellness challenges?

Wellness challenges are structured activities or programs designed to promote healthy habits and overall well-being among employees. They typically focus on areas like physical fitness, mental health, nutrition, and work-life balance, often incorporating elements of friendly competition and teamwork to boost engagement.

2. Why should we implement wellness challenges?

Wellness challenges drive healthier routines, boost energy levels, and strengthen team connections. They’re a simple yet impactful way to show employees that you care about their well-being, which can lead to greater engagement and productivity.

3. Are these challenges suitable for remote employees?

Absolutely! Many of these challenges are designed with flexibility in mind, making them perfect for both in-office and remote teams. Virtual platforms and mobile apps can easily facilitate participation, ensuring that all employees, regardless of location, can join in and benefit from these wellness initiatives.

4. Can we customize these challenges to fit our company culture?

Certainly! These challenge ideas serve as a springboard for creativity. Feel free to adapt them to align with your company's values, goals, and unique culture. Customization often leads to higher engagement and more meaningful outcomes for your team.

5. How can we encourage employee participation in these challenges?

To boost participation, consider offering incentives, creating a communication plan to build excitement, and involving team leaders as wellness champions. Make the challenges inclusive and fun and regularly gather feedback to refine your approach.

Remember, leading by example and participating yourself can also greatly encourage employee involvement.