1. Incentive-based challenges
This summer, the dining staff at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo., took an eight-week health challenge. Instead of force-feeding a singular goal to everyone on the team, employees signed up for a bouquet of challenges—such as drinking more water, increasing activity or reducing screen time—and self-reported their successes. Staff members who met their weekly goals were entered into a raffle for Fitbits, NutriBullets, cookbooks and rec center memberships. “The challenge culminated in a training day at our Mountain Campus, so we did a lot of hiking and gave out infused water bottles to everyone,” says Lori Vanagunas, the university’s training and orientation manager for dining services. Vanagunas says the wellness program is viewed more as a staff appreciation program that helps staff get excited for the school year.