With summer just around the corner – We all want to be outside. Unfortunately for the majority of us, we have to work throughout the summer as well. A recent U.S. Department of Labor report found that 92% of employers offer some kind of wellness program – but actual employee participation is another story. In fact, less than a quarter of employees who can participate actually do.
 

So how can summertime be incorporated in the office? Here are a few suggestions to keep your team engaged and enjoy summer even during the work week:

Offer an incentive

In a study done recently by Aon, nearly half of employees with reward-based incentives reported a positive impact on employee morale or satisfaction, and 44% of employees saw changes in health risks. As a general rule, incentives work very well when employers are attempting to impact the lifestyles and behaviors of their employees.

Have a field day

When it starts to get a little bit nicer outside, organizing an outdoor team activity can be a great way to boost morale and collaboration of your employees.

Chances are high that no matter where your workplace is located, there’s a gym or a park not far away. Mix up the teams so employees who don’t normally have a chance to talk together do, and plan a game that everyone can participate in (volleyball, dodgeball, yoga, paintball).

Incorporate tech

Now more than ever, there are tons of online platforms you can use to incorporate wellness into the workplace – and you don’t have you buy your whole team Fitbits. For example, MapMyFitness is pioneering digital engagement for workplace wellness – The company uses GPS to give employees the ability to map, record, and share their exercise routs and workouts. They call it ‘connected health’.

Similarly, ShapeUp is another corporate wellness platform that builds employee engagement through programs and tools that start with healthy behavior changes.

Organize a cook off

Warmer months means tons of delicious summer recipes. Challenge your team to bring in a healthy and fun fish and hold a summer potluck on a Friday afternoon. Your team will feel rewarded after the week and head into the weekend feeling refreshed (and full!).

Looking for other ways to keep your team on track this summer? Help your employees develop clear goals with our free SMART Goals Worksheet below!