What are some creative and low-cost wellness incentives that employees love?

1 Flexible work hours

One of the most desired and appreciated wellness incentives is the option to work flexibly, according to your employees' needs and preferences. Flexible work hours can help your staff balance their personal and professional responsibilities, reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and avoid traffic or commuting hassles. You can offer your employees the choice to adjust their start and end times, work from home occasionally, or compress their workweek into fewer days.

2 Healthy snacks and drinks

Another simple and effective way to promote employee wellness is to provide healthy snacks and drinks in the workplace. You can stock your pantry or break room with fresh fruits, nuts, granola bars, yogurt, water, tea, or juice. These snacks and drinks can help your employees stay hydrated, energized, and satisfied throughout the day, as well as prevent them from reaching for unhealthy options like candy, soda, or fast food. You can also encourage your employees to share their favorite healthy recipes or tips with each other.

3 Wellness challenges and competitions

A fun and engaging way to incentivize employee wellness is to organize wellness challenges and competitions among your staff. You can set up different categories or goals, such as steps, calories, water intake, sleep hours, meditation minutes, or weight loss. You can use apps, trackers, or online platforms to monitor and record your employees' progress and achievements. You can also create teams, leaderboards, badges, or milestones to foster camaraderie, accountability, and friendly rivalry.

4 Recognition and praise

One of the most powerful and low-cost wellness incentives is recognition and praise. You can show your appreciation and support for your employees' wellness efforts by acknowledging their accomplishments, sending them positive feedback, or giving them shout-outs in meetings or newsletters. You can also create a wellness wall or board where you can display your employees' photos, testimonials, or stories of their wellness journeys. Recognition and praise can boost your employees' self-esteem, motivation, and loyalty.

5 Wellness workshops and webinars

Another way to support and reward your employees' wellness is to offer them wellness workshops and webinars. You can invite experts, coaches, or speakers to share their knowledge and advice on various wellness topics, such as nutrition, fitness, mental health, stress management, or mindfulness. You can also ask your employees to suggest or vote on the topics that interest them the most. Wellness workshops and webinars can help your employees learn new skills, strategies, or habits to improve their well-being.

6 Wellness coupons and vouchers

A final way to incentivize employee wellness is to give them wellness coupons and vouchers. You can partner with local businesses or organizations that offer wellness-related products or services, such as massage therapy, yoga classes, bike rentals, or gardening supplies. You can then distribute these coupons or vouchers to your employees as rewards for meeting their wellness goals, participating in wellness activities, or celebrating their birthdays or work anniversaries. Wellness coupons and vouchers can help your employees enjoy some pampering, relaxation, or fun.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?