As we start a new year, I see many organizations kicking off 2025 with wellness challenges and other team building activities. These are great culture building initiatives but only if they are inclusive. Wellness initiatives should support everyone, regardless of their abilities, identities, or personal circumstances. Too often, wellness activities—like step challenges or 5K runs—are designed with a “one-size-fits-all” approach. While these programs can be great for some, they can unintentionally leave out employees who use aids, have chronic health conditions, or have physical limitations (which aren’t always visible). The good news is, there are countless ways to design wellness programs or team building activities that are inclusive and cater to the diverse needs of our colleagues. Read on for some ideas for creating a more inclusive wellness program at work, and I hope they inspire you to think differently about how to approach employee wellness.
Physical Wellness: Focus on Adaptable Activities
When I think about physical wellness, I know that traditional activities like step challenges might leave some people feeling excluded. Instead of focusing solely on steps, I recommend offering a more adaptable approach. For instance, I love the idea of a “workout streak” challenge, where everyone tracks the number of consecutive days they engage in any form of physical activity. This could include anything from walking, yoga, and weightlifting to even stretching or restorative exercises—activities that can be customized based on an individual’s physical abilities.
Another powerful idea is a “Stroll & Roll” program. This is a simple, inclusive activity where employees can take breaks together to walk or roll along accessible paths. Whether colleagues use a wheelchair, a walker, or simply prefer to stroll, this program makes it easy for everyone to participate in staying active and connecting with one another.
Emotional Wellness: Encourage Mindful Breaks
Emotional wellness is just as important as physical health, and it needs to be a central part of any wellness program. One activity I’ve found to be both inclusive and impactful is having a designated “Unplug at Lunch” day. This could be a day where everyone is encouraged to step away from their devices, giving everyone the chance to relax and recharge. This could be a silent break, a moment for mindfulness, or simply an opportunity to connect with colleagues in a low-pressure, social environment. The beauty of this idea is that it’s flexible and can work for anyone, regardless of their needs or preferences. With the bonus of being a great connecting activity for those working remotely. A collective “offline” time means nobody is coming back to dozens of messages missed while they were away from their desks.
Social Wellness: Foster Personal Connections
Social wellness is about creating meaningful relationships, and it should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or personal circumstances. One idea I love for fostering social connections in an inclusive way is hosting a “Get to Know Each Other Week.” This could involve activities that allow colleagues to learn more about each other in a way that accommodates different communication styles and preferences—whether through fun icebreaker questions, team-building challenges, or informal virtual meetups. The key is to offer a variety of options that are sensitive to sensory, social, and communication needs, creating a space where everyone can participate in a way that feels comfortable for them. The goal is to provide opportunities for people to connect, share their interests, and understand each other’s experiences, ensuring that all employees feel included in these interactions. By doing so, we can create a workplace where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported, fostering an environment of mutual respect and inclusivity.
Financial Wellness: Offer Accessible Educational Resources
Financial wellness is another crucial part of overall well-being, but it’s often overlooked. Offering workshops or resources that help employees with things like budgeting, saving, and financial planning can be an incredible way to support everyone’s financial health. It’s important to make these resources accessible to everyone, so I would recommend tailoring sessions to different financial situations. Whether an employee is managing student loans, navigating financial instability, planning for retirement, or learning how to build an emergency fund, providing clear, supportive resources can help reduce financial stress and contribute to better overall wellness.
Career Wellness: Provide Growth Opportunities for All
Part of feeling well at work comes from knowing there’s room for growth. Offering opportunities for career development—whether through mentorship, leadership training, or skills-building workshops—can help employees feel supported in their careers. It’s essential to create an environment where everyone, regardless of their role or background, has access to resources that support their growth. Ensuring that opportunities for development are available to everyone is a way to make sure everyone’s career wellness is nurtured.
Community Wellness: Give Back Together
One of the most rewarding aspects of wellness is the opportunity to give back to the community. Organizing a donation drive or a volunteer day where everyone can contribute in their own way is a fantastic way to create a sense of shared purpose and community. This kind of activity can be fully inclusive, as there are many ways for people to get involved. Employees can donate items, volunteer time, or even use their skills in creative ways to support causes they care about. Giving back together not only helps those in need but also strengthens connections within the workplace, building a more inclusive and supportive culture.
Tailor Wellness Goals to Individual Needs
One of the most important ways to make wellness programs truly inclusive is to allow employees to set their own goals. Not everyone has the same wellness needs, and that’s perfectly okay. Some people might want to focus on improving their physical fitness, while others might prioritize mental health or financial stability. By offering a variety of activities across different wellness dimensions—physical, emotional, social, financial, career, and community—you can create a program where everyone feels empowered to participate in ways that align with their personal wellness journey.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to wellness, inclusivity is key. It’s about offering a variety of activities and allowing everyone to engage in a way that feels right for them. Whether it’s through adaptable fitness challenges, mindful breaks, social activities, or financial resources, there are so many ways we can create a wellness program that supports everyone, regardless of their background, abilities, or circumstances. By designing wellness activities that are flexible, diverse, and considerate of individual needs, we can create a healthier, more inclusive workplace culture for all.
If you’re interested in learning more about how wellness and inclusion intersect, I highly recommend checking out 50 Ways You Might Have Wellness Privilege at Work. It’s a resource that explores the intersection of wellness and inclusion and offers actionable steps to create more inclusive workplaces. [Download it here!]
I hope these ideas spark some inspiration as you think about how to make your workplace wellness program more inclusive. If you’ve implemented any of these strategies (or have your own ideas!), I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!