Drink up to win big: Workplace hydration challenge and wellness prize ideas

By Stephanie Lamie

There is a direct link between hydration and cognition. The brain—made up of 73% water (PDF) opens in new window—requires adequate hydration to operate at its peak. Yet less than half of Americans drink the daily recommended amount of fluid. Proper hydration can make a big splash when it comes to improving focus, critical thinking, memory and accuracy at work. Help your team achieve more with fun hydration challenge and wellness prize ideas.

Water you waiting for? Kick off a hydration challenge

A workplace challenge can add a drop of competitive fun to hydration! Determine whether people participate as individuals, with a buddy or as a team. Set hydration goals. Many people aim for eight, eight-ounce glasses of water per day, but the daily recommendation varies by age, activity level and other factors. Participants should check with their healthcare professionals for individualized targets. Once goals are determined, track daily water intake using a shared spreadsheet, app or other method.

Pro tip: Kick off the challenge by giving everyone a branded water bottle. Select a large-capacity vessel for easier tracking and convenience. Imprint with a motivational message, like “Bottoms up” or “40 ounces of brain fuel”!

Please their palates

Many people find it easier to stay hydrated when their water has a bit more flavor. Infusing it with citrus, berries or herbs can add zip to their sip. Give each employee an infuser sport bottle, and treat them to a water bar stocked with lemon and lime wedges, raspberries, cucumbers or fresh ginger. Or provide a basil or mint kit so they can grow fresh tasty herbs at their desk.

Reward sip-to-win points

In addition to incentivizing daily intake goals, reward other creative hydration wins. Think “Most Improved” or “Team Cheerleader.” Provide points when people carry their bottle to every meeting or when “caught” filling up. Or create a category specifically for their drinkware, like “Best Dressed Bottle” or “Most Creative Container.” Maybe it’s what’s in the bottle that counts with a “Berry Beautiful” category or “Fanciest Water Award.” Give branded hydration slings or reusable straws as prizes for winners.

Designate themed hydration days

Variety is the spice of life. Take your hydration challenge up a level with a daily theme, like Matcha Mondays and Tuesday Tea. Low caffeine or caffeine-free teas are optimal for hydration as they don’t produce a diuretic effect. Or in lieu of Matcha, try Milk Monday. Did you know milk is about 90% water opens in new window? Provide alternatives for those with dietary restrictions or allergies so everyone can participate.

Watermelon, although not a liquid, is a whopping 92% water opens in new window. Eat by the slice or add to an infuser bottle on Watermelon Wednesday. Make Thursday buyers’ choice. Crowdsource your team for their favorite hydrating beverage and serve up the top selection on Thirsty Thursday. Winner takes home a premium Owala^® bottle. Finally, bring in a juicer and invite your team to participate in Fruit Juice Friday. Try a new variety each week to keep things fresh, and hand out orange squeezers to encourage your team to make their own creations at home.

Work hydration into daily habits

Help participants drink more water by encouraging them to pair it with other daily habits. For instance, drink a glass of water after every restroom visit. Have a cup before each meal. Or take a drink after finishing a chapter in a book or watching an episode of a favorite television show.

There are many apps where users can set customized reminders to drink more water. Or try a shared communication channel that reminds employees to sip on the hour. Participants can indicate participation with a fun, water-themed emoji, like a droplet, wave or faucet. Give bonus wellness prizes—like beverage sleeves or water bottle stickers—for most creative emoji use.

Sip, sip, hooray for workplace hydration

Help your team sip their ways to success with helpful hydration habits, themed water days, palate-pleasing combos and wellness prize ideas. The benefits will pour in.

Stephanie Lamie

Stephanie Lamie is a senior merchandising category manager who has been with 4imprint for 28 years, including 21 years in her current role. She oversees several product categories, with her largest areas of focus being writing instruments and tradeshow displays. Stephanie enjoys discovering new products, tracking industry and retail trends, partnering with suppliers and learning more about sustainability. She began her 4imprint career as an expediter before moving into sales, claims and corporate programs—experience that gives her a broad understanding of the business. As an expert in all things pens, she uses her deep knowledge of 4imprint’s departments and customer needs to bring the very best writing utensils and tradeshow products to the market.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

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