challenges

Step challenge idea: Step, Don't Text

blog author
Christina
Jun 17, 2019

Reducing cell phone usage can positively impact emotions, mental health and productivity.

Between computers, TVs, tablets, phones and smartwatches, technology is everywhere. However, studies have shown that too much technology, specifically high cell phone usage, can have a negative impact on our health and even our productivity at work. One of the most addictive forms of cell phone usage? Text messages, alerts, and social media.

Studies have shown that responding to a distraction on a cell phone can disrupt thought process and increase the likelihood of making an error at work. In fact, cell phone/texting was named the biggest productivity killer in the workplace. Help employees reduce their screen time to a healthy level that promotes emotional wellbeing as well as productivity.*

Do not disturb the stepping.

The average person spends a combined 11 hours, or 660 minutes, a day across their smartphones, tablets and computers.* Bring mindfulness to cell phone usage and ask participants to spend that same amount of time getting active. As a individual, use this Target challenge to actively work towards a goal of 660 active minutes over the course of a month. That works out to be roughly 22 active minutes per day.

Challenge Details

Challenge Mode: Target

Duration: 30 days

Goal: 660 active minutes

Note: Not all activity trackers pass their minutes data to our app. For example, if a participant is using an iPhone to track steps (not a watch), then we will not receive minutes data. Enable manual activity entry and the activity converter for these types of participants to enter their own minutes data.

Content Strategy

Use our content feature to share information on improving screen time. Our suggested content emphasizes the health risks of high cell phone usage, how to limit your screen time, and facts about how technology impacts health.

Note: Be sure to include a content module in your challenge, then upload and schedule the above articles and videos.

Rewards Strategy

Try using a points-based system that rewards a variety of active participants, instead of only awarding a prize to the most active participant. For this challenge, award one point to each person who joins the group. Then, award three points to every person who completes the target goal. At challenge end, draw one or more names to pick the winners. Each person will have as many entries into a raffle as they have points. See below for a few ideas on tech-free themed prizes!

Tech-free Prize Ideas

  • Laser tag for 4 people
  • A day of mini golf for the family
  • Tickets to a sporting event
  • A package of board games
  • Cooking class
  • Museum tickets

Sources:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/kaytiezimmerman/2017/03/26/is-your-cell-phone-killing-your-productivity-at-work/#57b2b2e9605c

https://www.careerbuilder.com/share/aboutus/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?ed=12%2F31%2F2016&id=pr954&sd=6%2F9%2F2016

https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2018/time-flies-us-adults-now-spend-nearly-half-a-day-interacting-with-media/

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