How to Run a Healthy Habits Photo Challenge for Remote Teams

Short answer: To run a healthy habits photo challenge for your remote team, create a scavenger hunt with wellness-focused prompts and have team members submit photos as they complete each one. The asynchronous format works across time zones, and the shared gallery builds connection through casual, visual moments.

• Choose 10-15 prompts covering physical activity, nutrition, and mental wellness
• Run the challenge for at least a week to accommodate different schedules
• Share the event link via Slack, email, or your team communication tool
• Use a shared photo gallery so everyone can see and react to submissions
• Keep it low-pressure with optional light incentives

Who this guide is for (and not for)

This guide is for:

• HR managers looking to boost wellness engagement in distributed teams
• Team leads who want async activities that work across time zones
• Culture champions building connection in remote-first companies
• Companies running quarterly or annual wellness initiatives
• Teams that have struggled with low participation in traditional wellness programs

This guide is NOT for:

• In-person team events or office-based wellness programs
• Teams looking for tracked fitness competitions with leaderboards
• Organizations needing HIPAA-compliant health tracking

Why photo challenges work for remote wellness

Telling remote employees to “exercise more” doesn’t work. But asking them to snap a photo on their morning walk creates a gentle nudge. The act of taking the photo makes the habit real. Submitting it to a shared gallery adds social accountability that a personal fitness app can’t match.

Remote teams miss the casual moments that build relationships. When someone posts a photo of their hiking trail, you learn something about them. When you see a teammate’s home-cooked meal, you might ask for the recipe. These small interactions add up to real connection.

A photo scavenger hunt is inherently asynchronous. People complete prompts on their own schedule and browse submissions when convenient. A month-long challenge with 15 prompts means people can complete one prompt every two days.

15 healthy habits photo prompts

Mix physical activity, nutrition, and mental health prompts to keep things varied:

Physical activity: Trail selfie, gym check-in, active commute, stretch break, new movement tried

Nutrition: Home-cooked meal, farmers market haul, hydration station, meal prep moment, healthy snack

Mental wellness: Morning routine, workspace with a view, digital detox moment, meditation spot, gratitude moment

These prompts work because they’re achievable for anyone, regardless of fitness level or schedule.

Setting up your challenge

Gather Shot is a photo sharing platform for events that makes collecting team photos simple. Create an event, add your company logo, and build your prompt list using the scavenger hunt feature .

Write prompts that are clear and specific. “Take a photo on a hike” is better than “Show us your outdoor activities.” Specificity reduces confusion and increases completion rates.

Use the flexible scheduling feature to keep uploads open for the full challenge duration. Then distribute the event link through Slack or email. No app download means zero friction.

Running a successful challenge

Post occasional reminders in your team channel and share highlights from the gallery. Avoid guilt-tripping people who haven’t participated. Have team leaders complete prompts early to set the tone.

The shared gallery becomes a window into your teammates’ lives. Encourage people to browse and react to photos. Feature standout submissions in your weekly all-hands or team newsletter.

Consider light incentives: a gift card for completing the most prompts, or enter everyone who finishes into a drawing. Keep stakes low so it feels like a game.

Frequently asked questions

How long should a remote team wellness challenge run?

At least one week, but a month works better for distributed teams. Longer timelines give everyone time to participate around their schedules and time zones.

How many prompts should I include?

10-15 prompts is ideal. This gives variety without overwhelming participants. With a month-long challenge, that’s roughly one prompt every two days.

What if participation is low at the start?

Have a few team leaders or culture champions complete prompts early. Seeing submissions from others makes people more likely to join in. Share gallery highlights in team channels to spark interest.

Do I need to moderate photo submissions?

For internal team challenges, you probably won’t need to filter much. Gather Shot includes moderation tools if you want to review uploads before they go public.

How do I measure whether the challenge worked?

Track how many team members uploaded at least one photo and how many completed all prompts. Ask participants for feedback on favorite prompts and whether they’d do it again.

Can I run recurring wellness challenges?

Yes. Consider quarterly challenges with different themes: outdoor adventures in summer, home cooking in fall, mindfulness in winter. Each challenge adds to a visual record of your team’s culture.

Start your remote team wellness challenge

A photo scavenger hunt gives your team a reason to move, eat well, and share their lives with each other. Gather Shot makes it simple with QR-based photo collection and scavenger hunt prompts . No app downloads, no complicated setup.

Create your free event and start building healthier habits across your distributed team.