6 Creative Ideas For Wellbeing-Focused Corporate Events

Some of the biggest companies in the world organise wellness-focused events to improve the overall health, productivity, and satisfaction of their employees.

Creating a corporate event that genuinely enhances employee wellbeing, takes careful planning.

You need to set clear objectives, select appropriate activities, and consider the diverse needs of your employees.

Think outside the box and consider these innovative corporate event ideas I also wrote about before.

Here are some additional suggestions to inspire your next event:

1. Mindfulness and relaxation sessions

Organise a day-long retreat at a tranquil location with sessions led by professional mindfulness and meditation instructors. The retreat can include guided meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and workshops on stress management.

Activities:

• Guided meditation sessions
• Yoga classes tailored for all levels
• Workshops on mindfulness techniques
• Healthy meals and snacks
• Quiet reflection zones

2. Outdoor adventure day

Plan an adventure day that encourages physical activity and team bonding. Choose a nature reserve, park, or other outdoor location and offer a range of activities like hiking, canoeing, or zip-lining.

Activities:

• Guided hikes or nature walks
• Canoeing or kayaking
• Team-building exercises
• Zip-lining or rock-climbing
• Picnic with healthy, energising food

PS! You can hire a professional events organisation Event Company Manchester to take care of all event planning needs. They offer creative direction, design, content, audio-visual production, venue finding, logistics management, pre-event and onsite registration, sustainability reporting, post-event campaigns, and surveys.

3. Wellness workshops series

Host a series of workshops focused on different aspects of wellness. These can be spread out over several weeks and cover topics like nutrition, mental health, exercise, and work-life balance.

Activities:

• Nutritional cooking classes
• Mental health and resilience workshops
• Fitness classes (e.g., Zumba, Pilates)
• Ergonomics and workplace setup consultations
• Work-life balance strategies

4. Art and creativity day

Encourage creativity and relaxation through art. Provide materials and guidance for activities like painting, pottery, or crafting. This can be a great way to relieve stress and promote mental well-being.

Activities:

• Painting and drawing sessions
• Pottery workshops
• Crafting stations (e.g., jewelry making, scrapbooking)
• Collaborative art projects
• Art therapy sessions

5. Digital detox camp

Create a digital-free environment where employees can disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other and themselves. This event can be held at a location with no cell reception or enforced digital-free zones.

Activities:

• Workshops on managing digital overload
• Group discussions and activities
• Physical activities like yoga, hiking, or swimming
• Meditation and relaxation sessions
• Creative sessions (e.g., journaling, sketching)

6. Social responsibility initiatives

Incorporating social responsibility initiatives into corporate events can enhance employee wellbeing by promoting a sense of purpose and community.

Activities such as charity drives, volunteer work, or environmental sustainability projects allow employees to give back to society while strengthening team bonds.

These initiatives can boost morale and provide a sense of fulfilment, contributing to overall wellbeing.

Measuring the success of wellbeing-focused corporate events

This involves both qualitative and quantitative methods to gauge the impact on employee health, engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction.

Here are several ways to measure success:

1. Retention and turnover rates

Track employee retention and turnover rates to see if there is a correlation with the wellbeing events.

Metrics:

• Employee retention rates
• Turnover rates, especially voluntary turnover
• Comparison with industry benchmarks

2. Health and wellness metrics

Monitor changes in health-related metrics, such as absenteeism rates, healthcare claims.

Metrics:

• Reduction in sick days and absenteeism
• Changes in healthcare claims costs

3. Productivity and performance metrics

Analyse productivity and performance data to identify any improvements post-event.

Metrics:

• Changes in productivity levels
• Employee performance ratings
• Project completion times and quality

4. Employee feedback surveys

Conduct pre- and post-event surveys to gather employees’ feedback on their experience, satisfaction, and perceived benefits. Gather qualitative feedback through focus groups, interviews, and open-ended survey questions.

Metrics:

• Overall satisfaction with the event
• Perceived impact on stress levels and wellbeing
• Suggestions for future events

Successful examples from leading companies

These case studies highlight the diverse approaches companies can take to integrate wellbeing into their corporate events.

By learning from these examples, organisations can design events that effectively promote employee wellbeing and create a positive work environment.

Google: wellness and mindfulness programs

Google is renowned for its employee wellbeing initiatives, and its corporate events are no exception.

The company regularly organises wellness and mindfulness programs as part of its corporate events, offering activities such as yoga, meditation, and resilience training.

These events are designed to help employees manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. By prioritising mental health and relaxation, Google fosters a supportive and positive work environment.

Salesforce: health and fitness challenges

Salesforce has successfully incorporated health and fitness challenges into its corporate events to promote employee wellbeing.

The company organises annual wellness fairs and step challenges, encouraging employees to stay active and adopt healthier lifestyles.

These events often include fitness classes, health screenings, and nutrition workshops. By creating a culture of health and wellness, Salesforce enhances employee engagement and satisfaction.

Unilever: sustainability and social responsibility initiatives

Unilever integrates sustainability and social responsibility initiatives into its corporate events to enhance employee wellbeing.

The company organises volunteer days and community service projects, allowing employees to give back to society while strengthening team bonds.

These initiatives not only contribute to a sense of purpose and fulfilment but also promote a positive company image.

Unilever’s approach demonstrates how aligning corporate events with social values can boost employee morale and wellbeing.

Zappos: fun team-building activities

Zappos is known for its fun and engaging corporate events that focus on team building and employee wellbeing.

The company organises activities such as scavenger hunts, talent shows, and themed parties, creating a lively and enjoyable work environment.

These events encourage employees to connect on a personal level, fostering strong relationships and a sense of community. Zappos’ emphasis on fun and camaraderie helps reduce stress and enhance overall job satisfaction.

PwC: mental health awareness campaigns

PwC has implemented mental health awareness campaigns as part of its corporate events to support employee wellbeing.

The company hosts workshops and seminars on mental health topics, providing resources and support for employees struggling with stress or mental health issues.

By promoting open discussions and reducing stigma, PwC creates a workplace culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing.