20 Ideas for Hosting a Corporate Wellness Event to Boost Morale
Ever feel like your corporate wellness events need that spark?
Crafting a corporate wellness event isn’t just ticking a box—it’s about transforming the workplace.
We’ll share fresh ideas for improving your employees’ well-being and increasing their productivity. Let’s explore how to make your event unforgettable.
Corporate Wellness Event: Top Picks for Employee Wellness Programs
1. Yoga Sessions
Yoga is more than stretching. It’s an activity that combines breathing, balance, and tranquility. Offering yoga sessions can help employees relax, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Employees can benefit from structured sessions led by certified instructors. If possible, companies can provide mats and blocks.
It could be worth considering scheduling sessions in outdoor environments for fresh air, which can further enhance the calming effects. Sessions like these are also good for small business wellness program ideas.
Real-world examples show companies like Google offering yoga to help employees recharge. Yoga’s impact on mood and productivity is well documented. According to Harvard Health, regular practice can decrease stress and help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. However, some argue that not everyone enjoys group classes and personal preferences should be considered when included in your employee wellness program.
Dive Deeper
“The Yoga Bible” by Christina Brown – A comprehensive book on yoga offering an introduction to yoga and different poses to try. Perfect for both beginners and experts.
The “Yoga with Adriene” YouTube channel for accessible yoga sessions.
The “Yoga Nidra for Sleep” app guides users through meditation.
2. Mindfulness Workshops
Mindfulness training is gaining traction in workplaces for a reason. Mindfulness involves focusing on the present moment in a non-judgmental way. It can improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance workplace satisfaction. Workshops should cover basics like breathing exercises, guided meditation, and techniques for managing stress. Providing resources or guides is essential so employees continue these practices independently.
Employees can also benefit from wellness workshops like those held by wellness expert, Jake Bernstein. He facilitates workshops to help staff come up with specific action items to manage their stress and anxiety.
Harvard Business Review highlights that mindfulness can help reduce employee turnover and improve innovation. The main counterpoint involves ensuring inclusivity since not everyone resonates with mindfulness as a practice.
Dive Deeper
“The Mindful Day” by Laurie Cameron – A guide to using mindfulness in everyday life.
Headspace’s meditation courses for practical mindfulness techniques.
Listen to “The Mindfulness Meditation Podcast” for varied exercises.
3. Group Fitness Classes
Engaging in physical activity as a group can make exercise more enjoyable. Options like Zumba and Pilates are vibrant and cater to different fitness levels. Encouraging team participation in fun, inclusive activities like fitness challenges fosters a sense of belonging among employees. This promotes camaraderie and can lead to better teamwork and better physical health.
Dive Deeper
Zumba – provides an avenue for searching classes whether in person, via Zoom, or video-on-demand.
Explore online classes from platforms like Peloton.
“The Fitness Business Podcast” provides tips on running effective group classes.
Other Corporate Wellness Event Ideas
4. Provide Nutritious Snacks and Meals
Choose the Right Snacks: Stock pantries with fruits like apples and bananas. Include healthy snack bars and mixed nuts to offer variety.
Plan Balanced Meals: Partner with local caterers to provide lunch options like grilled chicken salads, quinoa bowls, or whole grain sandwiches. This keeps the energy up and prevents the post-lunch slump.
Set Up Accessible Snack Stations: Position stations in break rooms or near common areas. Arrange snacks so everyone can find healthy options easily. Use clear storage containers for visibility.
Educate Employees: Share the benefits of these snacks via emails or posters. Including information on calories, nutrients, and energy benefits can encourage healthier choices.
5. Host Cooking Demonstrations
Select a Qualified Chef: Find a local chef skilled in healthy cooking. A public demonstration can appeal more when led by a professional and makes an interesting workplace wellness program.
Choose Healthy Recipes: Focus on simple, quick recipes like vegetable stir-fry or quinoa salad. These should reflect foods that are available in your provided meal plans.
Set Up the Venue: Arrange for a spacious area with good visibility. Ensure seating and a clear view of the cooking station.
Engage Employees: Encourage employees to participate by asking questions during the demo. Provide recipe handouts or digital copies post-event to follow through on promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Follow-Up: Send a survey for feedback on the recipes and the demo itself. This aids in planning future events.
6. Offer Ergonomic Assessments
Hire a Certified Ergonomist: Contact ergonomics experts to conduct workplace assessments addressing individual needs.
Schedule Employee Ergonomic Checks: Allow each employee 30 minutes to discuss their workspace setup with the expert. Timing flexibility helps accommodate different schedules.
Document Recommendations: Ensure the ergonomist provides written suggestions for each assessment to streamline follow-up actions.
7. Suggest Simple Changes to Desks and Chairs
Adjust Chair Height: Employees should position chairs so their feet are flat on the floor. Knees at hip level optimize posture.
Monitor Positioning: The screen top should be at eye level. This avoids neck strain. A simple monitor riser can help achieve this.
Desk Layout: Arrange frequently used items within easy reach. This reduces unnecessary stretching or bending.
Provide Adjustable Tools: Invest in height-adjustable desks and chair lumbar supports for better alignment. Ergonomics tools contribute to comfort and focus.
8. Provide Mental Health Resources
Select Qualified Professionals: Partner with mental health speakers and licensed practitioners. Engage those experienced in workplace stressors and solutions.
Ensure Confidentiality: Set up private spaces for counseling. Maintain a strict confidentiality policy to assure employees.
Flexible Sessions: Offer both in-person and virtual counseling options. This flexibility accommodates different comfort levels and availability.
9. Promote Mental Health Days
Policy Development: Introduce mental health days within current leave structures. These should be explicitly labeled to reduce stigma.
Educate Leaders and Employees: Discuss the benefits of wellness and mental health days through workshops by a mental health professional or newsletters. Highlight their role in preventing burnout and keeping important wellness topics in the loop.
Incorporate Feedback: Use employee feedback regularly to refine policies and support systems.
Team-Building Wellness Ideas to Foster Unity
10. Outdoor Team Challenges
Organize Collaborative Games
Outdoor team challenges can be a game-changer for corporate wellness. These activities push boundaries, enhance team spirit, and are typically loads of fun. Think of activities like scavenger hunts or group sports like soccer or volleyball.
Companies like Apple have seen the benefits of the growing trend of corporate team challenges. Apple organizes regular team hikes and challenges in natural settings, which has led to improved communication skills and stronger team bonds. Such activities force teams to cooperate and solve problems together.
Even simple relay races or team-building exercises involving ropes courses can provide great value. They not only encourage physical activity but also help in problem-solving under pressure. Physical challenges can also foster healthy competition, driving teams to perform better, creating a healthier workforce, and even decreasing the risk of getting illnesses.
Action Items
Host quarterly outdoor events.
Survey employees to choose activities.
Incorporate team-building goals.
Dive Deeper
“The Big Book of Team Building Games” by John Newstrom and Edward Scannell
Teamwork courses from Coursera
Udemy’s “Team Building and Collaboration Skills for Managers” – understand teamwork and collaboration with all best practices and examples
Plan Obstacle Courses
Obstacle courses offer a unique mix of physical and mental challenges. Obstacle courses require cooperation and communication to complete tasks, reflecting challenges often faced in workplace projects. As an example, companies like IBM have used similar strategies in employee retreats to excellent effect.
A well-planned course can cater to various skill levels. Think tire mazes, wall climbs, or balance beams with varying difficulty. Courses should focus on collaboration, not competition.
Obstacle courses aren’t just for the young or fit. Programs can be tailored to include cognitive puzzles or teamwork tasks, ensuring everyone can participate. Including more cerebral tasks can lead to increased inclusion and better overall safety. This makes them a favorite choice among many organizations looking for diverse teamwork activities.
Action Items
Design the course based on skill diversity.
Ensure safety with professional instructors.
Rotate team leaders to enhance leadership skills.
Dive Deeper
TED Talk: “What Makes the Highest Performing Teams in the World” by Simon Sinek
Course: “Having Difficult Conversations” on LinkedIn Learning
11. Encourage Employees through Volunteer Programs
Integrate Community Service
Integrating volunteer programs transforms corporate wellness by blending altruism with employee engagement. Community service can provide deep fulfillment and diversion from regular work stress. Companies like Salesforce incorporate community days where employees volunteer in local schools or non-profits.
Volunteering shifts bring employees together, breaking down barriers created by an office hierarchy. Employees from different departments collaborate, building new friendships and fostering a strong sense of unity. A study by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship shows that 96% of employees who volunteer are more engaged than those who don’t.
Volunteering days benefit the community and spark team coherence. However, it’s essential to ensure these initiatives align with employee interests to prevent them from feeling forced or insincere, which can have the opposite effect.
Action Items
Partner with local non-profits.
Survey employee interests for alignment.
Recognize and celebrate volunteer efforts.
Dive Deeper
“Give and Take” by Adam Grant
Podcast: “The WorkLife Podcast” dives into teamwork and altruism
Encourage Team-Building Outside of the Office
Volunteering doesn’t have to be done during official hours. Encouraging activities beyond working hours can foster voluntary participation and build a genuine bond among team members. Many organizations support social clubs and sports groups as part of their workplace wellness program to enhance employee relationships.
These activities reinforce unity, as participation is based on shared personal interests rather than obligation. For example, Microsoft often supports interest-based clubs ranging from photography to running marathons, enhancing employee satisfaction and interpersonal connections.
Action Items
Support interest-based clubs.
Provide resources for off-hours activities.
Create a platform for sharing success stories.
Dive Deeper
“Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community” by Robert D. Putnam
Podcast: “Is It Harder to Make Friends as an Adult?” on Freakonomics
WHO guide: Methods for social community involvement
12. Art and Creativity Workshops
Host Painting or Pottery Sessions
Art and creativity workshops stimulate the imagination and offer therapeutic relief from daily stress. Companies like Adobe often host art workshops that tap into creativity. This provides employees with a fun and relaxing outlet for workplace wellness ideas.
These workshops help develop patience, focus, and problem-solving skills. In practice, simple abstract painting sessions or pottery classes can lead to personal satisfaction and shared camaraderie. Innovative expression through art also gives a fresh perspective on resolving tasks and dealing with workplace challenges.
Arts programs should be structured to allow everyone, from novices to artists, the chance to participate and enjoy the creative process. It’s another aspect of employee health and wellness that should be explored.
Action Items
Schedule regular workshops.
Provide diverse materials and themes.
Combine relaxation with team-building efforts.
Dive Deeper
“The Art of Creativity” by Susie Pearl
“Creative Pep Talk Podcast” for innovation insights
Online course: “Creativity in Business” from Stanford MBA course / Book: “Creativity in Business” by Michael Ray and Rochelle Myers
Use Creativity as Stress Relief
Art can also be a powerful stress management tool, offering cognitive emersion, and improving mental health. Encouraging creativity allows employees to momentarily escape work pressures, rejuvenating their minds.
Many industries are increasingly adopting creative outlets in their workplace wellness program to drive innovation and productivity. By providing employees with opportunities to engage in creative tasks, such as photography, writing, or crafting, companies foster an environment where stress is minimized, and creativity is cultivated.
Balancing structured and unstructured creative times can accommodate different personality types and levels of artistic knowledge, making the workplace atmosphere more vibrant and inclusive. It’s a great wellness event idea that can help improve employee health.
Action Items
Facilitate regular “Brain Break” sessions.
Offer diverse workshops to cater to all interests.
Evaluate employee feedback to improve sessions.
Dive Deeper
“The Artist’s Way: A Course in Discovering and Recovering Your Creative Self” by Julia Cameron
TED Talk: “Creativity and Play: Exploring the Connections” by Tim Brown
Creative Live: Resources on stress and art initiatives
How to Host a Successful Wellness Day at Work
Focus on varied activities to interest everyone.
Collaborate with local experts for authentic experiences.
Promote early to boost attendance.
13. Plan a Schedule of Events
Include a Diverse Range of Wellness Activities
Identify Interests and Fitness Levels: Start by conducting health screenings, and identifying different interests and fitness levels of your employees. Send out a simple survey asking what types of activities they would like to participate in.
Mix Physical and Relaxing Activities: Plan a mix of high-energy and calming activities. Options might include yoga, meditation, team sports, and workshops. This variety ensures everyone finds something they enjoy.
Cater to Various Interests and Fitness Levels
Tailor Activities for All Levels: Choose activities that cater to beginners and those more advanced. For example, offer beginner yoga alongside intermediate sessions.
Include Non-Physical Options: Include wellness activities that do not require physical exertion. Mental health workshops or nutrition talks can attract those less inclined to physical activities.
14. Engage Local Vendors and Experts
Partner with Local Fitness Trainers
Research Local Experts: Find local fitness trainers who specialize in corporate events. Check reviews and request proposals that outline how they would engage employees.
Set Clear Objectives and Goals: Discuss your wellness day objectives with your chosen trainers for physical health days. Make sure their sessions align with your company’s wellness goals.
Source Healthy Food Vendors
Research and Contact Local Vendors: Reach out to healthy food vendors who provide options like salads, smoothies, and whole foods.
Arrange Tasting Sessions: Before finalizing, arrange tasting sessions. This step ensures their offerings suit your team’s preferences and dietary restrictions.
15. Promote Ahead of Time
Use Internal Channels for Communication
Create a Communication Plan: Develop a comprehensive communication plan using emails, newsletters, and intranet posts to spread the word about your workplace wellness program.
Highlight Key Details: Clearly state the date, time, and location in all communications. Include teasers of what employees can expect.
Encourage Participation with Rewards
Include Incentives: Promote participation by offering incentives such as entry into a prize draw or additional wellness benefits for those who attend.
Celebrate Milestones: Recognize participation levels before and during the event. This could be in the form of shout-outs on internal channels or small rewards for early registrants for your corporate wellness programs.
Supplementary Resources and Inspiration
16. Books on Corporate Wellness
Books are a treasure trove for anyone seeking a substantial understanding of corporate wellness. They provide comprehensive insights that can shape your workplace well-being strategy. For example, “The Wellness Syndrome” by Carl Cederström and André Spicer highlights how wellness can sometimes be overemphasized, shifting attention away from actual health improvement. Another standout is “Thrive” by Arianna Huffington, which delves into the importance of balancing well-being and productivity at work. Both books offer unique perspectives on what constitutes a genuine wellness culture.
Key takeaways from these books often emphasize the importance of integrating wellness into your corporate culture and addressing employee well-being comprehensively rather than superficially.
Action Items
Introduce key concepts from “Thrive” into your wellness initiatives.
Consider the critical viewpoints in “The Wellness Syndrome” to avoid common pitfalls.
Use books as a framework to evolve company policies.
Dive Deeper
“The Wellness Syndrome“ by Carl Cederström and André Spicer
“Thrive“ by Arianna Huffington
“Wellbeing: The Five Essential Elements“ by Tom Rath and Jim Harter
17. Online Communities to Join
Joining online communities can offer diverse viewpoints and practical ideas for hosting wellness events. Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and Facebook have vibrant forums where ideas and experiences are shared daily.
These communities not only allow professionals to discuss successes and failures but also act as real-time feedback loops. Members often share what strategies worked, what failed, and how to measure success more accurately. Active participation can lead to insights that manufactured solutions might miss.
Action Items
Join and monitor Reddit discussions for trends in wellness.
Engage with LinkedIn groups to network with wellness professionals.
Share your own experiences to get tailored advice and support.
18. Case Studies of Successful Programs
Real-world examples are critical for understanding what works in corporate wellness. Google famously integrates yoga into its work culture, promoting relaxation and stress reduction. Southwest Airlines runs a “Clear Skies” EAP providing various mental health services for their staff and family members, including confidential visits, text therapy, in-person counseling, etc.
Such case studies shine a light on successful elements like management support, program diversity, and employee engagement. They show the balancing act organizations must perform between offering incentives and nurturing genuine employee interest.
Action Items
Analyze successful programs like Google’s yoga integration for potential adaptation.
Assess how Southwest Airlines leverages challenges to engage employees.
Extract strategies that align with your organizational culture.
Dive Deeper
Case studies from Harvard’s program on workplace wellness
Southwest Airlines’ Total Rewards program
Google’s Employee Wellness Initiatives
19. Corporate Wellness Trends in 2024
Joining online communities can offer diverse viewpoints and practical wellness program ideas for small businesses in relation to hosting wellness events. Platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and Facebook have vibrant forums where ideas and experiences are shared daily.
Though tech brings many benefits, skepticism remains around data privacy and employee surveillance. Organizations must strike a balance, ensuring benefits without overstepping boundaries.
Action Items
Explore wellness platforms to offer personalized health insights.
Weigh the benefits and concerns of introducing tech-driven workplace wellness solutions.
Embrace trends cautiously to protect employee privacy.
20. Apps and Tools to Support Wellness
Apps provide practical and instant support for employee wellness. Tools like Calm and Headspace help manage stress through guided meditations and breathing exercises. Fitness apps like Sworkit offer customizable workouts, accessible from anywhere, encouraging employees to stay active even remotely.
Selecting the right company wellness app depends on your workforce’s needs. Some apps are team-centered, promoting group challenges, while others focus on individual progress. Leading tools blend both personal and collective health goals by providing features that enhance accountability and make wellness engaging.
Action Items
Evaluate wellness apps and select those that fit your team’s preferences.
Implement apps that provide both individual and team-focused activities.
Promote active usage and track impact on employee satisfaction.
Dive Deeper
Calm and Headspace for mental health
Sworkit for physical fitness
Final Thoughts on Energizing Corporate Wellness Events
Understanding and addressing management concerns is crucial for program success. Start planning your corporate wellness event by engaging your team and scheduling activities. Collaborate with local vendors to bring expertise to your event. Collect employee feedback to refine your strategies to improve workplace wellness.
What’s the one wellness initiative that could transform your workplace? Align your wellness goals with your company culture and take the leap.