Wellness is a growing priority in the workplace, reflected in the shift towards wellbeing within the corporate event sector. In the past few years, the demand for events that nurture holistic health and foster a thriving work culture has surged. There’s no doubt that wellness in corporate events is a key trend that is set to continue in 2024.
More than ever at TLC, we are integrating wellness into the scope of our corporate events offering. In truth it started small – healthy menus, smoothie bars and outdoor sessions at conferences. But with an increasing emphasis they now include a focus on self-care, mindfulness, and physical health. The landscape of events dedicated to wellness is flourishing and even events that aren’t fully focused on wellness, often have an element dedicated to this important theme.
Within this blog, CEO Liz Taylor delves into the world of wellness-centric events and if you are new to the holistic health arena, share tips on how to take the first steps infuse wellness in corporate events for 2024.
WHY CHOOSE WELLNESS IN CORPORATE EVENTS?
Firstly, wellness in corporate events isn’t about offering a break from the norm. They are a strategic investment in your workforce, boosting morale and enhancing the overall health of employees.
It is proven that happy, healthy workers are more productive and likely to stay with your company for the long term.
Therefore, prioritising wellness can reduce sick days and forge deeper connections between teams and colleagues.
For me, taking time to digital detox, escape to a wellness retreat and recharge gives me the energy to take on another year of incredible event planning. Personally, it is liberating.
According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, over half (53%) of organisations now have a stand-alone wellbeing strategy. Over two-thirds (69%) report that senior leaders consider employee wellbeing a priority, and just over two-fifths (43%) continue to take measures to support employee health and wellbeing post-pandemic.
The wellbeing of teams is, quite rightly, central to the modern workplace. Which means in the corporate events industry in 2024, wellness is well and truly on the agenda.
ORGANISING CORPORATE EVENT WITH A WELLNESS ANGLE
As corporate event planners, curating wellness in corporate events isn’t just about logistics; it’s about offering experiences that resonate with teams and the needs of both the organisation and its workforce. And at TLC, that means delivering this with next level detail, creativity, and thoughtful planning.
Here are some event planner tips to organising corporate events that nurture mind, body, and soul.
Be clear on your outcomes
Wellness events are no different to any other corporate event in that you need to outline clear objectives before diving into the planning process. Is the aim to reduce stress, promote teamwork, enhance productivity, or foster a healthier work culture? Understanding the purpose will guide your decisions.
Identify employee needs
Conduct surveys or gather feedback to understand the wellness needs and preferences of your employees. Discover what wellness activities or topics are they interested in? Which ideas would put them off? What is the main cause of imbalance in their work life? Tailor the event to resonate with their interests and needs.
Select a fitting venue
This is no event for a stuffy meeting room. Natural settings, such as parks, gardens, or venues with ample natural light, can create a calming and rejuvenating atmosphere. Finding a unique wellness space will be a huge draw in getting people to attend. Ensure the space accommodates the planned activities comfortably but also has an inspirational, calming element that’s fitting for the purpose.
Collaborate with wellness experts
Wellness professionals, such as yoga instructors, nutritionists, mental health counsellors, or fitness trainers will need to lead workshops or seminars. Their expertise will add credibility and value to the event. Joe Wicks is on speed dial!
Plan mindful catering
Highlight healthy eating habits by offering balanced meals and snacks. Consider workshops or demonstrations on mindful eating practices. Our team of expert chefs create interactive sessions where you take charge of the kitchen – wellness is on the menu.
ITS ALL IN THE PITCH
There are ways to introduce wellness more subtly in the first instance than a fully immersive wellness event. Especially if this is your first foray into the world of wellness, and more importantly if you have team members who are reticent to try experiences in this realm.
If your team is uneasy about wellness and holistic health, be sure to emphasise the personal benefits. And remember that how you position each activity, can make all the difference to how attendees engage with it. For instance, a sound bath, mindfulness, cold water therapy or ecstatic dance could be daunting for the uninitiated! Where ‘techniques for boosting immunity and stress management’ can seem much more accessible.
BEGINNER WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
Reducing stress and building resilience workshops
Work-related stress is a common challenge in corporate environments. Wellness-focused workshops dedicated to stress management, resilience, and mindfulness can equip employees with practical tools to navigate high-pressure situations and maintain their wellbeing.
Bite sized wellness experiences
Organising taster sessions and wellness workshops within a corporate arena can open the door to wider conversation about wellness in the workplace. Yoga, breathwork, meditation, journaling and mindfulness can be broken down into a programme of short, easy learning opportunities.
In the first instance this gives employees an experience that could lead to wider, positive lifestyle changes.
A taste of wellness
Remember that wellness isn’t limited to physical activity; it extends to nutrition too. Culinary wellness experiences bring employees together for cooking classes, nutrition sessions, and mindful eating workshops, promoting healthy eating habits at work and beyond.
TYPES OF WELLNESS EVENTS
For companies well underway with their corporate wellness strategy, a fully immersive wellness event can hold many benefits for employer and employee alike. Here are just some of the types of corporate wellness events that we organise.
Wellness workshops and conferences
An opportunity to educate employees about the importance of self-care. Feature renowned speakers, industry experts, and interactive workshops covering topics like stress management, mental health, and achieving work-life harmony. Totally scalable to the size of your business, it can take the form of a smaller wellness workshop for a handful of employees. Or a multi-day conference on the beaches of Ibiza, spanning your entire workforce.
Mindfulness retreats
From secluded mountain sanctuaries to beachside escapes, it’s not hard to see why mindfulness retreats are gaining traction. These events focus on meditation, yoga, and mental rejuvenation. Allowing attendees to unplug from the chaos of daily life. With workshops led by practitioners and immersive experiences in nature, the aim is to foster inner peace and self-awareness leaving your employees fully rejuvenated. Perfect for a senior team incentive event.
Fitness festivals
Fitness festivals are a dynamic blend of high-energy workouts, spiritual connection, nutrition workshops, and motivational talks by fitness influencers. Whether it’s yoga, Tai Chi, CrossFit, Barre, or dance, you can include something for every fitness enthusiast. Lively. Engaging, Ideal for a company with a youthful vibe.
Immersion in nature
With the hustle of modern life, reconnecting with nature has become essential for grounding and revitalisation. Offer a break from technology, by inviting your team to engage in outdoor activities, forest bathing, cold water immersion cold water immersion and eco-therapy. From the Cheshire countryside to the mountains of Colorado – it delivers a memorable experience.
Finally, wellness in corporate events isn’t just a trend. It’s a fundamental shift toward optimising employee well-being as a cornerstone of success. By prioritising this in your corporate event planning, you not only create a unique experience but also contribute to a healthier, more engaged, and productive workforce.
NOTEWORTHY WELLNESS EVENTS IN 2024
https://wellbeingatwork.world/summit/wellbeing-at-work-summit-europe-2024/
FIVE-MINUTE WELLNESS MOMENTS
Introduce your team to the world of wellness by recommending a five-minute motivational morning podcast such as this one: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4baaKuL9ozsSgrxPGENYyG
WELLNESS READS
Try one of Esquire’s wellness read recommendations: https://www.esquire.com/entertainment/books/g40433259/best-wellness-books/