47+ Engaging employee wellbeing ideas for your team

Prioritising employee well-being is essential for maintaining a positive and productive workplace. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by introducing a range of engaging wellbeing activities to improve your staff’s physical and healthy health.

Whether it is a simple desk stretching routine, a 5-minute meditation break, or a more involved office treasure hunt, well-being activities can suit your office environment. These activities help to reduce stress, boost morale, and improve overall job satisfaction, making them a valuable investment in your team’s long-term success.

Top 47+ staff wellbeing activities for a vibrant office atmosphere

Physical Wellbeing

1. Morning walk with colleagues

Start the day with a 20-minute group walk around the office neighbourhood. This activity is free, suitable for small to large groups, and requires safe walking paths nearby. Use the app to help organise the morning walk.

2. Desk stretching routine

Take 5 minutes every hour to stretch and release tension, focusing on the back, shoulders, and neck. This activity is free, requires no special equipment, and is suitable for all group sizes.

3. Office Chair Relay Race

Organise a fun relay race with office chairs to encourage laughter and teamwork. This activity costs nothing, is suitable for medium to large groups, and requires a safe, open indoor space.

4. Quick Desk Workout

Engage in quick exercises like squats or desk push-ups. This is a free, energizing activity suitable for all group sizes and requires no special equipment.

5. Team Walk and Talk

Hold walking meetings instead of sitting, promoting fresh air and creativity. This activity is free, suitable for small teams, and requires a safe outdoor walking path.

6. Office Dance-Off

Organise a friendly dance competition to bring energy and excitement to the day. This is a free activity, ideal for medium groups, and requires an open dance space.

7. Nature Walk Breaks

Enjoy nature with a 15-minute walk to a local park. This free activity is suitable for all group sizes and requires nearby green space.

8. Lunchtime Office Sports

Play games like football, basketball, or Frisbee in a nearby park. This is a free activity for medium to large groups and requires access to a local park.

9. Team Exercise Challenge

Set up a friendly competition where team members track steps or activities for a week. This free or low-cost activity is suitable for all group sizes and requires fitness trackers or an app.

Mental Wellbeing

10. 5-Minute Meditation Breaks

Lead guided meditation sessions to help staff focus and reduce stress. Free or low-cost, suitable for all group sizes, and requires a quiet area or meditation app.

11. Guided Breathing Exercises

Practice 5 minutes of deep breathing exercises to relieve stress and refocus. This is a free or low-cost activity, suitable for all group sizes, and requires only a quiet space.

12. 10-Minute Guided Visualisation

Lead a short guided visualisation exercise to help staff recharge. This free or low-cost activity is suitable for small to medium groups and requires a quiet space.

13. Quiet Reading Time

Encourage staff to spend 15 minutes relaxing with a book or magazine. This free activity is ideal for small groups and only requires reading materials.

14. Post-Lunch Relaxation Session

Spend 5 minutes after lunch practising deep breathing or light stretching for relaxation. This free, calming activity is suitable for small to medium groups.

15. Office Meditation Circle

Sit together for a 10-minute meditation session to clear the mind. This free or low-cost activity is suitable for all group sizes and requires a quiet space.

16. Desk Yoga

Encourage light yoga stretches at desks to relieve tension and improve posture. This free activity is suitable for all group sizes.

Emotional Wellbeing

17. Gratitude Sharing Circle

Gather for 10 minutes to share one thing you’re grateful for, boosting positivity among colleagues. A free activity, ideal for small groups, requiring only a quiet space.Gather for 10 minutes to share one thing you’re grateful for, boosting positivity among colleagues and enhancing wellness in the workplace. This free activity is ideal for small groups and requires nothing more than a quiet space.

18. Joke Sharing Session

Have a 10-minute break where staff share jokes to spark laughter. This accessible, light-hearted activity is suitable for all group sizes.

19. Breathing Circle

Spend a few minutes practising collective breathing exercises to reduce stress. This free activity is ideal for small to medium groups and requires a quiet space.

20. Desk-to-Desk High-Five Chain

Encourage a chain of high-fives between colleagues to boost morale. This free, energising activity is suitable for all group sizes.

21. Compliment Chain Activity

Start a chain where each person compliments another, creating a positive environment. This is a free activity for small to medium groups.

22. Group Gratitude Journal

Keep a communal gratitude journal for workers to note what they’re thankful for. This low-cost, reflective activity is suitable for all group sizes.

23. Positive Email Challenge

Encourage staff to send a positive email to a colleague. This free, uplifting activity is suitable for all group sizes and requires email access.

Digital Wellbeing

24. Water Drinking Challenge

Challenge staff to stay hydrated throughout the day. This free, healthy activity is suitable for all group sizes and only requires water bottles.

25. Positive Email Challenge

Encourages mindful, positive digital communication and builds a supportive environment. Free for all group sizes.

Financial Wellbeing

26. Financial Literacy Workshop

Host workshops covering budgeting, debt management, and savings. This low-cost or free activity is suitable for all group sizes and requires a financial expert or materials.

27. Retirement Planning Session

Provide a session focused on retirement savings and planning for the future. This low-cost session is suitable for small to medium groups and requires financial planning resources.

28. Monthly Savings Challenge

Encourage employees to save a small amount each month, with recognition for progress. This free activity is suitable for all group sizes and requires minimal setup.

29. One-on-One Financial Counseling

Offer confidential financial counselling sessions for those needing personalised advice. Costs may vary, and it’s suitable for all group sizes, requiring access to a financial counsellor.

Social Wellbeing

30. Bring Your Lunch Socials

Encourage team members to eat together and connect socially. Free and suitable for all group sizes, requires a communal eating space.

31. Office Treasure Hunt

Organise a scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the office, encouraging teamwork. Low-cost, suitable for medium to large groups, requires office space.

32. Lunchtime Potluck

Host a team lunch where everyone brings a homemade dish, promoting cultural exchange. Free and suitable for all group sizes, requires a break room.

33. Office Games Hour

Dedicate an hour to board or card games to promote social interaction. Low-cost, suitable for small to medium groups, requires access to games.

34. Office Ping Pong Tournament

Set up a mini ping-pong tournament for friendly competition. Low- to moderate-cost, suitable for medium groups, requires a ping pong set.

35. Paper Airplane Competition

Host a paper aeroplane contest to see who can create the best design. Free for small groups and requires only paper.

36. Team Karaoke Session

Let staff sing their favourite songs for a fun break. Low to moderate cost, ideal for medium to large groups, requires a karaoke machine.

37. Office Bake-Off

Invite staff to bake and share treats with colleagues, building a sense of community. Low-cost, suitable for all group sizes, requires a break room.

Environmental Wellbeing

38. Desk Plant Swap

Have a day when employees bring and swap small plants, creating a greener workspace. Low-cost, suitable for all group sizes, requires plants.

39. Collaborative Lego Building

Leave a pile of Legos in a common area and encourage staff to build a structure over time. Low-cost, suitable for all group sizes, requires Legos.

Community Wellbeing

40. Volunteer Day Outing

Spend a day volunteering at a local charity, building bonds while giving back to the community. Free or low-cost, suitable for medium to large groups.

41. Office Cook-Off Challenge

Host a cooking competition where staff make dishes, and others vote for the best. Low-cost, suitable for medium to large groups, requires kitchen access.

42. Friday Afternoon Movie Time

End the week with a relaxed movie screening in the break room. Low-cost, suitable for all group sizes, requires a screen and projector.

Cultural Wellbeing

43. Lunchtime Potluck

Promotes cultural exchange as employees share homemade dishes representing diverse backgrounds. Free and suitable for all group sizes.

44. Office Talent Show

Allow team members to showcase hidden skills, promoting cultural diversity and inclusion. Free or low-cost, ideal for medium to large groups, requires open space.

Spiritual Wellbeing

45. Mindful Eating Lunch

Practice mindful eating by focusing on food and chewing slowly. Free, suitable for all group sizes, requires a communal eating space.

46. Gratitude Sharing Circle

Encourages reflection on positive aspects of life, enhancing purpose and fulfilment. Free and ideal for small groups.

47. Breathing Circle

Encourages shared reflection and mindfulness through collective breathing exercises. Free for small to medium groups, requires a quiet space.

3 Compelling reasons to invest in staff wellbeing activities

Investing in staff wellbeing activities has become more crucial than ever. Not only does it demonstrate your commitment to your employees, but it also shows the benefits that can impact your organisation’s success. Here are three compelling reasons why you should invest in wellbeing activities:

Enhanced employee productivity

When employees feel valued and their well-being is prioritised, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated in their work. Wellbeing activities such as stress management, fitness programs, mental health programs, and some additional fun activities help employees maintain a healthy balance, improving their focus and efficiency during work.

Reduced absenteeism and turnover

One key benefit to staff well-being as a business is reducing absenteeism and employee turnover. If your employees are healthy, this will result in fewer sick days and more likely to stay loyal to your company. This also reduces the costs related to hiring and training new staff.

Positive workplace culture

Creating a positive workplace culture is essential for attracting and retaining top talent and culture. As you promote these activities, companies can create an environment where your employees feel supported. This will improve job satisfaction and encourage the community through these activities.

Start implementing these well-being activities with your team to foster a healthier, more engaged workplace. Sign up with us to access tools and resources that make organising these activities easier and more effective through Teamupp.