Top 55 Wellbeing activity ideas to improve health
Workplace wellness has become vital to fostering a positive and productive work environment. From helping employees manage stress to supporting their physical and mental health, companies increasingly recognise the need for dedicated well-being initiatives.
Introducing wellbeing ideas that resonate with employees can improve wellbeing across the board—boosting morale, increasing productivity, and lowering turnover. Whether through wellness days or structured well-being team activities, companies have a unique opportunity to enhance their employees’ quality of life.
Wellness activities: Definition and examples
Wellness activities encompass a range of practices and initiatives designed to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These activities can include exercise programs, mindfulness sessions, nutrition workshops, and even engagement initiatives for your team.
Wellness activities, such as group fitness classes, meditation workshops, and team-building exercises that encourage collaboration and connection among employees, can be included as examples.
Wellbeing activities at work: What benefits?
Implementing well-being activities at work can bring numerous benefits for both your team members and your overall business. These well-being activities can contribute to a healthier workplace environment, enhancing productivity and job satisfaction. Here are some of the key benefits of engaging in wellbeing activities at work:
- Improved Productivity: Wellbeing initiatives like wellness days and team activities can increase employees’ focus and efficiency.
- Enhanced Happiness: Engaging in activities for health and wellness fosters a positive workplace culture, boosting overall morale.
- Reduced Stress: Mindfulness and relaxation exercises help employees manage stress effectively, leading to better mental health.
- Stronger Team Dynamics: Well-being team activities promote collaboration and communication, strengthening relationships among coworkers.
- Increased Employee Engagement: Offering well-being ideas and initiatives encourages participation and a sense of belonging within the organisation.
Top 55 Best workplace wellbeing activities and prices
Physical Wellbeing
1. Wellness challenges
Teamupp is a digital wellness platform offering physical challenges employees can join through smartphones. It tracks steps, enables participation in virtual races, and awards points for fitness milestones. Designed to increase activity levels, the app promotes friendly competition among coworkers.
Price: between £3 and £15 per user per challenge.
2. Deskercise workouts
Deskercise provides guided exercises designed for the workspace, including stretches, posture exercises, and light strength moves. Each session is tailored to fit short breaks, making it easy for employees to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.
Price: £15 per user per month.
3. Online zumba classes
These high-energy classes allow employees to engage in cardio sessions from their homes. With weekly live and recorded classes, Zumba provides an enjoyable way to improve fitness and reduce stress.
Price: £20 per user per month.
4. Virtual group fitness challenges
In these team-based fitness challenges, employees work together to meet goals like step targets or exercise milestones. They can track progress, earn badges, and receive rewards for participation.
Price: between £3 and £15 per user per challenge.
5. Meditation Apps with guided movement
Apps like Headspace and Insight Timer feature light movement routines paired with meditation, which are ideal for quick, calming breaks during the day. These routines improve flexibility, reduce stress, and are accessible on mobile for individual or team use.
Price: £12 per user per month.
6. On-Demand pilates classes
This platform offers short, on-demand Pilates videos and exercises for strengthening and stretching. It is suitable for beginners and intermediate participants. Classes focus on improving core strength and posture.
Price: £18 per user per month.
7. Digital workout subscriptions
A platform offers various short, flexible workout routines for all fitness levels. From HIIT to strength training, employees can choose sessions that fit their schedule and are accessible from any device.
Price: £28 per user monthly.
8. Stretching App subscriptions
This app provides guided stretching routines to help relieve tension and improve flexibility. Employees receive reminders and access to tailored routines that are easy to follow at their desks.
Price: £10 per user per month.
9. Virtual kickboxing classes
These kickboxing classes combine cardio and strength training in short sessions as an energising workout option. Employees can join twice-weekly courses led by instructors, boosting fitness and morale.
Price: £30 per user per month.
10. Office-Friendly resistance band kits
Providing employees with resistance bands and guided exercises for strength training helps promote regular movement during the day. Each kit includes a guide for simple exercises that can be done from any workspace.
Price: £20 per kit.
Mental Wellbeing
11. Headspace subscription
Headspace offers meditation and mindfulness training through guided audio and video sessions. Employees can access stress-relief exercises, sleep aids, and focus-enhancing practices, making it ideal for mental clarity during work hours.
Price: £12 per user per month.
12. Calm App Access
The Calm app provides tools for relaxation, including guided meditations, breathing exercises, and soothing soundscapes. It’s designed to help employees reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Price: £15 per user per month.
13. Virtual Therapy Sessions
Online therapy sessions provide employees with access to licensed mental health professionals, helping them navigate challenges like stress, anxiety, and personal growth. Sessions can be tailored to individual needs.
Price: around £25 per session.
14. Stress Management Workshops
This online workshop series teaches techniques for identifying, managing, and reducing stress. Through interactive activities and guided exercises, employees learn coping mechanisms they can apply daily.
Price: £20 per workshop per user.
15. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Apps
CBT apps offer guided self-help resources for managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. With tailored exercises, these apps help employees work through stress or anxiety independently.
Price: £10 per user per month.
16. Virtual Book Clubs
Organised virtual book clubs encourage reading and discussion on mental health topics. Employees engage in a new book with guided monthly talks, promoting mindfulness and shared learning.
Price: £12 per participant per month.
17. Daily Gratitude Journaling Apps
These apps prompt employees to write down things they’re grateful for, helping build a positive mindset and increase self-awareness. Journaling encourages a proactive approach to mental health.
Price: £10 per user per month.
18. Digital Art Therapy Sessions
They offer digital art therapy sessions, where employees can join virtual workshops and explore creative expression as a form of relaxation and self-discovery. A licensed art therapist guides each session.
Price: £30 per session.
19. Online Mental Health Support Groups
Virtual support groups provide a space for employees to discuss mental health experiences and share coping techniques. Meetings are led by trained facilitators and scheduled weekly.
Price: £15 per user per month.
20. Resilience-Building Programs
These programs focus on building resilience skills teaching employees how to handle stress and adapt to change. Employees can strengthen their mental health over time with self-paced lessons and guided exercises.
Price: £20 per user per program.
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Emotional Wellbeing
21. Virtual Empathy Workshops
These workshops provide tools and exercises to foster employee empathy, communication, and understanding. Guided by trained facilitators, they help strengthen emotional intelligence and team dynamics.
Price: £25 per participant.
22. Online Journaling Programs
Online journaling tools guide employees to reflect on personal experiences and emotions, promoting self-awareness and emotional clarity. Daily prompts support emotional growth and mental wellness.
Price: £15 per user per month.
23. Positive Psychology Courses
These courses teach employees techniques rooted in positive psychology to enhance well-being, focusing on gratitude, resilience, and happiness. Each self-paced module offers practical exercises to build positive emotional habits.
Price: £18 per user per month.
24. Emotional Support Animal Meetups (Virtual)
Virtual meetups with emotional support animals allow employees to de-stress by interacting with therapy animals online, which has proven to improve mood and reduce anxiety. Sessions are guided by handlers and scheduled monthly.
Price: £20 per session.
25. Guided Visualization Exercises
Offering guided visualisation tools for relaxation and mental clarity, employees can access exercises designed to foster emotional calm and focus. Each session provides visualisation prompts that employees can use during breaks.
Price: £12 per user per month.
26. Emotional Intelligence Training
This training focuses on developing self-awareness, empathy, and relationship skills, enhancing employees’ emotional regulation and interpersonal skills. It is ideal for team building and personal growth.
Price: £28 per participant.
27. Mood-Tracking Apps
Mood-tracking apps let employees log their daily emotional states and recognise patterns over time. This can foster self-awareness and serve as a prompt for seeking additional support if needed.
Price: £10 per user per month.
28. Resilience and Coping Skills Workshops
These are interactive workshops that teach practical coping strategies for managing difficult emotions, stress, and unexpected challenges. Facilitators guide participants through resilience exercises that support emotional well-being.
Price: £20 per participant.
29. Mindful Breathing and Grounding Techniques
An app that guides employees through short, mindful breathing and grounding exercises to reduce stress and help them manage emotions in real time during the workday.
Price: £10 per user per month.
30. Online Peer Support Networks
Structured, virtual peer support groups foster emotional connections among employees who may share similar experiences or challenges, reducing feelings of isolation and improving morale.
Price: £15 per participant monthly
Financial Wellbeing
31. Personal Finance Workshops
Online workshops covering budgeting, saving, and debt management help employees gain control over their finances. Each session is tailored to specific needs, improving financial literacy.
Price: £20 per user per workshop.
32. Budgeting App Subscriptions
Budgeting apps help employees track income, expenses, and savings goals, making managing finances easier and reducing financial stress.
Price: £10 per user per month.
33. Debt Management Programs
Online programs provide advice, resources, and tools to help employees manage and reduce debt effectively. Includes access to financial experts.
Price: Starting at £25 per user per program.
34. Credit Score Monitoring Services
Employees gain access to credit score monitoring and insights, helping them track and improve their credit health with professional guidance.
Price: £18 per user per month.
35. Financial Counseling Sessions
These virtual one-on-one sessions with financial advisors cover personal finance concerns and provide tailored guidance. Ideal for employees seeking to improve their financial wellness.
Price: £30 per session.
36. Investment Basics Courses
Courses on investment fundamentals cover topics like stock market basics, asset classes, and risk management, empowering employees to start investing confidently.
Price: £12 per user per course.
37. Financial Goal-Setting Tools
Digital tools guide employees through setting and tracking financial goals, such as saving for emergencies, vacations, or larger purchases, with personalised tips.
Price: £10 per user per month.
38. Employee Loan Assistance Programs
Employers can provide access to short-term, low-interest loans, helping employees cover unexpected expenses without resorting to high-interest options.
Price: varies, but typically £20 per service activation.
Social Wellbeing
39. Virtual Team-Building Games
Interactive online games bring teams together to solve puzzles, complete challenges, and engage in fun activities, strengthening relationships and improving workplace morale.
Price: £15 per participant per event.
40. Online Networking Events
Virtual events for employees to connect with others in similar roles or industries, fostering collaboration and building professional networks.
Price: £10 per user per event.
41. Wellness Buddy Programs
Pairing employees into wellness buddy systems encourages mutual support for physical and mental health goals. Buddies motivate and hold each other accountable.
Price: Free, but the organisation may offer incentives.
42. Social Media Breaks and Workshops
Workshops guiding employees on the healthy use of social media can improve digital well-being and reduce anxiety associated with online engagement.
Price: £20 per user per workshop.
43. Community Service Days
Organising virtual or local community service days allows employees to engage in philanthropy, fostering a sense of purpose and connection with colleagues.
Price: £15 per participant.
44. Book Swaps and Reading Circles
Facilitate employee-led book swaps and reading circles that encourage social interaction while promoting literacy and shared interests among coworkers.
Price: Free.
45. Shared Interest Groups
Online groups focus on hobbies or interests and foster community and employee friendship. Regular virtual meetups promote engagement.
Price: Free.
46. Monthly Happy Hours (Virtual or In-Person)
Casual monthly happy hours allow employees to unwind and connect through online platforms or at local venues, enhancing camaraderie.
Price: £20 per participant.
47. Group Cooking Classes
Virtual group cooking classes encourage teamwork and allow employees to learn new culinary skills, promoting social interaction while cooking healthy meals.
Price: £25 per participant.
48. Wellbeing Walks
Organised group walks encourage employees to socialise while getting physical activity, which benefits both mental and physical health.
Price: free, with potential sponsorship for snacks.
Community Wellbeing
49. Sustainability Challenges
Employees participate in challenges that promote eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste or conserving energy. Engaging with sustainability fosters teamwork and community spirit.
Price: Free.
50. Volunteer Time Off Programs
Employers offer paid time off for employees to volunteer, promoting social responsibility and community engagement while supporting employee mental health.
Price: varies based on your company policy.
51. Community Garden Projects
Organising community gardens allows employees to work together outdoors, fostering social connections while contributing to local food sustainability.
Price: Free to join, with potential material costs.
52. Health Fairs and Wellness Expos
Hosting virtual or in-person health fairs introduces employees to community resources, including health screenings, wellness providers, and fitness opportunities.
Price: £15 per participant.
53. Local Business Partnerships
Partnering with local businesses for wellness discounts encourages employees to support their community while accessing fitness classes, healthy food options, and more.
Price: Free.
54. Cultural Celebrations and Awareness Days
Organising events celebrating diverse cultures and traditions within the workplace fosters inclusivity and community spirit among employees.
Price: free, but there are potential costs for materials.
55. Neighbourhood Clean-Up Initiatives
Team-driven clean-up events in local neighbourhoods enhance community well-being and promote teamwork, benefiting the environment and regional areas.
Price: Free, with possible sponsorships.
Essential elements for successful workplace wellbeing activities
Creating practical workplace well-being activities requires careful planning and consideration of several essential elements. By focusing on these critical aspects, organisations can ensure that their initiatives resonate with employees and lead to lasting positive outcomes. Here are the essential elements for successful workplace wellbeing activities:
Collaborative
Successful well-being activities thrive on collaboration among employees. Encouraging collaboration fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility, which makes others more likely to engage and support one another. Collaborative initiatives can include group challenges, team-building exercises, and peer-led wellness programs. You can also use this collaboration via our app to keep up-to-date with the progress.
Inclusive
Inclusivity is crucial in designing well-being activities that cater to the diverse needs of all employees. By considering different interests, abilities, and backgrounds, your business can create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and included. This can be achieved through offering various types of activities, ensuring accessibility, and encouraging participation from all of your team.
Flexible
Flexibility is essential for accommodating employees’ varying schedules and preferences. Providing options for different formats, such as virtual and in-person sessions and self-paced activities, allows individuals to engage in wellness initiatives that best suit their lifestyles. This adaptability and flexibility can enhance participation and commitment within your business.
Measurable
Your business and team should establish clear, measurable goals to assess the effectiveness of well-being activities. This can involve tracking participation rates, employee feedback, and the overall impact on health metrics. By analysing these results, your team can make informed decisions about future initiatives and demonstrate the value of their wellness programs.
Motivating
Wellbeing activities should inspire and motivate employees to participate actively. Incorporating gamification elements, rewards, or friendly competition can create excitement and encourage involvement. When employees see tangible benefits and feel motivated to participate, they are more likely to engage in these initiatives consistently.
Rewarding
Recognising and rewarding participation in wellbeing activities can reinforce positive behaviours and encourage ongoing engagement. This can be achieved through incentives, acknowledgement in company communications, or simple expressions of gratitude. Organisations foster a culture of wellness and appreciation by highlighting the value of participation.
Varied
Offering a diverse range of well-being activities ensures that there is something for everyone. By providing a mix of physical, mental, and social initiatives, organisations can cater to different interests and preferences. This variety keeps employees engaged and encourages them to explore new personal growth and development avenues.
Engaging
Successful well-being activities should be engaging and enjoyable. By incorporating fun, creativity, and interactivity, organisations can create memorable experiences that leave a lasting impact on employees. Engaging activities foster enthusiasm and help develop a workplace wellness culture.
Ready to take the next step in building a healthier workplace?
Embrace well-being ideas and plan a day or a wellbeing week to kickstart positive change. By implementing engaging, thoughtful well-being initiatives, you can significantly improve employee well-being and create a workplace where every team member feels valued and supported.
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