50+ Practical wellbeing initiatives to boost employee engagement

Employee engagement and wellbeing have evolved from being optional perks to essential components of a modern workplace.

In our contemporary work environments, where remote and hybrid teams are the norm, you have both a challenge and an opportunity to create a supportive, cohesive culture.

However, due to tight schedules paired with split teams, it can be challenging to identify clear and purposeful opportunities.

But the good news is that wellbeing activities don’t have to be complex or costly to be effective. With small, practical changes, you can weave wellbeing into the fabric of your company culture, making it a natural part of every workday.

In this post, our team shares 50+ accessible and impactful wellbeing initiatives to help you craft a workplace where everyone feels valued, connected, and inspired.

From fitness and mental health programs to team-building and community initiatives, you’ll find strategies to suit any team dynamic and bring out the best in your people!

Why improve wellbeing at work?

Providing a work environment that focuses on employee wellbeing is an effective strategy that improves your team’s performance, productivity, and loyalty.

Here are a few compelling reasons why you should focus on improving wellbeing at work:

Drives motivation and efficiency

When engaged, your employees are likely to take pride in their work and stay focused. Studies have found that employees are far more productive when they have mental and physical wellness support.

Wellbeing initiatives incorporating physical activity, mindfulness or even just an opportunity for a short mental break can improve your work environment. They keep your team motivated and engaged during the workday.

Strengthens team cohesion

Collective focus on wellbeing creates a team spirit among your teams. When different teams participate in the same activities, be it team challenges, group wellness activities or anything that has a team-centric approach, it can improve collaboration.

The result? A more unified workforce where everyone feels part of something bigger. This is essential for building a resilient and connected work culture.

Minimises absenteeism and facilitates retention

Chronic stress and burnout are the most common reasons for employee absenteeism. You can relieve this pressure by actively addressing wellbeing, leading to fewer sick days and less turnover.

If employees believe that the company is really looking after their wellbeing, they are also more likely to stay loyal. It will save you time and effort on hiring and eventually make for a more stable and competent workforce.

Enhances creative and problem-solving skills

Balanced and energised employees are likelier to think outside the box, solve problems quickly, and create and drive innovation. By prioritising wellbeing, you can directly contribute to a more dynamic, forward-thinking workplace where your teams feel empowered to bring fresh ideas to the table.

Ultimately, enhancing wellbeing at work is about creating a supportive environment where your employees thrive. When your organisation champions wellbeing, it’s building a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce—an investment that pays off in every sense.

What are the key areas for wellbeing initiatives at work?

A comprehensive wellbeing initiative is all about addressing many of the factors that impact your employees’ lives inside and outside of the workplace.

Here are the key areas you should focus on to build a supportive, balanced and fulfilling work environment.

Physical and mental health

Any successful wellbeing strategy will focus on physical and mental health. Wellness apps and on-site fitness classes are great initiatives to create a more energised and focused workforce.

Social connections and team bonding

Social connections at work make your team members less isolated and help them feel they belong. In-person or virtual team bonding activities can build trust and improve communication.

Team lunches, group wellness challenges, or social clubs can also help strengthen relationships and foster teamwork, particularly in remote or hybrid environments.

Meaningful and purposeful work

When employees find meaning in their work, they’re more motivated and engaged. By helping your teams connect with the bigger picture, you may give them a sense of purpose for their daily tasks. A small step like aligning their projects with company goals or supporting some cause your employees care about can go a long way.

Company values and ethical standards

Today, employees want to work for companies that reflect their values. When your company upholds ethical standards, diversity and inclusion, it will signal to your team that their workplace is for more than just generating profit.

Emphasising shared values strengthens loyalty and fosters a culture where your team feels aligned with the organisation’s mission.

Learning and personal development

Continuous learning is very important for engagement and job satisfaction. Offering growth initiatives – through training programs, workshops, and mentorship – fosters new skills in employees.

When you invest in learning and personal development, you tell your team their growth is valued. This creates commitment and enthusiasm, which ultimately boosts their productivity and loyalty.

Financial health and security

Financial wellbeing has a big impact on the overall health of your team members. Offering financial education, planning tools, and benefits like retirement plans or savings options can relieve stress associated with financial uncertainty.

Supporting your team members’ financial health demonstrates a commitment to their long-term security, helping them feel more stable and valued.

Work-life balance and flexibility

Work-life balance is a key component of wellbeing. Offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or flexible working hours, assists team members in balancing their work and family lives well.

Offering this leeway enables you to minimise exhaustion, provide greater wellness, and improve satisfaction.

Recognition and appreciation

When your team members feel appreciated and acknowledged periodically, they are likelier to feel seen and valued. Formal recognition programs or gratitude in daily tasks will help boost morale and loyalty.

Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to remain engaged and motivated, leading to higher levels of satisfaction and retention.

Environmental and workspace quality

A good workspace improves the productivity and comfort of your team members. Adding natural lighting, ergonomic furniture, or greenery can help enhance mood and reduce fatigue.

In remote work setups, offering stipends for home office improvements shows your team members that their comfort matters, creating a more supportive and health-focused work environment.

Each of these wellbeing ideas is important in creating holistic wellbeing initiatives. When you focus on these dimensions of workplace wellness, you can build a space where employees are healthy, motivated and connected.

Top 52 wellbeing initiatives to boost employee engagement

Here are some of the best wellbeing ideas that you can implement to boost employee engagement:

Physical and mental health

1. Team step challenges

Implementation Steps: Use a workplace wellness app like Teamupp’s Cohesion App to organise a step challenge. Set a target (e.g., 10,000 steps per day) and track participants’ progress.
Cost Estimates: Low; typically from £0.50 to £1 per employee.
Resources & Tools: Teamupp’s Cohesion App.

2. On-site fitness classes

Implementation Steps: Partner with local trainers or gyms to host weekly yoga, pilates, or HIIT classes.
Cost Estimates: Moderate; approx. £50-£100 per session.
Resources & Tools: Local fitness trainers or virtual fitness services.

3. Mental health first aid training

Implementation Steps: Enroll team leaders in a mental health first aid certification course.
Cost Estimates: £50-£300 per person.
Resources & Tools: Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) organisations.

4. Guided meditation sessions

Implementation Steps: Organize weekly guided meditation sessions to promote relaxation and reduce stress.These sessions can be a great addition to your plans for World Wellbeing Week, helping participants embrace mindfulness and self-care.
Cost Estimates: Free with in-house volunteer or about £20-£50 per session for a professional.
Resources & Tools: Apps like Headspace or Calm.

5. Healthy snack options

Implementation Steps: Provide nutritious snacks in the office, such as fruits, nuts, and yoghurt.
Cost Estimates: Approx. £50-£100 per week for small offices.
Resources & Tools: Local grocery delivery services.

6. Virtual fitness challenges

Implementation Steps: Improve employee wellbeing by running monthly virtual fitness challenges where employees set personal fitness goals and track progress.
Cost Estimates: Low; subscription costs to wellness apps if needed.
Resources & Tools: Fitness apps or wearables.

7. Mental health check-in days

Implementation Steps: Dedicate one day per month as a mental wellbeing day, encouraging employees to assess and discuss their wellbeing.
Cost Estimates: Free.
Resources & Tools: Internal support from HR and management.

8. “Unplugged hour”

Implementation Steps: Organize weekly guided meditation sessions to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Cost Estimates: Free with in-house volunteer or about £20-£50 per session for a professional.
Resources & Tools: Apps like Headspace or Calm.

Social connections and team bonding

9. Virtual coffee breaks

Implementation Steps: Schedule weekly virtual coffee breaks for remote teams to connect and chat casually.
Cost Estimates: Free.
Resources & Tools: Video conferencing software like Zoom or Teams

10. Monthly team lunches

Implementation Steps: Host a monthly lunch for all team members, either virtually or in person.
Cost Estimates: Approx. £10-£20 per person.
Resources & Tools: Food delivery services.

11. Book club

Implementation Steps: Start a monthly book club where employees read and discuss a selected book together.
Cost Estimates: Low; cost of books (or free if employees use a library).
Resources & Tools: Bookshop.org or Kindle.

12. “Buddy” programs for new hires

Implementation Steps: Pair new employees with existing team members to help them settle in.
Cost Estimates: Free.
Resources & Tools: Internal HR platforms.

13. Charity days

Implementation Steps: Organize team charity days where employees volunteer together.
Cost Estimates: Low to moderate; depends on the charity or organisation.
Resources & Tools: Local charities and non-profits.

14. Team-building workshops

Implementation Steps: Organize wellbeing team activities like escape rooms, workshops, or team problem-solving exercises.
Cost Estimates: Moderate; approx. £100-£200 per event.
Resources & Tools: Local team-building facilitators.

15. Employee-led hobby groups

Implementation Steps: Encourage employees to form groups around shared interests, like hiking or cooking, for regular get-togethers.
Cost Estimates: Free; participants cover individual costs.
Resources & Tools: Group chats or intranet.

16. Friday game hour

Implementation Steps: Dedicate an hour each Friday for team games, either in person or virtually, to unwind before the weekend.
Cost Estimates: Free; potential minor cost for game supplies.
Resources & Tools: Online or in-office games like cards or board games.

Interested in organizing office wellbeing initiatives?

Meaningful and purposeful work

17. Employee-led projects

Implementation Steps: Encourage employees to propose projects that align with company goals or community needs.
Cost Estimates: Variable based on the initiative.
Resources & Tools: Internal feedback platforms or suggestion boxes.

18. Career mapping

Implementation Steps: Help employees develop career plans that align with their interests and skills.
Cost Estimates: Free; facilitated by HR.
Resources & Tools: Internal mentorship or HR guidance.

19. Working on preferred projects

Implementation Steps: Let employees dedicate a percentage of work hours to projects that align with their personal interests.
Cost Estimates: Free; opportunity cost of work hours.
Resources & Tools: Time management software.

Company values and ethical standards

20. Diversity and inclusion training

Implementation Steps: Conduct workshops on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Cost Estimates: Low to moderate; about £500-£1,500 per workshop.
Resources & Tools: Diversity training providers.

21. Transparent communication channels

Implementation Steps: Regularly update employees on company progress, goals, and changes.
Cost Estimates: Free.
Resources & Tools: Internal communication tools.

22. Sustainability initiatives

Implementation Steps: Implement eco-friendly practices like recycling programs or energy-saving initiatives.
Cost Estimates: Low to moderate.
Resources & Tools: Local recycling services.

23. Ethics and compliance training

Implementation Steps: Offer regular training sessions on workplace ethics, compliance, and company standards.
Cost Estimates: Moderate; typically £100-£200 per session.
Resources & Tools: Online compliance training providers.

24. Social responsibility initiatives

Implementation Steps: Engage in programs that promote social good, like donation drives or environmental clean-up days.
Cost Estimates: Low to moderate.
Resources & Tools: Local non-profits and charity organisations.

Learning and personal development

25. Online learning subscriptions

Implementation Steps: Provide access to platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Udemy.
Cost Estimates: Approx. £30-£50 per employee per month.
Resources & Tools: LinkedIn Learning, Udemy.

26. Leadership development program

Implementation Steps: Offer a leadership program for high-potential employees.
Cost Estimates: Variable; moderate to high, depending on the program.
Resources & Tools: Leadership coaches, online programs.

27. Lunch & learn sessions

Implementation Steps: Host educational talks on various topics during lunch breaks.
Cost Estimates: Free to low; snacks might be provided.
Resources & Tools: Local experts or virtual speakers.

28. Public speaking classes

Implementation Steps: Offer regular training sessions on workplace ethics, compliance, and company standards.
Cost Estimates: Moderate; typically £100-£200 per session.
Resources & Tools: Online compliance training providers.

29. Language learning opportunities

Implementation Steps: Provide access to language learning apps or online courses.
Cost Estimates: Approx. £10-£30 per user monthly.
Resources & Tools: Apps like Duolingo, Babbel.

Financial health and security

30. Financial wellness workshops

Implementation Steps: Partner with a financial advisor to provide quarterly workshops.
Cost Estimates: Low to moderate.
Resources & Tools: Local financial consultants.

31. Student loan repayment assistance

Implementation Steps: Offer a repayment matching program or yearly stipend.
Cost Estimates: High.
Resources & Tools: Payroll providers.

Interested in organizing office wellbeing initiatives?

32. Retirement planning resources

Implementation Steps: Provide resources and counselling on retirement options.
Cost Estimates: Low to moderate.
Resources & Tools: Financial advisors, retirement plan providers.

33. Student loan refinancing options

Implementation Steps: Offer regular training sessions on workplace ethics, compliance, and company standards.
Cost Estimates: Moderate; typically £100-£200 per session.
Resources & Tools: Online compliance training providers.

34. Discounted insurance plans

Implementation Steps: Negotiate with insurance companies to offer discounted plans, such as life or health insurance, for employees.
Cost Estimates: Variable based on insurance plan and provider.
Resources & Tools: Insurance providers.

35. Summer fridays

Implementation Steps: Allow employees to finish early on Fridays during the summer months.
Cost Estimates: Free.
Resources & Tools: Adjusted scheduling tools.

36. Work-from-anywhere policy

Implementation Steps: Enable employees to work from any location (domestic or international) for a specified period each year.
Cost Estimates: Free; may require additional remote support.
Resources & Tools: VPNs, mobile device management.

37. Extended parental leave

Implementation Steps: Offer extended parental leave policies beyond the legal minimum.
Cost Estimates: Variable.
Resources & Tools: HR policy adjustments.

Work-life balance and flexibility

38. Flexible work hours

Implementation Steps: Offer a set of core hours with flexibility around them.
Cost Estimates: Free.
Resources & Tools: HR software for tracking hours.

39. Bring your child to work day

Implementation Steps: Assign a day in the year, especially during the summers when your team can bring their children to work.
Cost Estimates: Free to low; you might need to provide refreshments or activities for the children.

40. “No meeting” days

Implementation Steps: Implement one day per week with no internal meetings.
Cost Estimates: Free.
Resources & Tools: Scheduling tools.

Recognition and appreciation

41. Employee of the month program

Implementation Steps: Allow employees to finish early on Fridays during the summer months.
Cost Estimates: Free.
Resources & Tools: Adjusted scheduling tools.

42. Annual awards ceremony

Implementation Steps: Host an awards ceremony to celebrate significant achievements.
Cost Estimates: Moderate to high.
Resources & Tools: Event planners or internal resources.

43. Peer-to-peer recognition

Implementation Steps: Implement a system where employees can nominate each other for various in-house competitions.
Cost Estimates: Free to low; optional prizes.
Resources & Tools: Recognition software.

44. Shout-out channels

Implementation Steps: Create a designated channel for public recognition where employees can give “shout-outs” to peers.
Cost Estimates: Free.
Resources & Tools: Internal communication tools like Slack or Teams.

45. “Thank you” wall

Implementation Steps: Set up a wall (physical or digital) where employees can post thank-you notes for each other.
Cost Estimates: Free.
Resources & Tools: Physical board or digital tool.

Environmental and workspace quality

46. Ergonomic furniture upgrades

Implementation Steps: Invest in ergonomic chairs, desks, and monitor stands.
Cost Estimates: Moderate to high.
Resources & Tools: Office furniture suppliers.

47. Natural lighting and green spaces

Implementation Steps: Add plants and maximise natural light where possible.
Cost Estimates: Low.
Resources & Tools: Indoor plant suppliers.

48. Standing desks

Implementation Steps: Provide standing desks or desk converters to promote ergonomic workspaces.
Cost Estimates: Moderate; approx. £150-£500 per desk.
Resources & Tools: Ergonomic furniture suppliers.

49. Quiet zones

Implementation Steps: Designate quiet areas in the office where employees can work without disturbances.
Cost Estimates: Low to moderate; possible furniture arrangement costs.
Resources & Tools: Internal office resources.

50. Recycling programs

Implementation Steps: Set up recycling stations in the office and encourage employees to participate.
Cost Estimates: Low to moderate.
Resources & Tools: Local recycling services.

51. Air quality improvements

Implementation Steps: Invest in air purifiers and indoor plants to maintain good air quality.
Cost Estimates: Moderate.
Resources & Tools: Air purifiers, indoor plants.

52. Nature break zones

Implementation Steps: Create designated “nature break” areas in the office with indoor plants, calming visuals, and nature sounds for employees to take short relaxation breaks.
Cost Estimates: Moderate; costs of indoor plants, décor, and possibly sound machines.
Resources & Tools: Indoor plant suppliers, sound machines or ambient noise apps.