Are you using wellbeing as a business booster or is it just a buzzword?

These days, you can’t move for people shouting about ‘wellbeing’. Through overuse and misappropriation, the word has, sadly, become a bit of a cliche. Sadly, because the value of wellbeing, now more than ever, is of utmost importance and it shouldn’t be written off as another buzzword.

We are not here to wellbeing-wash and we never have been. Our aim has always been to connect teams and individuals, help them feel happier and help businesses thrive as a result.

What does wellbeing actually mean?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines ‘wellbeing’ as ‘a state of being healthy, happy, or prosperous; physical, psychological, or moral welfare.’

‘Prosperous’ is noteworthy. We’ve talked before about why investing in your people is important for both individuals and organisations as a whole. And here, laid out in one of the most authoritative records of the English language, that connection is made clear: Happy people = prosperous business.

How can businesses support the wellbeing of their staff? What are real, tangible options?

It’s probably easier to start with what wellbeing at work isn’t. It’s not a single, one-off, once-a-year activity or a tick-box initiative such as a free fruit bowl or a team planting some trees together one afternoon and never revisiting the idea again.

Instead, we encourage people to view wellbeing at work as a set of conditions. Conditions such as psychological safety and open communication, that help people feel energised, connected, calm and therefore able to do good work.

So, what tangible and practical options are there to create and sustain these conditions? One approach is to create a calendar of meaningful activities that combines movement, nature, mindfulness, purpose and human connection and means these things feature regularly in your business calendar. Here are some activity ideas:

The oldest form of wellbeing

As exercise, yoga is great for improving flexibility and muscle tone. But, more than that, it’s also the ultimate de-stressor.

Studies show that a single yoga session is calming. And when practiced regularly, it has long-term anxiety-reducing effects. Regular yoga practice stimulates the vagus nerve, increases GABA levels and completely alters the nervous system.

Imagine the impact on the workplace and business if everyone was more relaxed and better able to concentrate on their work?

Healthy body, healthy mind

We know that physical and mental wellbeing are inextricably linked. So, when we’re sedentary for most of the day, staring at screens, we’re unlikely to be operating at our best.

Activities that get people up, out into nature, and moving their bodies will not only boost energy levels but reset the brain and allow creativity to flow once again.

A team sports day brings the energy (and nostalgia), archery builds concentration and focus, while park walks or bike rides provide the ultimate respite from screens and desks.

Take it to the water

Blue health, as it’s come to be known, highlights the role water plays in our wellbeing. Studies show that green and blue spaces positively impact mental health, including boosting creativity, improving problem solving abilities, reducing cortisol levels and lessening our chances of physical illness.

To us, it’s a no brainer. Why wouldn’t you give your teams some water-based fun? And no, you don’t have to order twenty inflatable kayaks to the office (because we organise everything for you).

Enjoy a range of water sports from SUP boarding to raft building. Or try your hand at dragon boat racing, our signature sport and our founders’ former profession.

*Be mindful that our water-based activities book up so we always recommend securing your spot well in advance of summer.

Calm minds create

Stress is a creativity killer. According to MHFA, in 2024, 79% of employees experienced moderate-to-high stress levels.

When creativity can’t flourish, wellbeing suffers, teams stagnate, innovation stalls.

So how do we counteract that? Mindful, creative workshops - whether music or art-based, cooking, crafting or even making your own short film - give people permission to think differently and reconnect with their natural creativity. They create space for fresh ideas.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” - Benjamin Franklin

Understanding wellbeing - particularly when it comes to nutrition and exercise - can feel overwhelming. Our goal is to empower people to make good choices, both at work and in life, which is why we run inspiring, educational workshops.

Our Recharge and Rebalance sessions combine expert-led, interactive talks on topics such as gut health or menopause with guided yoga and mindfulness.

And our Fuel and Focus sessions, run by leading nutritionist and bestselling author Jenny Tschiensche, demystify the complex world of nutrition and include a live cooking demonstration.

When peppered throughout the working year, group activities have the power to make a significant difference to your work culture.

To talk to us about any of the above activities, or if you’d like help creating a structured, year-round wellbeing plan, speak to us today on 07767 250192 email us on events@tag-events.com