Wellbeing Wednesdays: Ways To Boost Team Morale & Workplace Culture
Did you know that only 55% of workers at a typical UK workplace currently report a high state of wellbeing*? That number really highlights why effective employee wellbeing programmes are so crucial for supporting teams right now!
In our recent post, "June Focus: Tips for Better Work-Life Balance & Employee Wellbeing," we talked about some great ways to find a healthier rhythm at work. One idea we briefly mentioned was "Wellbeing Wednesdays" - the concept of setting aside a specific time each week for optional, short wellbeing activities. Well, we're expanding on that even more! This post is packed with all sorts of ideas to help you kickstart or enhance these sessions for your team. Whether your team needs a good laugh or a moment of zen, we've got something for everyone!...
Fun Activities to Look Forward To:
The goal here is simple: to offer activities that are light, engaging, and genuinely enjoyable - encouraging connection without feeling like it’s another task on the to-do list. These activities are about injecting fun into the workday, promoting employee wellbeing and a vibrant workplace culture through shared positive experiences.
Remember, the key is to keep them short, entirely optional, and truly light-hearted.
• "Two Truths and a Lie":
A classic ice-breaker. Each person shares two true, fun facts about themselves and one believable lie. The team guesses which one is the lie. It's a great way to learn quirky new things about colleagues and spark conversations.
• "Soundtrack to My Week" Share:
Ask team members to share one song that encapsulates their week or helps them relax/focus. Create a collaborative playlist. Music can be a powerful mood booster and a fun way to discover new tunes together.
• "Quick Draw Charades" Challenge:
Combine the fun of drawing with the guessing game of charades! Give employees prompts like a film title, a song, a book, or even a common office phrase (e.g., "hope this email finds you well"). They have 60 seconds to draw it, and others guess. It's hilariously fast-paced and requires no artistic skill, just quick thinking and a sense of humour.
• "Desk Olympics" or "Minute to Win It" Challenges:
Host quick, silly games using office supplies, or household items for remote teams. Think paper-tossing contests into a bin, stacking challenges with pens, or a virtual scavenger hunt for funny items around the office. These spark laughter and friendly competition.
• Team Trivia Breaks:
Organise a super-short, no-stakes trivia quiz - general knowledge, pop culture, or even "fun facts about our company" for a light-hearted twist. These are great for boosting team morale and encouraging interaction in a relaxed setting.
• Virtual "Show & Tell" (Pets/Plants/Personal Space):
For remote or hybrid teams, invite everyone to briefly introduce a pet, their favourite desk plant, or a quirky item from their home office. It's a wonderful way to see colleagues in a new light and foster genuine connection.
• "Recipe Roulette" or "Coffee of the Week" Club:
Encourage a different team member each week to share a favourite simple recipe, a go-to healthy snack, or even just their favourite coffee/tea brewing method. This low-key sharing builds community and offers practical, enjoyable tips for everyday life.
• "Talent Show (1-Minute Edition)":
Invite employees to share a super-short, non-work talent. This could be anything from a quick magic trick, a joke, a ten-second song, juggling, or even demonstrating how fast they can peel an orange. It's low-pressure, encourages creativity, and guarantees a few laughs.
• Creative "Connect & Create" Sessions:
Offer a short, optional session for creative expression. This could be a quick drawing prompt, a collaborative digital "doodle board," or even a "show and tell" where people share a favourite hobby item (like a unique plant, a collectible, or a piece of art they’ve done). It's a low-pressure way to share personality.
• "Virtual Background/Desk Photo Contest":
For remote teams, challenge everyone to use their most creative, funniest, or most beautiful virtual background. For in-office teams, encourage sharing a photo of their most unique desk item or a favourite view from their commute. Have a quick poll to vote for the best one.
• "Guess the Baby Photo/Pet Photo" Challenge:
Ask employees to submit a baby picture or a photo of their pet beforehand (anonymously). During "Wellbeing Wednesday," display them and have the team guess who's who. It's incredibly endearing and generates a lot of smiles.
• "Desert Island Discs" (Workplace Edition):
Ask each participant to quickly share one song, one book, or one comfort item they'd take to a desert island (or for a particularly tough workday!). It's a fun peek into individual personalities and preferences.
Mindful Activities to Bring a Sense of Calm:
Sometimes, a busy workday calls for a moment of quiet reflection or gentle movement. These activities are designed to help employees recentre, reduce stress, and find a sense of calm. They're accessible and offer a different kind of boost to employee wellbeing, helping individuals recharge mentally and emotionally.
• "Mindful Moments" Sessions:
Kick off the session with a 5-10 minute guided mindfulness exercise or simple breathing techniques. These can easily be done virtually or in a quiet corner of the office, helping employees recentre and reduce stress.
• Desk Stretch Breaks:
Share a short video or lead a quick 5-minute session of stretches that can be done right at a desk. This combats the effects of prolonged sitting and gets the blood flowing, boosting focus for the rest of the day.
• "Walk & Talk" Opportunities:
For those in the office, encourage short, informal walking meetings or even just a quick stroll outside during the dedicated time. For remote teams, suggest a "virtual walk" where everyone steps away from their screen for a designated period.
• "Healthy Snack Swap" or Recipe Share:
Encourage employees to bring in a healthy snack to share, or simply swap favourite healthy recipes. This can spark conversations around nutrition and provide easy ideas for balanced eating.
• Digital Detox Challenges:
Suggest a short "digital detox" period within the Wednesday timeframe – maybe 30 minutes where everyone steps away from screens (unless absolutely essential for their work). It's a simple way to promote healthier tech habits.
• Connecting with Nature (Even Indoors): Encourage employees to bring a small plant to their desk or share photos of their favourite natural spots. For those in the office, perhaps a quick group walk to a nearby green space.
• "Mindful Art" Prompts:
Provide a very simple, low-pressure creative prompt, like "draw how your day feels" or "sketch an object from nature without lifting your pen." It's not about artistic skill, but about focusing attention and engaging a different part of the brain.
• "Guided Visualisation" Journey:
Play a short (5-10 minute) audio recording of a guided visualisation, perhaps imagining a peaceful landscape or a favourite relaxing spot. This can be done individually or as a group.
• "Tea & Talk" or "Coffee & Contemplation":
Encourage employees to brew a favourite calming beverage and then simply sit, sip, and either enjoy quiet reflection or engage in very light, non-work-related conversation. The focus is on the ritual and the moment.
• Short "Journaling Jolt":
Offer a simple journaling prompt, like "What's one thing you're grateful for today?" or "What's one small win you had this week?" Giving space for brief, positive reflection can be very powerful for mental clarity.
Ultimately, the beauty of "Wellbeing Wednesdays" lies in offering a variety of choices to your employees. By making these activities optional, inclusive, and genuinely enjoyable, you're reinforcing that employee wellbeing is about more than just physical health - it's about mental breaks, social connection, and a bit of fun, too! Providing both energetic and calming options makes it easier for employees to find something that genuinely helps them recharge and feel more connected to your workplace culture.
This commitment to wellbeing isn't just good practice; it's a smart business move that fundamentally boosts productivity, lowers attrition, reduces absenteeism, and strengthens loyalty and engagement. In fact, research shows that employees who experience high levels of wellbeing in the workplace are 3 times more likely to intend to stay with their employer and 3 times more likely to go the extra mile in their work*. It's a true win-win for everyone involved!