employee wellbeing program ideas

employee wellbeing initatives for virtual teams

This article will feature the benefits of mental health awareness for your teams and organization, plus ideas you can execute to support your team’s wellbeing.

In today's fast-paced corporate landscape, where demands and deadlines seem to never stop, ensuring the well-being of your employees may be hard, but employee well-being initiatives and programs can have a profound and positive impact on your teams, morale, and overall engagement within your organization.

At its core, investing in these initiatives is a declaration to your employees that their well-being matters—that they are more than just cogs in the corporate machine. It's about making them feel valued and appreciated, fostering a sense of connection to your organization, and cultivating a work environment that's both supportive and positive. As employees become more aligned with the company's values and objectives, their engagement naturally deepens. This sense of unity with their team and the organization's mission fuels a collective drive toward success. It's a win-win scenario: a happier, more engaged workforce translates to improved team dynamics and higher morale.

But there's another aspect to employee well-being initiatives that often goes overlooked—the opportunity for team building. These programs often involve group activities, challenges, or team-building exercises. These experiences can go a long way in strengthening team bonds and enhancing relationships among coworkers. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the world of employee well-being initiatives. We'll explore various ideas and strategies to not only prioritize your employees' health but also bolster your team's morale and engagement. By the end, you'll have a toolkit of insights to transform your workplace into a hub of well-being and productivity.

1. virtual art classes

Virtual art classes offer a unique and creative escape from the everyday work routine, making them an excellent employee well-being activity. Engaging in art allows employees to tap into their creativity, reduce stress, and foster a sense of accomplishment. It provides an opportunity for self-expression, personal growth, and even a break from screens. Additionally, art classes encourage team members to bond over a shared interest, promoting a sense of community within the workplace.

KraftyLab’s art experiences include Painting Classes, Japanese Marbling, and Origami. These sessions are beginner-friendly and require no prior experience, so your team can focus on having fun without the added pressure.

2. Virtual Yoga

Yoga classes are an excellent employee well-being activity because they offer a holistic approach to physical and mental health. Through yoga, employees can improve flexibility, reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and boost their overall fitness levels. These classes provide a dedicated time to disconnect from work-related pressures and focus on self-care, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. Plus, practicing yoga together can foster a sense of camaraderie among team members, enhancing workplace relationships and teamwork.

Learn more about KraftyLab’s virtual yoga experience and introduce your team to Yin and Vinyasa Yoga, as well as Chair Yoga where they will connect gentle movement and breathwork for ultimate relaxation.

3. Virtual Meditation

Meditation is an ancient practice that uses breath as a tool to harmonize the body and mind. The hustle culture we are used to does not make much room for unwinding and setting time aside to do nothing.

By inviting your team to learn how meditation can help them process difficult emotions like stress, anxiety, and tension, they will have another tool to help them through difficult times. Meditation helps individuals manage stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional resilience, making it an essential tool for coping with the demands of a fast-paced work environment.

Learn more about KraftyLab’s virtual group meditation here and get ready to experience a new-found level of peace and harmony.

4. bucket list coach experience

We are so focused on getting through the day-to-day that we rarely stop to think about what is it that makes life special and exciting. Taking the time to reflect and figure out what is it that will make your life more fulfilling and meaningful can be a great way to move out of a rut and into a more prosperous future!

KraftyLab’s expert Bucket List Coach will inspire your remote team to live life to the fullest and after your session, you will have actionable steps to start your journey! Find out more about the Bucket List Experience and how it can help your virtual team.

5. Mental Health Expert

Experts have insight and evidence-based recommendations to help your team on their wellness journey. Learning from mental health speakers can empower your teams to feel more confident and informed about well-being topics like, how to avoid burnout, and how to foster emotional intelligence and resilience. Investing in high-quality experiences can provide your team with unique takes on mental health, and may encourage them to further their own mental health journey.

KraftyLab partners with Dr. Ellen Vora, a board-certified psychiatrist and mental health speaker.

6. journaling WORKSHOPS

Journaling offers a therapeutic outlet for employees to process their thoughts and emotions, while gratitude journaling specifically encourages a positive mindset by focusing on the things they're thankful for. This practice not only promotes mental health but also enhances workplace morale and resilience. This is an accessible and adaptable way to boost employee well-being, foster a sense of community, and encourage a more optimistic outlook, all of which contribute to a happier and more engaged workforce.

These sessions do not require much of your teams, and journaling can be as easy or as complex as they choose. To kick them off, our instructor will provide helpful prompts, ideas, and exercises to get your teams thinking and help them get inspired.

Learn more about KraftyLab’s Journaling and Gratitude Journaling workshops today!

7. Team Challenge

In the spirit of fostering a healthier and more connected team, consider launching a group challenge, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month. Begin by engaging your team in open conversations about well-being and collectively set achievable goals that can enhance both physical and mental health. This initiative provides a fun and supportive way for team members to bond and inspire each other. Some suggested challenges might include:

Drink 8 Glasses Of Water Challenge: Staying hydrated is a simple yet effective way to boost energy levels and cognitive function.
Spend 30 Minutes Outside Challenge: Encourage team members to take breaks and get some fresh air, which can do wonders for reducing stress and increasing productivity.
Do a 5 Minute Morning Stretch Challenge: Incorporating a brief morning stretch routine can alleviate muscle tension and set a positive tone for the day.
Daily Gratitude Challenge: Encourage team members to jot down three things they're grateful for each day. Focusing on the positive aspects of life can boost mental well-being.
Digital Detox Challenge: Challenge the team to limit screen time outside of work hours, promoting better work-life balance and reduced digital stress.

Remember to emphasize that participation in these challenges is entirely optional, and individual circumstances may vary. It's important to acknowledge that some team members might find even mundane tasks challenging during certain periods. The primary goal is to promote healthy habits and showcase their potential impact on our overall mental well-being, not shame or impose our will.

8. Work-Life Balance reminders

Work-life balance involves maintaining a healthy equilibrium between our professional and personal lives. It's crucial to recognize that prioritizing our health and well-being not only benefits us as employees but also as friends, family members, and partners. So, how can you encourage your teams to have a greater work-life balance?

Setting boundaries is key to preventing burnout. Establish clear limits to distinguish your work time from personal time.
Maintaining a structured work routine is highly beneficial. Create a designated workspace and schedule that you can step away from at the end of the day.
Be realistic about your circumstances. If focusing on work amidst family or roommates is challenging, consider finding an alternative workspace to optimize productivity.
Part of achieving work-life balance involves making time for activities that impact both work and personal life positively. Assess your sleep hygiene, eating habits, and exercise routine for potential areas of improvement.
Prioritize your downtime. Identify hobbies that help you unwind and recharge. Having these activities to look forward to, both small and significant, can make navigating daily challenges more manageable.

9. Healthy Eating Workshop

A healthy eating experience can significantly benefit employee wellness by providing valuable knowledge and practical strategies for maintaining a balanced diet. Our offerings, such as the cooking demo led by a professional nutritionist, empower employees with essential skills. This class covers a range of topics, from building a well-rounded plate to meal and snack ideas, and even includes three delectable, quick, and vegetarian/vegan-friendly recipes.

Additionally, our interactive webinar, the Healthy Eating and Mental Health Workshop, explores the intricate relationship between nutrition and overall well-being. It delves into the connections among nutrition, sleep, stress, exercise, hydration, and lifestyle choices. Through self-reflection and expert guidance, employees can discover meal ideas, gain practical tips for managing a hectic lifestyle, and take meaningful steps toward a healthier diet.

To learn more about KraftyLab’s healthy eating experiene, click here.

Moving forward

We hope this list has inspired you to find ideas and activities that can help promote employee wellness at your organization. It can be incredibly rewarding to use team-building activities to help your teams connect but also to give them the tools they need to practice mindfulness and healthy habits

Remember, after your activities and events, ask your team to share what worked, and what didn’t. Use this feedback as a foundation to establish a long-term wellness corporate program to support your employees in their well-being journey!

ABOUT KRAFTYLAB

KraftyLab is a leading provider of virtual team building and corporate events across the US and Canada. We focus on providing fun and engaging opportunities for connection through virtual team building activities, games, and experiences.