Corporate wellness activities are now gaining popularity in the workplace. Corporate companies in Malaysia seem to acknowledge the importance of prioritising the health and wellness of employees, and we can see many wellness initiatives being implemented in large corporate companies to fulfil employees’ wellness needs. Making sure the right activities are chosen is key to the successful implementation of corporate wellness programs. Wellness activities are not limited to healthy eating or exercise, they can also take the form of relaxing programs related to mental health or spiritual well-being. In addition, providing financial information or knowledge is also considered a wellness activity, as it helps employees stay updated and equips them with important financial insights.
However, we understand that it is not an easy task for the person in charge to manage a comprehensive program in a short period of time. Thus, we would like to recommend 5 examples of easy wellness activities in the workplace that HR or management can organise for employees. We believe that a good program is not about how long it runs, but about the content and context that must connect with employees’ hearts and minds. Let’s look at 5 easy wellness programs that require minimal manpower and effort to organise at the office.
Wellness Activity 1: 10-Minute Meditation
This program focuses on mental health and is effective in boosting employees' focus and attention. Here are the impacts of a simple 5 to 10 minute meditation session in the office:
a) Stress reduction: Meditation is proven to help control anxiety and promote emotional health. Undeniably, work can be stressful, so it’s important to create emotional balance in the workplace.
b) Increased focus and attention: Meditation can improve concentration and help employees stay focused for longer periods.
c) Increased self-awareness: In the workplace, it is important to stay aware of one's thoughts and feelings. Being rational is vital in any position employees hold.
This program is simple, companies only need to allocate 5 to 10 minutes a day to include a meditation routine. A basic meditation using a YouTube video or meditation music is sufficient. However, if there is a bigger budget, companies can hire a meditation instructor for a more in-depth program.
Wellness Activity 2: Evening Stretching
In a corporate setting, many white-collar employees have desk-bound jobs. Staying still for hours can lead to body stiffness and a sedentary lifestyle. Employers must take the initiative to promote healthy workplace behaviour. A simple 5-minute stretching session in the evening can be a great workplace wellness initiative to help develop small, healthy habits. This can be implemented at 4:00 p.m. every day to get employees moving.
This activity is zero-cost, as companies only need to allocate time and appoint an instructor, possibly one of the employees, to lead the exercise. This small habit can lead to bigger changes over time, and the workplace can be the starting point for this transformation.
Wellness Activity 3: Decorating Workspace Activity
A conducive environment can boost employee motivation and workplace productivity. This simple activity encourages creativity and creates a bonding opportunity among employees. Companies can organise a creative workspace competition, allowing employees to decorate their workspace and turn it into a place they enjoy working in.
This may require a small budget, but it is a great wellness initiative that encourages full participation and builds a sense of competitiveness in creating the best work environment.
Wellness Activity 4: Take the Stairs Challenge
This is a traditional wellness challenge that remains relevant and beneficial. Taking the stairs has been proven to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen the lungs and heart, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also strengthens muscles, which is essential for overall health.
To make it more engaging, companies can set goals and offer rewards. For example, employees must complete at least 3 days of stair-taking per week to earn points, with extra points given for completing 5 days. This is a great way to kick-start a habit of regular exercise.
No stairs? No problem. This activity can be replaced with a "10,000 steps a day" challenge, which can be done anytime, anywhere as long as employees keep moving.
Wellness Activity 5: Gratitude Board
This 1-hour activity can uplift employees' mood and motivation in the workplace. It’s easy to organise, all you need is a picture frame and decorative materials to create a gratitude board. What is a mood and gratitude board? It is a visual tool employees can use to promote positivity and acknowledge emotions in the workplace.
It can be a personal board placed in the office, helping employees remember their worth and serving as a tool to reduce stress. This constant reminder encourages focus on the positive aspects of life, building resilience and better coping mechanisms during stressful situations. Though simple, it is a powerful and valuable tool.
Now you know 5 simple wellness activities that can be conducted in the workplace with less than RM100 or even at zero cost! Health and wellness are built from simple habits or activities, and we believe that employers must cultivate these healthy behaviours in the workplace to promote a good quality of life for every employee. Investing in corporate health may not seem crucial at first, but in the long term, it will create a better environment and working culture that helps retain employees in any organisation.
If you wish to conduct more advanced corporate wellness activities, do contact us now, we can provide a tailored corporate wellness program based on your company’s needs. A simple step is the start for the biggest outcome!
