Employee wellbeing isn’t just about providing employee assistance programmes and offering discounts on gym memberships. Forward-thinking employers are realising that a truly engaged and healthy workforce requires creative and innovative approaches.
Here are 11 unconventional yet impactful strategies to improve employee wellbeing and create a happier, healthier workforce and how to implement them:
1. Ditch the traditional desk – encourage movement-based workspaces
Sitting for eight hours a day is linked to numerous health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and poor posture. But beyond physical health, staying seated for long periods can lead to mental fatigue and decreased creativity.
To combat this, consider incorporating movement into the working day. Some companies have introduced treadmill desks, stationary bikes, or even standing meeting areas to keep employees active. Others encourage walking meetings instead of traditional conference room discussions. Creating an environment that promotes movement helps employees stay energised, improves concentration, and reduces stress levels.
How to implement:
Offer adjustable standing desks.
Designate walking paths around the office.
Introduce movement challenges or encourage step-count goals.
Provide ergonomic office furniture that promotes better posture.
2. Bring in therapy animals for stress relief
Many studies show that interacting with animals can significantly lower stress, increase oxytocin (the ‘feel-good’ hormone), and boost overall happiness. Large companies like Google and Amazon allow employees to bring their dogs to work, but even if a full-time pet policy isn’t feasible, you can still incorporate animal therapy into your workplace.
Consider hosting a ‘puppy day’ where employees can interact with therapy dogs or work with a local animal rescue service to bring in adoptable pets. Even virtual pet therapy sessions, where employees can view and interact with animals remotely, can provide stress relief. Some also allow time off for new pet owners, to give them time to adjust, like parental leave.
How to implement:
Partner with a local animal rescue service for monthly pet visits.
Allow employees to bring their pets to work on designated days.
Offer virtual pet therapy for remote employees.
Set up an outdoor pet-friendly space where employees can bring their pets occasionally.
3. Implement ‘silent hours’ for deep work
One of the biggest barriers to productivity is the constant stream of emails, work messages, and meetings that interrupt deep focus. Studies suggest that it takes an average of 23 minutes to regain focus after an interruption, making it difficult for employees to get meaningful work done.
Introducing ‘silent hours’ where employees can work without distractions helps them complete tasks more efficiently and reduces stress. This could be a few hours each morning or a specific time in the afternoon when all non-urgent communication is paused.
How to implement:
Encourage employees to use ‘Do not disturb’ mode on communication platforms and mute all devices.
Limit unnecessary meetings and emails during these hours.
Educate employees on the importance of making time for focused work.
Ensure it’s demonstrated from the top down.
4. Introduce a ‘no-work’ holiday policy
Providing additional annual leave days and the ability to buy extra days is great – but if employees are still checking emails and responding to work messages, they’re not truly resting.
A ‘no-work’ holiday policy ensures that employees fully disconnect while on leave. Some countries have already implemented this as a legal right for employees, and the UK is considering it, but for now it could just be an attractive part of your company culture.
Some companies offer a financial incentive to employees who completely unplug during their annual leave. When employees return refreshed, they’re more productive, creative, and engaged in their work.
How to implement:
Disable work email access for employees on leave.
Offer a bonus or incentive for employees who take a full tech-free holiday.
Encourage managers to set an example by fully disconnecting.
Implement a clear hand-over process so employees feel comfortable leaving work behind.
5. Offer ‘life admin’ perks
Employees often spend their lunch breaks or after-work hours running errands, making phone calls, or handling personal admin tasks. This can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
Some companies are now offering ‘life-admin’ perks – services that help employees manage their personal responsibilities while at work. This could include support with childcare, pet care, or even car maintenance.
How to implement:
Partner with local businesses for discounted services.
Provide an on-site concierge service for personal errands.
Offer assistance with home maintenance, accounting or legal services.
Provide meal delivery options to help with work-life balance.
6. Gamify health and wellbeing initiatives
Making wellness fun can significantly boost participation. By gamifying health and wellbeing programmes, you can encourage employees to take care of themselves in a more engaging way.
For example, companies including Reed have introduced step-count competitions. Others have implemented ideas such as mental health bingo and hydration challenges. Offering rewards – extra paid time off, small prizes, or team incentives – can motivate employees to participate.
How to implement:
Use apps like Fitbit to track fitness challenges.
Reward employees for reaching wellbeing milestones.
Encourage friendly competition through team-based challenges.
Offer wellness-related prizes, such as yoga classes or healthy meal subscriptions.
7. Encourage ‘wellness Wednesdays’ (or another midweek recharge)
Midweek burnout is common, and many employees feel exhausted by Wednesday or Thursday. Introducing a wellness-focused day can help re-energise your workforce.
How to implement:
Host guided meditation or mindfulness sessions.
Offer personal massagers for chairs or relaxation breaks.
Provide healthy snacks or catered lunches.
Organise outdoor activities like yoga or walking breaks.
8. Give employees a ‘pass’ on bad days
Sometimes, employees simply have a bad day – whether due to personal stress, exhaustion, or mental health struggles. Instead of forcing them to power through, offer a ‘mental health pass’ that allows them to take a break without guilt.
How to implement:
Allow employees to take one no-questions-asked day off per quarter.
Regularly check in with employees.
Normalise mental health discussions in the workplace.
Provide a room dedicated to wellbeing.
9. Create an office ‘library’
Encouraging employees to read about personal development, mental health, and productivity can have long-term benefits. A small library in the office (or a digital alternative for remote workers) gives employees easy access to valuable resources.
How to implement:
Curate a mix of books on mental health, leadership, productivity, and self-care.
Allow employees to contribute book recommendations.
Offer book clubs or discussion groups around wellbeing topics.
Include quiet areas for reading during lunch breaks or for deep work.
10. Host ‘skill-swap’ sessions to promote personal growth
Professional development doesn’t have to be limited to job-specific skills. Employees have unique talents and passions that they can share with their colleagues. Upskilling in any way can lead to improved success for the professional and their organisation. It encourages individuals to keep a growth mindset and always be open to improvement and constructive feedback.
How to implement:
Organise monthly skill-swap sessions where employees teach a skill.
Encourage cross-department learning.
Allow employees to dedicate time to learning a new skill during work hours.
Offer a personal development fund for non-work-related courses.
11. Normalise ‘non-traditional’ breaks
Not everyone relaxes in the same way. Some people enjoy taking a walk, while others might prefer journalling, stretching, praying or even playing an instrument. Multi-faith rooms, as we have at Reed, can give religious employees the space to pray in private.
How to implement:
Allow employees to personalise their break time.
Provide quiet rooms, gaming areas, or creative spaces.
Encourage micro-breaks to refresh focus and productivity.
Build a culture of psychological safety among your team
A happy, healthy workforce is the key to a thriving business. By thinking beyond traditional wellness initiatives, you can create an environment where employees feel valued, engaged, and motivated.
A workplace that prioritises wellbeing sees higher engagement, reduced absenteeism, and a stronger, happier team. Thinking outside the box with these unconventional strategies will not only benefit employees but also contribute to a more dynamic and successful company culture.
If you're looking for a fresh start in a new workplace or a talented professional to breathe life into your organisation, contact your nearest Reed office.
