Expert Opinion: Workplace wellbeing – time to try something different?

Marketing Stockport members Arc and Hallidays HR have partnered on a free upcoming Workplace Wellbeing event taking place in October. Ahead of the session, arts and mental health charity, Arc, have shared their perspective on creative wellbeing in the workplace.

Why rethink wellbeing now?

Most organisations are already investing in wellbeing in some way. But with 1 in 5 working-age adults currently off work due to ill health, it’s clear we need to keep evolving how we support our people. One area gaining real momentum is Creative Health as a workplace wellbeing tool.

From Arc’s work across healthcare, public services and businesses, we’ve seen first-hand that creativity can play a powerful role in building healthier, more sustainable workplaces.

What is “creative health”?

Creative health isn’t about being artistic or ‘good at creativity’.

It’s about giving people time and space to step out of pressure, reset their thinking, and reconnect, in simple, structured ways.

This might look like:

• short, guided creative sessions
• photography or outdoor activities
• quick online workshops designed for busy teams

No experience needed. No pressure to perform. Just a chance to pause and think differently.

Why it works (even for non-creative teams)

Many people approach the idea of creativity with some trepidation, and Arc are very used to that. But it’s actually not about the result, rather what is gained from the process.

Some of the benefits we see include:

• Reduced stress and mental fatigue – calming the nervous system and giving the brain a break
• Increased confidence and resilience – stretching comfort zones without pressure
• Better teamwork and communication – shared activities build trust and empathy
• Increased energy and motivation – people return to work feeling more focused and positive
• A practical way to prevent burnout – proactive approaches reduce absence
• Inclusive wellbeing support – ideal for those who don’t engage with traditional talking approaches

What does this look like in practice?

Feedback from organisations who have commissioned Arc has been incredibly positive:

• “It gave our team space to slow down, reconnect, and express ourselves… everyone left feeling calmer, more focused, and inspired.”
• “It helped melt away anxiety and refocus my mind in a positive way.”
• “A valuable moment of calm in a busy day.”
• “It helped me manage my stress and anxiety and I believe it stopped me from needing to take time off.”
• “Helped me feel more positive about work.”
• “Even just 10 minutes can make a massive difference.”

Importantly, many of these activities are low-cost, easy to implement, adaptable to different teams (including remote and hybrid), and built into the working day, not just added on.

Even short sessions can create noticeable shifts in mood, focus and connection.

Why this matters for employers

Employee wellbeing isn’t just about support; it’s about long-term business sustainability.

Organisations that invest in preventative, inclusive approaches are more likely to see improvements in:

• retention
• engagement
• productivity
• workplace culture
• sickness absence

And increasingly, employees expect more than just the basics.

For more information about Arc and Hallidays HR’s upcoming Workplace Wellbeing event, and details of how to register your place, see Marketing Stockport’s event listings.