Sustainable Corporate Wellness Events: A Smarter Way to Care for People and the Planet

Corporate wellness events have long been about yoga mats, smoothie bars, and quick workshops on stress management. But in 2024, UK companies are facing bigger questions: How do we care for our employees while caring for the planet too?

Sustainability is no longer a side topic. Employees expect their employers to act responsibly, and clients take notice too. Research by Deloitte shows that 65% of UK workers want their company to do more on sustainability. Pair that with the rising demand for meaningful wellness initiatives, and it’s clear: the future lies in sustainable corporate wellness events.

Done right, these events boost employee wellbeing, reduce stress, and show real commitment to corporate responsibility. Done poorly, they risk looking like token gestures.

What employees really want from wellness events

One big pain point that pops up in forums and surveys is that staff often find corporate wellness events “one-off gimmicks.” A mindfulness session that disappears after a day doesn’t change anything. People want events that:

• Feel authentic – not box-ticking exercises.

• Offer real value – tools they can use after the event.

• Align with values – especially sustainability and social impact.

This is where sustainable corporate wellness events stand out. They’re not just good for individuals; they’re good for culture and brand reputation.

How to design sustainable wellness events that work

Here’s what makes wellness initiatives meaningful and sustainable:

1. Choose eco-friendly venues

Offices and hotels with green certifications or carbon-neutral practices set the right tone. Even small steps, like venues powered by renewable energy, matter.

2. Focus on low-waste catering

Think plant-based menus, locally sourced ingredients, and minimal packaging. According to WRAP, the UK hospitality sector wastes 1.1 million tonnes of food yearly. Wellness events are the perfect chance to reduce that footprint.

3. Integrate nature

Outdoor wellness activities – like walking meetings, forest therapy, or gardening workshops – reduce stress while strengthening the bond with nature. Studies show time in nature lowers cortisol levels by up to 20%.

4. Swap freebies for impact

Instead of branded plastic water bottles or stress balls, consider gifting employees digital wellness subscriptions, reusable products, or even planting trees on their behalf.

5. Involve local communities

Wellness doesn’t have to stop at your staff. Partner with local charities or artists to bring cultural and social value into the event. It connects employees with purpose and creates a ripple effect beyond the workplace.

For a deeper dive into creating meaningful corporate wellness retreats, check out our blog here. We break down everything from planning to execution, ensuring your event is both impactful and sustainable. If you’re looking for something unique, our post on blending mindfulness and art for creative team-building is a must-read here. Discover how these innovative approaches can leave a lasting impression on your team while promoting well-being and collaboration.

The ROI: Why sustainability matters in wellness

Some leaders still see wellness events as “nice to have.” But the numbers tell a different story:

• Stress and burnout cost UK businesses an estimated £28 billion per year (Deloitte, 2023).

• Engaged employees are 23% more profitable (Gallup, 2022).

• Sustainable practices improve recruitment and retention – especially among younger talent who are more eco-conscious.

So, when you combine wellness with sustainability, you’re hitting two birds with one stone: healthier employees and a stronger employer brand.

Tackling the main challenge: making it last

The real sticking point? Consistency. Employees often say wellness initiatives vanish once budgets tighten. That’s why sustainable corporate wellness events need to be part of a bigger wellbeing strategy, not just a one-off celebration.

This is where Roy Events comes in. We help businesses design retreats, workshops, and events that don’t just tick the wellness box but actually leave a lasting impact. From sourcing eco-friendly venues to creating programs that staff look forward to, we make it practical and purposeful.

👉 If you’re serious about building events that care for people and the planet, explore how Roy Events can support your next wellness initiative.

Small changes, big outcomes

Let’s recap the essentials for sustainable wellness events:

• Use green venues and suppliers.

• Plan low-waste catering.

• Prioritise nature-based activities.

• Replace wasteful freebies with long-term wellness support.

• Keep it authentic and consistent.

Conclusion: The future of wellness is sustainable

Employees don’t just want perks. They want to feel cared for, valued, and part of something meaningful. Sustainable corporate wellness events are a chance to deliver all three.

When staff see their company investing in wellbeing and the planet at the same time, it builds trust, loyalty, and motivation. And in today’s competitive market, that’s not just good ethics – it’s smart business.

Thanks for reading. Here’s to creating wellness experiences that last longer than a smoothie bar and leave both people and the planet better off.