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How to Set Up a Workplace Wellness Day
Friday, May 29, 2026, 04:22 PM
Whether you work at a large corporation or a small business, workplace wellness plays an important role in employee satisfaction, productivity, and overall morale.
A 2024 report found that 89% of surveyed Canadians believe that it's important for employers to improve employee well-being. Likewise, 98% of human resources (HR) professionals agree that employee well-being initiatives are helpful.
An easy and effective way to encourage staff engagement and well-being is through a workplace wellness day. These events give staff a chance to recharge, connect, and focus on their health in meaningful ways.
While wellness days can include a wide range of organized activities for employees, this guide will focus on ideas that support holistic health and wellness.
An Employer's Role in Wellness
As employee expectations around workplace wellness evolve, employers are seeking accessible, engaging ways to support staff.
HR professionals are often responsible for coordinating health benefits and other wellness initiatives for employees. Our Industry Relations team enjoys engaging with a variety of stakeholders to contribute to discussions about workplace wellness, including how holistic therapies can gain greater recognition and be incorporated into more comprehensive benefits coverage.
We connected with HR leaders at recent industry events such as the Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) Conference in Vancouver, BC. One theme was clear: organizations are looking for initiatives that are both meaningful to today's employees and realistic to implement.
Working with qualified wellness practitioners can help make these initiatives impactful and easy to coordinate.
Why Host a Wellness Day?
Workplace wellness initiatives can reduce stress levels and burnout, boost productivity, and improve job satisfaction — supporting staff retention and even helping attract new talent. A 2023 survey from Benefits Canada found that plan members with a workplace wellness culture are much more likely (89%) to be satisfied with their jobs.
Workplace wellness days can reinforce a culture where employees feel supported and cared for, making a lasting impact. A recent study from Mental Health Research Canada shows that 39% of Canadian employees reported feeling burnt out.
A 2021 study also found that employees with strong physical health tend to be more engaged and productive at work, while those with good mental health are less likely to experience burnout.
Structuring Your Wellness Day
So, what could your wellness day include? Here are a few practical ideas:
Bring in a Practitioner
Introducing staff to holistic wellness experiences can be an effective way to build engagement and increase access.
Organizations can invite holistic practitioners to offer short complimentary sessions and introduce employees to a range of therapies (we recognize more than 60). Many practices work well in small spaces, including chair massage, reflexology, and reiki.
Each practitioner may have their own process, but many are equipped to bring in their own equipment, such as a massage chair or table. Some holistic health practices can also be modified to be performed in a regular office chair.
Wellness days are often most effective when structured as a half- or full-day event, with employees signing up for 15-minute time slots. Depending on the therapy, sessions can be held in common areas, like a break room, or in a quiet office space for more privacy.
Consider a group activity like tai chi or yoga. If possible, take the class outside to a nearby green space!
Offer Education and Resources
Wellness days can also be an opportunity to educate employees about their health benefits coverage, as only one in four employees feel "very aware" of their available benefits.
A short presentation outlining available wellness services and coverage options can be a helpful addition, especially when paired with handouts that summarize your organization's specific plan.
Share additional resources from our library:
- Benefits of Reflexology (PDF)
- Benefits of Yoga (PDF)
- Massage Therapy for Pain Management (PDF)
- Wellness Reminders – Tent Card for Your Desk (PDF)
Other Considerations
When scheduling your event, be sure to give staff plenty of notice. Ask the leadership team to participate to help create an accessible, low-pressure experience.
Incorporating these initiatives as part of a long-term strategy rather than a one-time event can have a more lasting impact on morale and workplace culture. And don't forget to include remote staff! Consider hosting virtual chair yoga or breathwork classes.
To help get leadership on board, track the success of your wellness day initiative by gathering participation rates and releasing an attendee feedback survey. Remember, you don't need a big budget to host an engaging wellness day.
Finding Practitioners in Your Area
To locate a practitioner near you, visit our member directory and invite colleagues to use it too!
If your organization has a volunteer opportunity for practitioners, submit the details for review for a complimentary volunteer posting on NHPC Jobs and Supplies.
If you have further questions about how to set up your workplace wellness initiative, please reach out to our Industry Relations team at industryrelations@nhpcanada.org.