How art is quietly transforming workplace wellbeing

Why creativity is becoming a powerful tool for team connection, focus and morale

There has been a real shift in workplace wellbeing lately. A few years ago, every company was rolling out apps, rewards, fitness challenges and anything else that promised to fix burnout or boost morale. Fast forward to now and leaders are looking for something that actually makes a difference. Something that helps people feel more connected, more valued and more human in the workplace.

And that is exactly where art is starting to play a surprising and powerful role.

Recently, Hälsa Wellbeing hosted a session exploring how creativity can support workplace wellbeing in a practical and meaningful way. The session was led by Emma Avhede from Hälsa, with insight and real examples from Mike Hall and Nicci Rushfirth from MJH ArtStudio, and Robert Manson from Haldane Health.

What followed was a mix of lived experience, science and clear examples showing how art can genuinely improve team connection, reduce stress and help people feel part of something bigger.

Here are the key takeaways and why art-based wellbeing might be exactly what workplaces need right now.

Why businesses are turning to creativity

Many organisations have noticed the same issue. People want more from work than payslips and perks. They want connection, purpose and a sense of belonging. With hybrid working now the norm, teams are often split across locations, working different hours and barely crossing paths.

That lack of connection affects everything. Engagement, retention, productivity and culture.

• Creative sessions offer something different.
• They slow people down.
• They create moments of calm.
• They get people talking again.
• They allow teams to work together in a way that is relaxed rather than awkward.

Art puts everyone on a level playing field. You do not need to be “arty”. You just need to be willing to have a go.

Case Study 1: Solupak and the power of a shared artwork

Solupak’s Managing Director, Helen McDonald, wanted to do something genuinely different for her team of around 24 staff. They work hard, split across different groups and rarely get the chance to connect outside the day job.

Mike and Nicci designed a creative workshop that mixed everyone into small groups and eased them in with simple icebreakers. Plenty of people admitted they had not painted since school, so the nerves were real at first.

Each person created a canvas that would later become part of a bigger picture. A flowing river made up of individual pieces. This encouraged teamwork, conversation, shared decision making and a feeling of being part of something bigger.

When the final artwork went up in the boardroom, the impact was immediate. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Helen noticed a real buzz running through the factory afterwards, with improved morale, better communication and a genuine sense of pride.

Case Study 2: Phoenix Health and Wellbeing reconnecting a dispersed team

Phoenix Health and Wellbeing is a Leeds-based charity with a very common modern challenge. Their staff rarely see each other. Therapists, counsellors, reception staff and volunteers all work different hours and often feel like ships in the night.

The goal was not to produce a masterpiece. It was simply to bring people together.

MJH ArtStudio created a relaxed creative evening with nibbles, a bit of wine and plenty of materials to play with. The focus was connection. Art was the vehicle.

People who had not spoken properly in months were suddenly laughing, sketching and sharing stories. Zoe, the CEO, described the session as invaluable. Staff said it felt good to pause and breathe and to feel invested in.

“You almost cannot put a price on it,” she said.

Case Study 3: Expect Distribution adding creativity to a family fun day

Expect Distribution wanted a branded piece for their boardroom but they were also hosting a family fun day. Combining the two made perfect sense.

Despite dreadful weather, parents, kids and employees all got stuck in. Using the brand colours, the team created a bold collaborative artwork that now sits proudly in the office. Spirits were high, engagement was strong and the artwork serves as a daily reminder of a shared moment created together.

Case Study 4: One-to-one sessions – a personal wellbeing boost

Not every wellbeing activity needs a group. Occupational Health specialist Robert Manson tried a one-to-one art session with Mike, despite not having painted since school.

He described the experience as surprisingly calming, “like Tai Chi or yoga”, helping trigger the parasympathetic nervous system, lowering stress, and encouraging presence and mindfulness.

For Robert, the sessions became a real wellbeing tool, something grounding and enjoyable that helped him step out of the rush of daily life.

The wellbeing science behind creative sessions

Art is not just “a nice activity”. Research shows creative sessions can:

• reduce stress and anxiety
• lower blood pressure
• calm the nervous system
• improve focus and attention
• strengthen team relationships
• support positive mental health

When people are painting or drawing, they become fully present. They switch off from daily noise and pressures. And teams who create together often communicate better afterwards because the activity breaks down barriers naturally.

Remote creative workshops for hybrid teams

For teams split across locations, MJH ArtStudio also offer remote creative workshops. Staff receive a box of materials and join a guided online session with icebreakers and shared tasks. Many teams later bring their pieces together in the office to form a shared artwork when they finally meet in person.

It is a simple way to build connection when geography gets in the way.

A different approach to workplace wellbeing

The theme running through all these examples is clear.

People feel valued when you give them time and space to breathe.

• Art creates that moment.
• It lifts the atmosphere.
• It improves teamwork.
• It boosts wellbeing.
• It can spark conversations that continue long after the paint has dried.

If your organisation wants to try something a little different, whether it is a team workshop, a wellbeing session or a bespoke creative activity, get in touch. There are options for all team sizes and budgets and it might be the reset your people need.