Workplace Wellbeing Workshops

At BCFA Open Spring Design more than 50 people took the opportunity to be creative with the Patternistas at their Surface Pattern Workshops. Our participants were given the chance to break from their routine, stimulate the brain cells and unleash their creativity.

Research into workplace wellbeing and it’s impact on employees and business is a current point of discussion and research. Employee and client wellbeing is increasing addressed by our members through the offering of events similar to our BCFA Open workshops, encouraging creativity, relaxation or lifestyle change.

Orangebox hold both internal and external events which are informed by their market leading workplace research which in recent years has focused on wellbeing and the effects of technology on the workforce. They recently invited their clients to gain a better understanding of how our health effects our work-life balance & productivity, the fun event discussed the important issues of sugar & obesity. Guests at the event also enjoyed smoothie making bikes.

Camira has run a series of workshops for architects and interior designers from the local area for each event. Camira originally partnered with Connection Seating, the team wanted a new type of event that was something a little different. Camira’s UK A&D Manager, Keeley Smith explained that ‘architects and designers spend so much time concentrating on the technical aspect of design and chained to a computer, we wanted to give them an opportunity to get more hands on and creative again.’

Keeley goes on to highlight that there are benefits for the host as well as the participant, ‘What better way to showcase our products than to have A&D working with them themselves. It’s a great way to show them how various fibre types upholster and work in different ways and also showcase the work of Connection’s upholsterers. It helps attendees realise just how much work goes into each piece of furniture. Not only do they get to take their very own footstool away with them but they have the satisfaction that they made it themselves

Throughout Clerkenwell Design Week 2016 Morgan invited their guests to enjoy 10 minute chair yoga sessions. These workshops were informed by Morgan’s research and their new product launches which considered wellness in the workplace. The 10 minute chair yoga sessions were an example of how easy it is to fit breathing and stretching exercises into the working day to help relaxation and wellbeing.

The classes were structured so that those participating could learn the poses and stretches and do these at their desk during the working day, it was key that guests lost tension and took a moment to relax.

We look forward to hosting further workshops at our BCFA Open Manchester event in October, in the meantime we would love to hear about your experiences of hosting or participating in workshops? Leave your comment below or tweet us at @DesignInsider1