Running on empty? Inside the rise of wellness-first events

Burnt out, stressed and too much time spent on devices… feelings that are all too familiar for corporate workers, resulting in fatigue, decreased levels of productivity and potentially serious health issues.

A study released last summer from Boston Consulting Group highlighted that on average, 48% of workers from eight countries (Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, UK, and US) indicated that they were grappling with burnout – a state of exhaustion characterised by disenchantment with one’s job and a sense of inefficiency.

It’s little wonder then that wellness retreats and holistic treatments are proving popular for corporate events. RXV Wellness Village, located close to Bangkok, provides what it describes as ‘an oasis for Millennials and Gen Z prioritizing self-care.’ Its tailor-made wellness experiences invite guests to bond over health-focused activities like movement therapy, aerial yoga and flower mandala workshops. Banyan Tree has also introduced ‘Banyan Tree Connections’ at some of its hotels across Asia, a wellbeing immersion programme featuring mindfulness and movement.

“Corporate burnout is real, and events can play a powerful role in countering it when wellness is embedded thoughtfully throughout the experience,” says Atika Rosli, chief and founder of Beyond Events. “Clients are often asking for resorts with comprehensive wellness programmes beyond just massages, such as sound healing, breathwork sessions, or access to fitness and nature-focused experiences.”

Energise and decompress

Rosli adds that there’s also demand for more non-alcoholic options at social events, with frequent requests for mocktail bars and wellness drinks.

“Physical activity has evolved from just team-building games to include things like sunrise yoga, hiking, and mobility-focused fitness classes that are low impact but deeply energising,” she says. “Even during conferences, we’re weaving in mindfulness breaks, meditation corners and quiet zones where participants can decompress.”

RXV Wellness Village says corporate groups can immerse themselves in a multi-dimensional wellness journey designed to enhance team bonding while addressing individual wellbeing needs.

“Activities range from forest bathing, group meditation and yoga, to customised programmes across three healing zones,” says Piyarat Tanjaputkul, RXV’s executive vice president of Health & Wellness.

These zones include science-backed treatments, movement and strength training and traditional Thai therapies. Tanjaputkul adds that there is a growing demand for personalised, medically-credible wellness solutions, with other popular treatments for corporates including ‘rejuvenating belly and gut therapy’.

“Executives today are not looking for superficial pampering – they are seeking ‘comprehensive recalibration’ that addresses burnout at its roots,” she says. “RXV answers this need through a combination of evidence-based diagnostics and treatments and tailored programme design following one-on-one consultations.”

Doing away with devices

Luther Low, regional operations director, Asia Pacific at CWT Meetings & Events says the agency is seeing an increase in requests for events and incentive trips that incorporate wellness elements, so companies can promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.

“In addition to spa treatments, we are seeing a rise in activities such as mindfulness and nutrition workshops, outdoor adventures like hiking and kayaking, and creative sessions like art therapy and cooking classes,” he says. “These activities are designed to help employees disconnect from their daily stress and reconnect with themselves, promoting overall mental and physical well-being.”

According to Low, one notable trend is the incorporation of digital detox programs, where employees are encouraged to unplug from their devices and engage in face-to-face interactions and activities. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on team-building exercises that foster collaboration and communication, helping to alleviate feelings of isolation and burnout.

“Companies are also investing in wellness-focused keynote speakers and workshops that provide practical strategies for managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance,” he says.

Khushnooma Das, general manager of FCM Meetings & Events India, agrees that requests for spa treatments, meditation, and instructor-led yoga sessions during group travel are increasing, and they are mostly on demand when people arrive at the venue.

“We do weave wellness activities in natural settings in our offerings,” she says. “There are a plethora of options available, and our suppliers have also understood the demand for wellness-led activities. They are focusing on boosting wellness-led experiences. Besides spa treatments, other unique activities people are embracing include cooking, breathing exercises, and colour therapy. They are looking at colours that can shift their energies towards positivity.”

Wellness and rejuvenation can also be managed in a broader sense, with Das suggesting volunteering and local cultural adventures or workshops focusing on stress management, alongside social gatherings or even charity events.

The intention behind the wellness and workouts is just as important. As Rosli points out, clients want events that not only drive performance but that also care for their people.

“They’re looking to create environments where high-performing professionals can reconnect with themselves and each other and not just power through another packed itinerary,” she says.