Team wellbeing in action

A team wellbeing strategy throughout the year can build strong performance and connection. We join Journey’s summer wellness retreat to discover more...

Staff wellbeing is now seen as the cornerstone of many successful companies – for enlightened businesses it is part of their DNA. Journey, an ecommerce and technology business for luxury hotels and spas, is one such operation that really values its staff.

“At Journey, we recognise employee wellbeing and building a healthy, happy and productive culture is fundamental to long-term business success,” says CEO and founder Simon Bullingham. “We hold quarterly staff ‘pulse’ surveys to obtain feedback and we have a cross-functional culture group that hosts inclusive events and activities.”

A retreat into wellbeing

The company’s full-time culture and wellbeing manager recently organised the 2023 summer wellness retreat for employees. Held at Ombersley Court in Worcestershire, the day combined motivational talks and experiential wellness sessions followed by an evening of music, food and fun.

The day-long event began with an overview of the company’s vision for the future. On the talking stage there were presentations about improving financial health, nutrition, sleep and emotional wellbeing and resilience.

Throughout the day the team enjoyed wellness sessions: Temple Spa taught self-spa treatments for the hands and face; wellbeing brand Kalm Horizons offered mindfulness workshops. Nutrition taste tests were held by nutritionist Kate Cook and a posture and stretch workshop was led by The Zen Shed. The day concluded with a sunset party in the grounds of the estate with a DJ, food truck and games.

“The foundations of a high-performing team are based on having a defined culture, relevant talent and skills and, of course, a clear, ambitious vision,” explains Bullingham. “Our Summer Wellness Retreat was created to educate staff about the importance of wellness and to trial different methods and techniques to nurture wellness at work and at home. This in turn feeds our high-performance culture and helps to realise our company goals.”

www.journey.travel