The truth is, corporate wellness isn’t a nice-to-have anymore, it’s business critical but I think we can all agree that no one ever felt less stressed after a trust fall in a group session with their colleagues.
According to the World Health Organization, stress and burnout are costing the global economy nearly $1 trillion in lost productivity every year. Companies are realising that looking after employee wellbeing is about more than just ticking a box and it’s about keeping people engaged, motivated, and happy to show up on Monday mornings.
The solution isn't always another app or a motivational poster. Forward-thinking companies are turning to mindful, creative activities to combat stress and build stronger teams. Among these emerging trends, paint-by-numbers is leading the way as a deceptively simple yet profoundly effective corporate wellness activity.
That’s why more organisations are moving beyond fruit baskets and step challenges to activities that actually reduce stress and bring people together.
Why Corporate Wellness Activities Matter
Investing in employee wellbeing activities isn't just a nice-to-have perk but it’s a strategic business decision. When employees feel supported and valued, the benefits are clear and measurable:
- Higher Productivity: Happier, less-stressed employees are more focused and productive. They show up to work with a clearer mind and a greater capacity to solve problems.
- Improved Retention: When employees feel their mental health is a priority, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term, reducing costly turnover.
- Increased Engagement: Mindful team activities build a stronger sense of community and shared purpose, leading to higher morale and engagement. A engaged workforce is a resilient one.
The Link Between Creativity and Employee Wellbeing
According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, creative pursuits like painting, drawing, and sculpting can improve emotional resilience and reduce the effects of anxiety.
These activities activate different parts of the brain, engaging both logic and creative centers, which helps to shift focus away from stressors and towards the present moment. This is why art therapy at work is becoming a recognized tool for corporate mental health.
And here’s the best part: you don’t need to be an “artist” to benefit. Simple, structured activities like painting can provide the same calming, restorative effects as more advanced creative practices.
This is where paint-by-numbers comes in.
Why Paint-by-Numbers Is Perfect for the Workplace
Inclusive for Everyone
Not everyone feels comfortable picking up a blank canvas. Paint-by-numbers removes the pressure of “being creative” while still delivering the joy of painting. Whether someone hasn’t touched a paintbrush since primary school or they’re a weekend hobbyist, everyone can join in and succeed.
Mindful and Stress-Relieving
The repetitive, meditative process of filling in colours creates a calming effect similar to mindfulness practices. It gives employees a break from screens and a way to reset their busy minds.
Builds Connection and Conversation
Painting together creates natural opportunities for casual conversation. Instead of forced icebreakers, colleagues can chat while working side-by-side (or screen-to-screen in virtual sessions).
A Lasting Keepsake
Unlike a one-off yoga session or a team lunch, paint-by-numbers produces something tangible. Teams can hang the finished artwork in the office or take it home — a daily reminder of the shared experience.
How to Run a Paint-by-Numbers Wellness Session
Organising one is easier than you think:
- Choose a Design: It could be a calming landscape, a bold abstract, or even a custom image tied to your brand.
- Order Kits: Each kit includes canvas, paints, brushes, and instructions. You can order for individuals or opt for a large group canvas to complete together.
- Set the Scene: Create a relaxed atmosphere. Play some music, provide snacks and drinks, and make sure everyone has plenty of space to work comfortably. For virtual teams, encourage them to set up their own cozy "studio" at home
- Run the Session: The activity can take anywhere from one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the design. A host can guide the process or simply let the team work at their own pace.
- Celebrate the Results: Celebrate your team's creations! Take a group photo, share the finished pieces on your company's internal channels, or create a gallery wall in the office.
Hosting remote? Ship kits to participants in advance and host the session over video — the shared creativity translates beautifully online.
Success Stories & Examples
The real value of creative corporate wellness activities can be seen in the results.
French Tech Startup: A fast-paced tech startup who delivered a recent high stress project decided to host a Paint-by-Numbers workshop for their team during Stress Awareness Month. The company reported a significant boost in morale, with 90% of participants saying they felt more relaxed and connected to their colleagues after the session.
Marketing Agency in London: A marketing agency dedicated a few hours every Summer Friday to "Creative Flow" sessions. The team chose to collaborate on a large, multi-panel design that now hangs in their common area, symbolising their shared creativity and collaborative spirit.
In each case, the activity was low-pressure, easy to run, and left employees talking about it for weeks after.
Other Mindful Wellness Activities to Pair With Painting
Paint-by-numbers is a fantastic standalone activity, but it also pairs well with other mindful practices to create a holistic wellness program. Consider adding a quick guided meditation at the start of the session to help everyone settle in, or a journaling exercise at the end to reflect on their experience. These complementary activities reinforce the importance of mental health and self-care in the workplace.
Getting Started with Paint-by-Numbers for Your Team
The shift from reactive stress management to proactive corporate wellness is a vital one for any modern business and doesn't need to be complicated or expensive but rather be meaningful. Paint-by-numbers offers a simple, accessible, and highly effective way to promote mental health, foster team connection, and provide genuine stress relief for employees. It's an activity that leaves a lasting impression and a beautiful reminder of a team that cares.
Ready to give your team an activity they’ll actually enjoy? Contact us by email.