Mind and Body at events: turning benefits into real impact

Digital tools are powerful, but sometimes they are not enough. Employees can scroll, swipe and watch, but real transformation often happens when people come together. That is where events make the difference. They create energy, trust and engagement in a way that an app or an email simply cannot.

Take the example of a friends and family 5k. Training for the event gives employees a shared goal and the motivation to build movement into their weekly routines. Whether someone is walking, jogging or running, the leveller of sport means everyone lines up with the same challenge ahead of them. It creates a sense of camaraderie that cuts across roles and seniority in the business.

The post-event high is just as important. Crossing the finish line alongside colleagues, friends and loved ones is a moment of celebration that can be shared long after the race is done. These highs help employees feel part of something bigger, and those memories become powerful reminders that wellbeing is valued within the culture of the organisation.

For employers, the value lies in credibility. When leaders and colleagues take part in the training and the race itself, it sends a clear message that wellbeing is part of the culture, not a tick box. It helps embed benefits into daily life, which in turn increases usage and return on investment. Data shows that active participation in both mental and physical wellbeing activities lowers absenteeism, improves morale and boosts productivity.

Events like a 5k also provide valuable insight. Tracking how many staff trained, took part and shared their experiences gives employers a clear picture of what engages their workforce. Those insights can then shape future wellbeing strategies and make existing benefits more relevant and better used.

At Planet Once, we design events that connect the physical and the mental, from inclusive fitness challenges like 5ks to expert-led mental health talks. These shared moments help employees feel supported, valued and energised. Most importantly, they translate benefits into impact, creating lasting changes in wellbeing and culture.