The new Leisure & Wellbeing Action Group held its first in-person meeting at Marwell Zoo to explore how leisure and wellbeing can contribute to healthier workplaces, stronger businesses and the wider regional economy.
The meeting was chaired by Chris Rees, Founder & Managing Director of ReesLeisure and World of Swimming, whose collaboration with Marwell Zoo helped give the venue particular significance. ReesLeisure and Marwell first connected at a separate Business South meeting earlier this year, where the idea for World of Swimming’s successful Make Waves for Marwell campaign started and has since raised £10,000 for a new wave cannon for the zoo’s penguins. After the meeting, the Action Group saw the cannon in action and watched the penguins being fed, offering a clear example of the value of collaboration between leisure and business.
The meeting began by looking at why leisure and wellbeing should be considered an important part of business, particularly as working patterns continue to evolve following the pandemic. Discussions highlighted the role that leisure activities can play in bringing people together, supporting physical and mental wellbeing, improving productivity and creativity, and helping businesses attract and retain talent.
The group also explored some of the barriers that can prevent employees from engaging with wellbeing opportunities, including time, cost, confidence and access, as well as workplace culture. The importance of leadership was highlighted, with senior leaders playing a key role in demonstrating that taking time away from the desk for wellbeing is both acceptable and valuable.
A key theme throughout the meeting was the need to make wellbeing inclusive and accessible. Rather than focusing solely on traditional forms of exercise such as running, cycling or going to the gym, the group discussed the wider range of activities that can support wellbeing, including walking/’netwalking’, time in nature, nutrition, creative activities, social opportunities and flexibility.
The group also discussed how the value of leisure and wellbeing can be demonstrated through measurable business outcomes, including employee engagement, productivity, absence, talent retention, health-related costs, networking opportunities and wider social and economic impact.
As part of this work, Chris Rees and Joe Gowers shared a draft 10-question Health & Wellbeing Survey with the group, which aims to provide a snapshot of wellbeing across the Central South and establish a baseline for future results. Feedback from Action Group members is now being incorporated before the survey is circulated more widely.
Looking ahead, the group also explored the potential introduction of a pilot initiative around Health Champions among Business South organisations in 2027. The proposed role could help signpost employees towards leisure and wellbeing opportunities, promote activities, encourage participation and help create a workplace culture where wellbeing is prioritised.
The group also identified opportunities for cross-sector activities, including introductory cycling, netwalking, walking and wellbeing activities, and events connecting businesses with leisure facilities and the New Forest. The aim is to create genuine opportunities for businesses to connect while supporting wellbeing, rather than simply recreating traditional networking in a different setting.
