Yes, it can—if you plan a meeting the ‘right’ way.
Workplace stress and unhealthy habits have become common in today’s fast-paced environment. Long meetings, heavy workloads, and digital distractions make it difficult to prioritize well-being. Many companies are now looking for ways to create healthier workspaces that promote both productivity and wellness.
The Westin Manila is introducing a different approach by integrating wellness into business meetings and events. The hotel offers facilities designed to improve focus, energy, and overall well-being.
Have a healthier meeting experience
The Westin Manila provides meeting spaces designed for both efficiency and wellness. Their Bright Breaks program includes healthier food choices to keep participants energized and focused. Instead of processed snacks, they serve nutrient-dense meals designed to enhance concentration and sustain energy levels.
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Sitting for long hours can make people feel sluggish. To counter this, The Westin Manila includes movement and mindfulness in their packages. They work with movement coach Will Devaughn and mindfulness expert Joanne dela Rama to offer short stretching and breathing exercises that help attendees reset and stay focused.
I got to experience this firsthand. On a Thursday, I joined a warm-up session with Will and a mindfulness session with Joanne. It was a much-needed break before my usual busy Friday. The exercises helped me feel more awake and ready for the rest of the day.
After that, we enjoyed a spread of healthy food prepared by The Westin Manila. There was adlai arrozcaldo, avocado toast with cage-free eggs, and three kinds of hummus—cauliflower, pumpkin, and beet—served with pita bread. My favorite was the granola stones, a mix of granola coated in grey-white chocolate. It was tasty, filling, and satisfying. The pandesal sliders, stuffed with zucchini, carrots, pesto, and light cheese, were another highlight. It was a delicious and wholesome way to wrap up the meeting.
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Bright Breaks for productive meetings
The Bright Breaks program enhances productivity through healthy snacks and mindful activities. It offers several options:
Focus + Concentrate. Foods rich in brain-boosting nutrients, such as nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate.
Connect + Collaborate. Meals designed to encourage social interaction, featuring omega-3-rich foods to reduce stress.
Inspire + Activate. Creative-boosting snacks, including berries, avocados, and whole grains.
Energize + Motivate. Protein-packed smoothies, fiber-rich fruit, and hydrating drinks like coconut water.
Clients can also add guided wellness activities such as light stretching, aromatherapy breaks, and eye care tips to help reduce fatigue during meetings.
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Why wellness in work matters
Research shows that workplace wellness programs make employees healthier, happier, and more productive. The Harvard Business Review found that companies that focus on employee well-being see improvements in work performance, lower turnover, and stronger customer relationships.
But wellness programs need to be well-designed. According to another study by Harvard Business School, many programs fail because they only focus on individual efforts, like gym discounts, instead of improving the overall work environment. Employees need wellness programs that support both their physical and mental health in a way that fits into their daily routines.
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A practical approach
Bringing wellness into the workplace doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple changes, like offering healthier food options, encouraging movement, and incorporating mindfulness activities, can make a difference. Whether working in an office or remotely, setting up a meeting with wellness in mind helps improve focus, energy, and overall well-being. It is a practical step towards creating a healthier and more productive work environment.
Photos courtesy of The Westin Manila
