Why Creative Workshops Matter for Wellbeing at Work
How creative sessions using art and reflective writing can improve wellbeing, unlock fresh thinking, and reduce burnout.
For the past few years, I’ve been running creative workshops for individuals, primarily those looking to reconnect with their voice, take time for reflection, and find some space for thinking in the rush of daily life. These sessions bring together writing, visual art, and thoughtful prompts that spark new perspectives.
I run them as monthly Thread & Thought sessions over on my Substack. The idea is that we come together around a theme, to pull at a thread and deepen a thought.
I get wonderful feedback from attendees. But I also realise that I have created the exact ‘pause’ that I need each month. I always come away feeling lighter, more energised. A bit more myself.
It is nourishing. And it struck me that it was exactly the kind of thing I wish I’d had access to when I was in a corporate job.
Today, there’s so much pressure to produce and perform; speed is rewarded and screens dominate. I especially found this challenging as a neurodivergent woman who needed space for stillness, creativity, processing. Expansion.
What I’ve found is that when we give ourselves permission to slow down and look closely at something outside of our usual habits and roles, something shifts.
And this is where my love of art history and of writing come together beautifully.
Looking Differently to Think Differently
Visual art demands attention. It is immediately accessible, but also invites deep reflection and analysis. There’s no one “correct” way to look at a painting, no single meaning to unlock. And because of that, art creates a space where people feel freer to think, imagine, and question.
That’s why my The Creative Shift sessions often begin with a piece of visual art. Not to analyse it like art historians - although I do share my expertise in looking and analysing! But I tend to ask instead: What do I see here? What does it remind me of? How does it connect to how I’m feeling or working?
The responses are always different, and they’re always revealing.
Why This Matters for Teams
Using visual art as a starting point creates a shared but open experience and it gives everyone a voice, regardless of role, personality type, or background.
And beyond that, it supports:
Perspective-shifting:
Art helps us see differently, literally and metaphorically. Looking at images that are ambiguous, surprising, or emotionally resonant can spark new ideas and reframe challenges.
Open conversation:
Because there’s no single ‘right answer’, people feel more at ease to speak freely. It levels the playing field and encourages thoughtful dialogue without the pressure of performance.
Emotional wellbeing:
Slowing down to reflect visually and creatively can be a gentle but powerful antidote to burnout. It can soothe the nervous system and gives permission to slow down.
Creative confidence:
Many adults carry the belief that they’re ‘not creative’. But responding to an artwork with words and description often unlocks something unexpected. It reminds people of their capacity to create, imagine, and express, skills vital to innovation and leadership.
The Power of Visual Art & Writing
Drawing on 15+ years teaching in universities and designing workshops for individuals, I now offer a suite of sessions for teams that range from calming monthly check-ins to energising creativity boosts.
In The Creative Shift workshops, we combine visual prompts with short, guided writing exercises. This blend deepens the reflection and gives people time to process what they see and feel, which can often leading to insights they didn’t know they were looking for.
It’s not therapy. It’s not art class. It’s something in-between: a structured space to think, feel, and see differently. Together.
Designed for the Real World
These sessions are especially valuable for:
Teams under pressure who need a space to reflect and recharge
Creative professionals looking to reconnect with curiosity
Leaders navigating change who want fresh ways to engage
Organisations prioritising wellbeing and inclusion
The goal? Ultimately, I want to support people to become more connected, more resilient, and more imaginative. Because creativity isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s how we solve problems, see clearly, and grow. It’s the antidote to our online world and connects us to what makes us human.
If you're curious about ways to support your team’s wellbeing and mindset, I'd love to share more. The Creative Shift offers bespoke sessions that can be tailored to your needs and values whether you're looking to prevent burnout, boost creativity, or simply slow down.
Want to learn more or book a session?
Visit www.joannawolfarth.com or get in touch to discuss what your team needs.
The Creative Shift: Creative Workshops for Teams | Workplace Wellbeing | Art & Writing for Reflection and Growth
