QWL Week 2026: 5 innovative ideas to improve your work environment

The Quality of Working Life Week (QWL), which will take place from 15 to 19 June 2026, is a unique opportunity to promote employee wellbeing while strengthening organisational performance. The name of this event has evolved, from Quality of Working Life Week (QWL) to Quality of Working Life and Working Conditions Week (QWL&C), in order to reflect a more comprehensive approach to quality of life and working conditions. This event will highlight initiatives focused on balancing personal fulfilment and professional effectiveness. The Quality of Working Life and Working Conditions Week is also called QWL&CW.

The Quality of Working Life and Working Conditions Week (QWL&C) will be held from 15 to 19 June 2026.

By identifying employees’ needs and organising engaging activities, companies can use this week to create a more harmonious and stimulating work environment. QWL/QWL&C Week concerns all sectors and targets a broad audience, regardless of the industry or size of the company. In this article, discover five innovative ideas to transform your professional environment. This event is organised every year throughout France and benefits from a strong national tradition.

At Eli, a practical guide is available to support companies in organising this week. Companies can also request a quote to organise their QWL, QWL&C or QWL&CW Week, in order to anticipate costs and plan the event effectively.

Introduction

The Quality of Working Life Week (QWL) has become, year after year, a major event for all companies in France that are committed to improving the quality of life and working conditions of their employees. Organised by the French National Agency for the Improvement of Working Conditions (ANACT), this dedicated week highlights the importance of wellbeing, mental health and risk prevention within organisations. As a truly national event, QWL Week offers companies the opportunity to reflect collectively on the challenges of work today and tomorrow, while fostering social dialogue and exchanges between employees and managers.

Quality of working life is now a central issue for performance and employee satisfaction. It covers a wide range of topics such as the prevention of psychosocial risks, the management of musculoskeletal disorders, work–life balance, and the promotion of practices that support health and team cohesion. QWL Week therefore makes it possible to implement concrete actions to sustainably improve working conditions, strengthen employee engagement and establish a climate of trust that is conducive to innovation and productivity.

Beyond simply organising activities, this week is an opportunity for companies to question their practices, launch continuous improvement initiatives and showcase projects that put people at the heart of performance. The topics covered are varied and suitable for all sectors: risk prevention, mental health, social dialogue, team cohesion, as well as adaptation to new ways of working and anticipation of future challenges.

In this article, we invite you to discover how to organise an effective and impactful QWL Week, what the benefits are for companies and employees, and which resources to mobilise to turn this event into a real lever for improving working conditions. Whether you are a manager, a member of the HR team or an engaged employee, QWL Week is a unique opportunity to place quality of working life at the centre of your organisation’s priorities.

Understanding QWL (QWL&C) Week

QWL&C Week, introduced following the national cross-industry agreement (ANI) of 9 December 2020, has become an unmissable event for French companies. This annual event, coordinated by the Anact-Aract network, will celebrate its 23rd edition in 2026, reflecting its success and growing importance in the professional world.

The main objective of this week is to improve employees’ working conditions.

Each year, a variety of activities are offered, including:

webinars with experts to raise awareness and train employees on topics related to wellbeing at work

practical workshops

meditation or yoga sessions

HR departments, internal communications and HSE/QHSE teams are often the driving force behind organising this week.

Quality of Working Life Week, renamed Quality of Working Life and Working Conditions Week (QWL&C), offers a wide range of activities to promote wellbeing at work, especially during QWL Week. Led by ANACT, this initiative aims to create a healthier and more productive work environment, particularly during this dedicated quality week.

Key dates for QWL&C (QWL) Week 2026

QWL&C Week 2026 will take place from 15 to 19 June. These key dates should be marked in your calendars now to ensure optimal organisation of the event.

It is essential to plan ahead in order to design a rich programme and book the necessary slots with external providers. This forward planning will allow you to maximise the impact of the week and ensure active participation from your employees.

Theme of QWL&C Week 2026

The theme of QWL&C Week 2026 will highlight company initiatives that combine improved working conditions with organisational performance. It is a week to showcase projects that demonstrate it is possible to create a healthy work environment while achieving ambitious goals.

This theme, focused on current events and contemporary business needs, encourages us to rethink ways of working in order to integrate more wellbeing and productivity. By taking part in this week, companies will be able to share and draw inspiration from best practices to improve quality of working life.

Why take part in QWL&C Week?

Taking part in this week is a golden opportunity for companies to demonstrate their commitment to employee wellbeing. By organising activities that foster conviviality and enjoyment at work, companies can boost team engagement and motivation. These activities are also designed to strengthen team cohesion, a key factor in establishing a positive and lasting dynamic.

Investing in employees’ psychological wellbeing is crucial to creating a healthy and productive work environment. Listening to employees’ needs and responding to them can have a direct impact on their motivation and job satisfaction. In addition, sport in the workplace can humanise company culture and strengthen bonds between colleagues.

Finally, integrating natural elements into the office, offering flexibility such as remote work, and promoting inclusion and fairness are essential actions for improving quality of working life. Clear and tailored communication also plays a key role in employee engagement and the success of QWL Week. QWL is therefore an effective solution for improving quality of working life and employee engagement.

Equipping yourself for QWL&C Week

To organise this event effectively, it is important to have the right tools. For example, platforms like Eli can make it easier to plan and run activities.

It is also useful to choose actions based on the company’s objectives and employees’ needs. Divide your teams into groups to foster cohesion and team spirit.

Don’t forget to reward the most active employees to encourage participation and recognise everyone’s commitment.

Five steps to organise QWL&C Week

Organising this week involves five key steps:

Identify employees’ needs.

Choose suitable activity formats.

Plan the programme.

Manage the budget.

Measure the impact to make actions sustainable and ensure a lasting positive effect, avoiding a situation where the impact of QWL&C Week quickly fades.

Careful planning and a holistic approach are essential to take into account employees’ needs and the company’s objectives. Suggested activities may include workshops, events, discussion times to encourage exchanges between colleagues, and training sessions.

A steering committee made up of members from different departments should be set up to plan activities and ensure effective communication.

Identifying employees’ needs

For successful organisation, it is crucial to involve employees in defining the activities. Use an anonymous QWL questionnaire to assess employees’ needs and wishes. A QWL diagnosis can also be used to gather detailed information about employees’ needs. Understanding current needs is essential before planning activities.

By engaging employees from the outset, you ensure that the activities offered genuinely meet their expectations and help improve their working conditions.

Choosing suitable activity formats

The aim of the selected activities is to rediscover the pleasure of working together and to foster conviviality. It is important to choose activity formats that are engaging and suited to employees’ preferences.

The average participation rate recorded by Civitime is 61%, which indicates a good level of engagement. In addition, 92% of participants want to repeat the experience, which shows the appeal of well-chosen, attractive activities.

Planning the programme

When planning the programme, it is essential to include downtime to encourage reflection and relaxation. Here are some suggestions for a well-balanced programme:

Alternate between dynamic activities and quiet moments

Allow employees to recharge

Encourage full participation in the various activities offered

Managing the budget

Managing the budget for QWL&C Week requires finding a balance between using internal resources and calling on external providers.

It is often more effective to focus efforts on a few high-impact activities rather than multiplying events, which helps optimise costs while maximising benefits.

Measuring impact and sustaining actions

After the event, collecting feedback from participants through surveys can help assess the impact of QWL Week and adjust future editions. Sending a satisfaction survey after the event provides valuable data for improving subsequent editions.

To sustain the benefits of QWL Week, it is crucial to think about actions and practices that can be integrated permanently into the organisation and company culture.

Activity ideas for quality of working life and working conditions

Taking part in QWL Week raises employees’ awareness of their wellbeing at work and provides resources to improve the quality of their work.

Setting up workshops or spaces to talk about work is essential for improving quality of working life. Talking about work means establishing constructive dialogue, encouraging co-construction of solutions and promoting communication about professional challenges. Talking about work is productive, because it strengthens performance and team cohesion.

Taking part in collective activities during QWL Week can improve team unity and create a sense of belonging among employees.

Tailored workshops, talks and seminars can be organised to engage teams during this special week.

Sports activities at work

Promoting sport in the workplace is an excellent way to improve employees’ work–life balance, reduce illness and increase productivity. A stretching or mobility workshop can be offered to improve employees’ flexibility and physical condition.

The muscle warm-up workshop aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and workplace accidents. A Pilates session can also be crucial for strengthening muscles and preventing MSDs.

To enable maximum participation, it is important to schedule these activities so that employees can attend without disrupting their daily schedules. Focusing on high-impact activities can be more effective than organising too many, which will optimise costs and maximise benefits.

Mental wellbeing workshops

Mental wellbeing workshops, such as stress management sessions, aim to reduce anxiety and psychosocial risks. They also help prevent burnout, a major psychosocial risk in companies resulting from emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation. Offering a variety of activities can meet employees’ different needs, such as:

meditation workshops

stress management sessions

relaxation classes

mindfulness activities

These initiatives can help improve mental health and wellbeing at work.

Hypnosis workshops, which include talks and group and individual hypnosis sessions, are designed to promote relaxation. Yoga sessions and seated massage can also help reduce stress and tension while improving employees’ physical and emotional wellbeing.

Other initiatives, such as nutrition or sleep workshops, can help improve employees’ overall health, thereby reducing absenteeism and increasing productivity.

Eco-friendly initiatives in the office

Adding plants to offices helps improve air quality and employee wellbeing. Encouraging the use of eco-friendly products, such as non-toxic cleaning products, can reduce the company’s environmental footprint and promote a healthier work environment.

A sustainable work environment supports employee happiness and satisfaction, which in turn increases productivity. Implementing a recycling programme in the office not only reduces waste but also involves employees in a collective effort for a greener environment.

Training sessions to raise employees’ awareness of the importance of sustainability can also be organised, further strengthening everyone’s commitment to eco-friendly practices.

How to communicate around QWL Week?

It is crucial to start communicating about QWL Week in advance to spark employees’ interest and encourage their engagement. Using internal channels such as newsletters and corporate social networks makes it possible to inform and engage employees effectively.

Using a variety of communication channels is essential to make information accessible to all employees. This helps maximise participation and maintain enthusiasm throughout the event.

Preparing and launching the campaign

To prepare and launch the QWL Week campaign effectively, it is essential to consult the various stakeholders in the company to fully understand employees’ expectations. Setting up a multi-stakeholder working group can help design a more effective communication campaign and ensure wider dissemination of information.

Starting communication three weeks before the event allows employees to get organised and plan their participation. Using different communication channels, such as emails and internal platforms, helps keep the topic alive and reminds employees how important their participation is.

Follow-ups and reminders

Two follow-ups are recommended: one before the start of the event and one mid-week to maintain engagement. Regular reminders should be sent, from the opening of registrations through to the day of the event, to maintain enthusiasm and employee engagement.

These reminders can be sent by email or displayed in common areas of the company, helping to maintain interest and encourage participation right up to the end of the week.

Feedback

Gathering employee feedback at the end of the week is essential to assess the effectiveness of the actions taken. Here are some reasons why this step is important:

Understand what worked well.

Identify what could be improved for future editions.

Promote an environment of open communication.

Strengthen employee engagement by involving them in the evaluation process.

This step helps ensure that the actions implemented meet employees’ needs and contribute to measuring the organisation’s continuous improvement.

By analysing this feedback, companies can adjust their strategies and activities to better meet employees’ needs, thus ensuring continuous improvement of working conditions and quality of working life.

In summary

In summary, QWL&C Week is a valuable opportunity to improve working conditions and employee wellbeing. By understanding the key steps to organising this event and drawing inspiration from the suggested activity ideas, every company can create a healthier and more productive work environment.

Careful planning, employee involvement and effective communication are the keys to a successful QWL Week. By measuring impact and sustaining actions, companies can ensure that the benefits of this week last throughout the year.

Take the lead and inspire your team to take an active part in QWL Week 2026. Together, let’s build a future where quality of working life is at the heart of every organisation’s priorities.

Frequently asked questions

Why is QWL Week important?

QWL Week is crucial because it promotes improved working conditions and employee wellbeing, which in turn leads to higher productivity and engagement. It is therefore essential to pay close attention to these initiatives to support a healthy work environment.

What are the dates of QWL&C Week 2026?

The Quality of Working Life and Working Conditions Week 2026 will take place from 15 to 19 June.

How can we identify employees’ needs for QWL&C Week?

To identify employees’ needs during QWL&C Week, it is essential to use anonymous QWL questionnaires and diagnostics to gather precise information about their expectations. This will ensure a clear understanding of what employees are looking for.

What types of activities can be organised during QWL&C Week?

It is essential to organise a variety of activities such as sports sessions, mental wellbeing workshops and eco-friendly initiatives to effectively engage employees during Quality of Working Life Week. This helps foster a healthy and dynamic work environment.

How can we measure the impact of QWL Week?

To measure the impact of Quality of Working Life Week, it is essential to collect feedback from participants through surveys and satisfaction questionnaires. This will make it possible to assess the effectiveness of the actions implemented.