In today's tourism industry, where teams are often spread across multiple locations and work in increasingly hybrid environments, creating meaningful opportunities for employee interaction can be challenging. Sport offers a simple yet effective way to bring people together while promoting healthier lifestyles and a stronger organisational culture.

Beyond its wellbeing benefits, sport can help businesses foster employee engagement through shared experiences that encourage participation, collaboration and a sense of community. From company running clubs to charity races and awareness walks, these initiatives create opportunities for employees to connect outside their day-to-day responsibilities while supporting causes that matter to them.   When linked to social and health-related causes, sport can generate an even greater impact.

Activities organised around topics such as breast cancer awareness, mental health or gender equality inclusion allow organisations to combine employee wellbeing with education, advocacy and community engagement.   For businesses, sport-based initiatives can contribute to multiple ESG objectives simultaneously, supporting employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion, social impact and stronger workplace connections. Importantly, they are highly accessible, scalable and adaptable to organisations of different sizes and locations.

Running with purpose: sport as a driver of employee engagement

Companies across the tourism value chain can leverage sport-based initiatives to strengthen their culture and engagement strategy:

• Organise company running or walking clubs.

• Participate in local charity races.

• Celebrate awareness days through sporting activities.

• Link wellbeing campaigns to physical activity challenges.

• Encourage employees to fundraise for causes they care about.

• Partner with local organisations, foundations and community events.

• Create opportunities for employees of all fitness levels to participate.

At HBX Group, sport has become a valuable engagement tool that combines wellbeing, inclusion and social impact.  Through the HBX Running Club, employees are encouraged to stay active, connect with colleagues and build relationships beyond the workplace through regular sporting activities and events.

Beyond the Running Club, HBX Group also promotes participation in sport-based volunteering and awareness initiatives linked to social and wellbeing causes. During this fiscal year, 448 employee participations were recorded across different cities through races and community events aimed at raising awareness and supporting charitable organisations.  Activities included Breast Cancer Awareness races in Cancún, Bali and Mallorca, a Mental Health Awareness Run in Bali, or International Women’s Day races in Cancún, Mallorca and Jundiaí. 

HBX Group employees in Mental Health Awareness Run - Bali