Barcelona might not be short on creative companies, but one firm has taken workplace wellness to a level no one expected. At a time when businesses are experimenting with flexible hours and mental health perks, this one decided to try something entirely different for its staff.
Erika Lust, a Swedish filmmaker and entrepreneur based in Spain, noticed her team was feeling the strain after the pandemic. Productivity had dipped, tension levels were rising, and traditional wellness programs weren’t making the impact she hoped for.
“I believe there is nothing more harmful to a successful work environment than stress,” she explained while reflecting on why she wanted to rethink how her employees could unwind.
Rather than another mindfulness workshop or group yoga session, Lust began an unusual experiment in 2021. It started as a trial wellness month with a focus on giving staff private time to decompress during the workday.
The response was surprisingly positive. Workers reported feeling “less aggression” and “more productive,” sparking a bigger conversation about whether this unconventional idea could actually become a formal part of company life.
By May 2022, it did. The firm wrote the policy into its handbook and created a private space in the office with one clear purpose.
“The truth is personal relaxation can help people manage stress, regulate their sleep, and connect with their body and emotions, among other advantages,” Lust said, describing why she believed this break could transform her team’s mood and focus.
Medical research backs her reasoning, showing that mindful solo time can release feel-good hormones, reduce anxiety, and even lower blood pressure. Employees themselves noticed the difference, with one saying the practice left them calmer and ready to work again.
It wasn’t just about improving morale. Lust hoped to spark a wider cultural shift, explaining, “Wellbeing is deeply connected to your overall mental and physical health and should be treated with the same respect and resources.”
That mission now defines her company’s policy. Every staff member at Erika Lust Films has access to a dedicated “relaxation room” and a half-hour break each day to use it a bold step she says turned stress relief into part of the job.
Featured image Credit: (Youtube)
