Slush is a global meeting point for startup and technology communities, but it is also a fast-paced event environment. To ensure the volunteers working behind the scenes have the energy for the event days, Slush places a strong emphasis on mental wellbeing and recovery. With the help of Cuckoo, they’ve taken wellbeing to the next level.
Cuckoo is once again partnering with Slush this year. The collaboration, which began in 2023, was warmly received, encouraging the continuation and deepening of the partnership. The goal is to support the wellbeing of volunteers, provide tools for taking breaks and enhance mental balance, and also establish good work habits for the future.
At the heart of Slush are its volunteers, over 1,600 of whom take on various roles. Although the work is highly inspiring, the days are packed with various activities, which can be draining. Slush recognizes this and strives to create an environment where volunteers can maintain their physical and mental wellbeing while making the most out of the unique experience.
Effective recovery, both physically and mentally, is key to endurance. Regular breaks help sustain focus and energy throughout the day, while mindfulness exercises like deep breathing can relieve stress amid the hustle and bustle.
At Slush, extensive efforts are made to provide volunteers with opportunities to recover and take breathers during the event. For this purpose, a dedicated Volunteer Area has been set up at the Messukeskus, where volunteers can take breaks, eat, and network in a relaxed atmosphere.
Cuckoo has its own station in the Volunteer Area, where volunteers can take a moment for themselves and have Cuckoo breaks. Additionally, volunteers have been provided with access to the Cuckoo app, which reminds them to take breaks and offers short, refreshing exercises for both the mind and body.
The use of the Cuckoo app began as early as September, allowing Slush employees and volunteers to build good break habits into their daily routines. This preparation ensures they are ready to face the busy days of the event feeling rested and energised.
During the event week, Slush organises daily mindfulness-themed group breaks on Cuckoo to support recovery. These breaks give participants a chance to pause for a moment and restore mental balance, helping them power through the week.
A selection of tailored activities has also been designed for the Slush Team, combining recovery and community building. These include:
These simple activities help maintain overall wellbeing.
The Slush Team consists of excellent team players who thrive on group challenges. They fully immerse themselves in these challenges, using them as a way to support work ability and foster a sense of community.
Community is also a key part of using the Cuckoo app. This year, during event week, Slush is running a team activity challenge on Cuckoo. The challenge encourages participants to take a selfie with another volunteer or Slush Team member and upload it to the app. This not only fosters a sense of community but also adds a fun counterbalance to the intensity of the event.
Slush places great importance on ensuring its volunteers not only feel energised but also enjoy the experience. Volunteers’ wellbeing is crucial to the event’s success—they are key to providing top-notch support and sharing Slush’s inspiring atmosphere with all participants.
Through its collaboration with Cuckoo, Slush is building a comprehensive model for supporting wellbeing, allowing everyone to be the best version of themselves.
Box Breathing: A Simple Technique for Managing Stress and Enhancing Wellbei...