One of the more unusual emails to have recently winged its way to the Recruiter inbox was a message sent from a London-based events firm earlier this week.

The message in question, sent from Team Tactics, revealed the launch of an event called the Cuddle Club that aims to promote bonding within groups and pairs. Sessions can accommodate from four people up to groups of 20 at a time and are held in relaxation tents inspired by Moroccan and Indian relaxation practices. Inside the tents are incense and oil lamp lighting, as well as large bean bags and relaxation beds.

During the day attendees are required to cuddle each other in a variety of different positions (no, seriously) and need to switch partners every two hours. If that’s not enough cuddling, there is also be a group cuddling session for the last hour of the day, as well as a conflict resolution cuddle session.

At the start of the day there is a group admission session, where attendees talk about the negative traits of their colleagues, as well as any issues within work they want to discuss. 

There is a scientific explanation behind the event launch with research showing cuddling, and particularly skin on skin contact, promotes oxytocin and serotonin release. Oxytocin has physical and psychological effects on the brain, including influencing social behaviour and emotion, while serotonin is the hormone which allows humans to feel happiness.

Despite this, agencies bosses Recruiter spoke to were dubious over whether they would send their consultants to alleviate the stress the sector is renowned for.

Tony Goodwin, group CEO and chairman at Antal International, told Recruiter there is nothing wrong with people trying to tackle negative aspects of their behaviour but how they do this is a minefield given concerns around what is acceptable around personal space and boundaries.

“I remain to be convinced,” Goodwin said. “I’d like to see some study groups and some examples of it working before I’d be saying ‘let’s do this’.”

Meanwhile David Taylor, managing director at First Point Group, told Recruiter he would not be interested in the event: “I’m not sure our teams would be comfortable with a lot of girls and boys cuddling each other etc.”

Taylor added his agency calls upon an array of techniques to tackle stress among its workforce, including an online platform, open to every consultant, that offers online stress courses and online stress learning.

“I only wrote a piece yesterday on LinkedIn just about returning from holiday, and the importance of everybody going away and switching off your phone, and not looking through your emails for two weeks to reduce your stress that everyone feels.

“In general, it’s a really good thing to actively talk about being stressed and to have plans round that and talk about that, but I’m not sure if the cuddle event is one for us.”

But Lisa Graham, director at E1EW, was a little more forthright, telling Recruiter she would have no interest whatsoever in the event.

“We do leadership management courses, which address teambuilding in a much more practical way and spots stress in colleagues and stuff like that… No, it doesn’t tick any boxes for me whatsoever.”

Although, if you’re looking for a career as a professional cuddler, Team Tactics is looking for people to help run the classes and will be paid £30 per hour. You must have experience in a similar role and will ideally have a psychology background or qualification. Go on, give us a hug – please?!

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