Table 1 Well-being Outcomes—Synthesis of qualitative assessment

Before the intervention

Depression

‘I felt a lot of sadness, I didn't want to interact with anyone anymore, I practically couldn't find the small joys of life and I felt that it’s not good, that I’m not well.’ (Female, 36–45 years old, IT specialist)

Dissatisfaction

‘I think that burnout for me meant a kind of continuous dissatisfaction and contempt.’ (Female, 19–24 years old, student)

Anxiety

‘…thoughts, I mean I was blocked in my mind, I was staying in my mind for a very long time.’ (Female, 25–30 years old, Team Lead)

‘I felt very anxious because I often feel quite uncomfortable in unfamiliar situations, and I don't know how to react and I end up reacting funny.’ (Female, 19–24 years old, Freelancer Digital Marketing)

Somatization

‘Anxiety, stress, actually physical, which manifests itself physically.’ (Female, 25–30 years old, Team Lead)

Anger, impulsivity

‘…quite a few resignations from impulsivity, dismissals also from impulsivity, raising the tone at people without realising that I am doing this, a very accentuated state of nervousness.’ (Female, 31–35 years old, Project Manager)

After the intervention

Safety

‘I realised that no one cares and that everyone cares about their own thoughts, and they were thinking how they experienced in general the exercises and methods, they will not wait to see what no. 3 does.’ (Female, 25–30 years old, Team Lead)

Acceptance

‘…and in relationship with my colleagues there were always pleasant emotions, I felt that I was accepted, that I was appreciated, I did not experience pressure or shame for something I did, they were really positive emotions.’ (Female, 36–45 years old, IT specialist)

‘And regardless of the emotion, whether it is positive or not, I try to be present in that state and just let it be.’ (Female, 19–24 years old, Freelancer Digital Marketing)

Motivation

‘I think what has changed now is what I do when I feel "overwhelmed", I mean, when I feel the burnout, because sometimes I feel it, sometimes I just live with it, but when I feel it, now I try to do a certain thing maybe to improve my state or to pass it. […] to do something, I don't know, to get up from the office, to go get another coffee or tea, to go and caress the cat, "I don't know, anything", something to get me out of that thing.’ (Female, 25–30 years old, Team Lead)

Follow-up

Coping strategies

‘I’m trying to apply the idea that the only control we have is over our reactions and actions, and less over the situation. When I’m feeling overwhelmed I try to reach out to other people for help, even if it still feels like a burden to them.’ (Female, 25–30 years old, Team Lead)

‘I learned to prioritise things better and to dedicate my energy to the things that are important to me.’ (Male, 25–30 years old, IT specialist)

Stress management strategies learned

‘The stress decreases and I no longer reach the end of my strength.’ (Female, 19–24 years old, Freelancer Digital Marketing)

Art-based coping activities

‘I've been trying to consume better quality media instead of endless scrolling, recreational activities are now more about taking a day off and listening to music/dancing.’ (Female, 25–30 years old, Team Lead)

‘Art is the antidote to fatigue.’ (Female, 31–35 years old, Project Manager)

Lasting effects of the intervention

‘Some effects are felt, but the energy of the group is missing.’ (Female, 36–45 years old, IT specialist)

‘So far the benefit is the awareness that everything is under control.’ (Female, 31–35 years old, Project Manager)