Office workers in London are being encouraged to connect with their colleagues by giving them a good old cuddle.

A new teambuilding day offered by an events company in the capital asks colleagues to hug each other in a bid to improve team spirit.

Set in a ‘relaxation tent’, the day-long Cuddle a Co-worker event is said to help co-workers de-stress and unwind.

Team Tactics, the company running the teambuilding course, decided to offer the activity after scientific evidence showed cuddling can release hormones that make people happier.

The relaxation tents are said to use Moroccan and Indian practices, including incense, oil lamps and large beds.

According to the events company, co-workers will learn to “cuddle each other in a variety of different positions.”

They are also encouraged to “switch partners every two hours.”

However, it’s not all hugging and happiness – at the beginning of the day, co-workers will have to sit together and get any issues off their chest.

This could include opening up about “negative traits of their colleagues.”

Team Tactics is also looking to recruit ‘professional cuddlers’ to get involved with these events – paying up to £30 per day for your embraces.

Tina Benson, managing director of Team Tactics, said: “Team building is at the centre of our business, and we’re always looking for new ways to help employees across the UK become more connected with their colleagues.

“We know it’s something completely new and it might not be for everyone, but the science is already there – we’re just putting it to the test!”