5 Ways to Promote Physical Activity in the Workplace

Mental Health Awareness Week highlights the critical importance of mental well-being in our lives. This year’s theme, “Movement: Move More for Your Mental Health,” underscores how beneficial physical activity can be to one’s mental health. For HR teams looking to support their employees’ well-being, here are five innovative ways to promote movement initiatives in the workplace.

1. Organise ‘Walk and Talk’ Meetings

Walking meetings can be a great way to stay active while discussing important matters. Whether it’s a one-on-one conversation or a small group discussion, taking the meeting outside can help spark creativity and bring fresh perspectives to the table. By transferring to walking meetings, you can make the most out of your time while staying active and healthy.

2. Introduce Movement Challenges

Gamification can be a huge motivational factor in getting people moving. This can be achieved through engaging, company-wide challenges such as month-long walking initiatives where employees track their steps (this is something we recently participated in alongside our wider Group). To encourage participation, incentives can be offered for reaching milestones. Not only do these initiatives promote physical activity but they also foster camaraderie and friendly competition among colleagues.

3. Provide Flexible Working Hours

It’s important to understand that employees have varying schedules which can block out the possibility of physical activity. Through offering flexible working hours, individuals can incorporate exercise into their days during non-traditional hours. It may be a consideration to offer discounted memberships to local fitness centres which could further motivate employees to get moving.

4. Host Virtual Workout Sessions

For remote or hybrid teams, virtual workout sessions can be an excellent way to promote movement. Organise weekly or monthly live-streamed classes that employees can participate in from the comfort of their homes. You could offer a variety of sessions to cater to different interests, whether it’s a yoga session or a high-intensity workout.

5. Develop a ‘Movement Mentor’ Program

By introducing a mentor program for physical activity, you can create a support system in the workplace for those interested in keeping fit. Those who have an interest in fitness could act as a mentor to those looking to incorporate more movement into their daily routine. Again, this doesn’t only promote physical activity but also strengthens workplace relationships which contributes to wellness among colleagues.

By implementing these initiatives, HR teams can play a pivotal role in promoting a culture of wellness that supports both the physical and mental well-being of employees. By encouraging movement in ways that are enjoyable and sustainable, you are further reinforcing the message that physical activity is a vital part of maintaining mental health.

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