Creating an active workplace

Creating an active workplace can transform health, wellbeing and morale.

You’re here, which means at least one person in your workplace wants to shake things up. That’s a great start. So here’s a step-by-step guide to get your workplace moving.

Active workplace initiatives work best when people are on board from the start. Begin with a chat about wellbeing and take it from there.

Starting with a quiz like How Are You? Quiz or the Sitting Calculator can spark useful conversations. Invite colleagues to do the quiz before coming together to talk about wellbeing. This can prompt observations, reflections and motivation to help shape plans.

Particularly if you work in a larger organisation, you may want to bring in experts to help engage staff.

From charity-led wellbeing days to online tools and resources, there are a wide range of services available to help. Hop over to Workplace training and support for details.

Like any project or significant change, creating an active workplace takes energy and leadership. But anyone can take the lead.

Active workplace champions encourage and support colleagues to move more. They can arrange activities or make small changes to your work environment. Invite people from across your organisation to volunteer. A mix of those who love being active and those who struggle with physical activity often works well.

Simple changes to your environment or culture can make a big difference to employee wellbeing. For example, you might:

• Support Walk and Talk meetings when there’s no need for presentations or other IT equipment
• Introduce signage to encourage people to use the stairs
• Make a wellbeing goal part of your annual reviews
• Lead a movement break during meetings or events (We love doing this one! Whether it’s balancing on one leg for a few seconds or walking around the table, it’s a great way to get people chatting and laughing together.)
• Encourage people to get outside during their lunch break

GM Moving launched the #ActiveSoles movement to encourage people to wear trainers to work. Take a look at this Active Soles blog by Hayley Lever to see the impact a small change can make.

Joining in with a national campaign can create a buzz around being active at work.

National Fitness Day is a great example of this. It’s the most active day of the year! Highlighting the role physical activity plays across the UK. Organisations are encouraged to get their workforces moving. Check out this blog to find out how we used National Fitness Day to get our team moving!

But don’t restrict yourselves to just one day. View it as the start of something bigger. And share your stories with us so we can sing your praises.

Leaders can make a huge difference by modelling healthy behaviours. Wear trainers to work and show people that it’s OK. Go for lunchtime walks. Lead walking meetings. And tell people how these things impact your work and your wellbeing. Whatever your role, you can be a leader that inspires people to be active at work.