National Walking Month: A Simple Step to Boost Workplace Wellbeing
What if the best wellbeing strategy this May costs nothing – but could transform your team’s mood and productivity?
Welcome to National Walking Month – the perfect time to rethink how movement, especially walking, can be a powerful yet overlooked tool in your organisation’s wellbeing strategy.
What is National Walking Month?
Organised by Living Streets UK, National Walking Month encourages people to walk more throughout May. The campaign raises awareness about the physical, mental, and environmental benefits of walking – and it’s not just for fitness fanatics. It’s for everyone, including your team.
Why It Matters in the Workplace
Workplace burnout, digital fatigue, and sedentary routines are on the rise. Walking offers an antidote – one backed by science.
The Benefits of Walking for Employees:
– Boosts creativity and problem-solving: A Stanford study found walking increases creative output by 60%.
– Reduces stress and anxiety: Just 20 minutes of walking can significantly lower cortisol levels.
–Improves focus and energy: Short, regular walks help refresh the brain and reset attention spans.
-Encourages social connection: Walking meetings foster open dialogue and reduce hierarchical pressure.
“Walking is man’s best medicine.” – Hippocrates (and now, probably your HR team too)
How to Celebrate National Walking Month at Work
You don’t need fancy gear or a gym membership. Just a mindset shift -and some clever initiatives.
✅ Simple Ideas to Get Teams Walking:
–Lunchtime Walk Clubs: Create a casual group walk 2–3 times a week.
–Walking Meetings: Ditch the boardroom and take brainstorming outside.
–Step Challenges: Add a bit of friendly competition using apps like Strava or Pacer.
–“Walk & Talk” Buddy System: Pair up employees for weekly wellbeing walks.
-Promote Local Routes: Share nearby walking paths or parks with your team.
🌍 Inclusion Matters
-Walking is one of the most accessible forms of exercise – but it’s essential to consider varying abilities.
-Provide options for neurodivergent employees who may prefer solo routes.
-Ensure local walking paths are wheelchair accessible.
-Offer quiet walk times or noise-cancelling gear for sensory-friendly experiences.
-Wellbeing is only meaningful when it’s inclusive.
📈 The ROI of a Walking Culture
Promoting walking at work isn’t just feel-good fluff – t’s strategic. Research from NHS England shows that regular physical activity can reduce absenteeism by up to 30%. Imagine the impact of more energised, engaged, and mentally balanced teams.
🎯 Final Thoughts: Walk the Talk
This May, use National Walking Month as a springboard. You’re not just encouraging employees to take steps- you’re taking a bold step as a business that prioritises wellbeing and performance.
Let’s put one foot in front of the other-together.
📣 Ready to build a workplace wellbeing strategy that actually works?
Talk to our team about our wellbeing audits, workshops, and movement-focused programmes.
