Boosting Employee Wellbeing: The Power of Organisational Wellbeing Walks

Today’s work environment is often highly pressured, with the demands of the job often overshadowing the need for mental and physical wellbeing. Fortunately the wellbeing movement is gathering momentum, as we saw firsthand at the Health and Wellbeing at Work Show at the NEC in March. It was encouraging to see that many organisations are now working hard to foster a healthier workplace, and are embracing an innovative solution: that of Wellbeing at Work Walks. These often simple, effective initiatives can often transform workplace culture, enhance employee morale, and improve overall innovation and productivity.

What Are Wellbeing Walks?

Wellbeing walks are possible in a huge variety of formats. These include everything from regular informal walking sessions during lunch breaks to walk and talk meetings, walking team building away days, outdoor executive coaching, forest bathing, challenge charity walks and retreats. These walks may need a bit of planning, depending on what you want to achieve but the benefits more than compensate. Recent analysis from Deloitte reported a £5 return on investment for every £1 spend on wellbeing support.

What are the Benefits of Wellbeing Walks?

1. Improved physical health: We all know that regular physical activity is vital for maintaining good health. A well-structured wellbeing walks programme will encourage employees to incorporate more movement into their day, reducing the risks associated with sedentary lifestyles, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes.
2. Better mental health: Walking, especially when you connect with nature, has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It can provide a mental break from work, and your team will return refreshed and with a clearer mind. This can lead to improved mood, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Increased social interaction: Wellbeing walks provide an opportunity for employees to interact outside the formal office setting. These interactions can strengthen team bonds, improve communication, and foster a sense of community within the organisation.
4. Boosted productivity and creativity: Stepping away from the desk and taking a walk can lead to enhanced creativity and productivity. The change in environment and physical activity can stimulate new ideas, meaning your team could be more innovative and come up with great ideas.
5. Better work-life balance: Wellbeing walks will allow your team to think more about their health and wellbeing. This can lead to a more balanced approach to work and personal life, reducing burnout and improving overall job satisfaction. There are potential benefits in reduced absenteeism and staff turnover too.

How to Set up Wellbeing Walks in Your Organisation

1. Leadership support: For wellbeing walks to be successful it’s important that the leadership team are behind the initiative, and even better if they join in.
2. Use a specialist walk management company; If you want to set up more complex programme of events, such as wellbeing team away days and charity walks then use the services of a professional walk management company. All walks will be risk assessed, managed safely and be led by properly qualified walk leaders.
3. Scheduled walks programme: You can set up a daily short walk programme on carefully planned accessible routes and encourage your teams to have walk and talk meetings where they can. Ideally choose routes where your team can connect with nature and that are inclusive for everyone in your organisation. Walking companies can also assist you to plan your routes around your local area.
4. Promote and encourage: Regularly promote the benefits of wellbeing walks through internal communications, wellness programs, and employee testimonials. Create a culture where taking time for wellbeing is seen as a valuable and integral part of the workday.

Many organisations do successfully integrate wellbeing walks into their everyday life. For example, global tech companies like Google and Microsoft have long encouraged walking meetings. These companies report that such initiatives not only enhance employee health but also lead to more dynamic and creative discussions.

Wellbeing walks are a simple, powerful tool for enhancing employee health, happiness, and productivity. By setting up wellbeing walks, organisations can create a more supportive and engaging work environment and have a more motivated, innovative, and loyal workforce. So, lace up those walking shoes and take the first step towards a healthier workplace today!

The team at Mind and Body Walking would love to support you in setting up a Walking Wellbeing Activities in your organisation. For an informal chat do dm katydraper@mindandbodywalking.co.uk.