During a busy workday, staying active can easily fall to the bottom of the to-do list. But with most of us spending upwards of 7–9 hours a day sitting, often in front of screens, the importance of building movement into the workday has never been greater.
Move More Month is the perfect opportunity to reset routines and rethink how we support employee health. As a manager or business leader, you’re in a great position to set the tone, encourage healthier habits, and make activity part of your workplace culture.
Why Staying Active at Work Matters
🔹 Physical Health Benefits
Sitting for long periods can lead to a host of physical health issues. This can include back pain, poor circulation, tight muscles, and even an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular movement improves posture, circulation, and muscle strength, helping to reduce the risk of injury and long-term conditions.
🔹 Mental Health Benefits
Staying active isn’t just good for the body – it’s great for the mind too. Regular movement boosts energy levels, reduces stress, and releases feel-good endorphins that support a more positive mood and sharper focus. Encouraging movement at work can help reduce burnout, increase resilience, and support better overall wellbeing.
Practical Ways to Stay Active at Work
Even small bursts of movement throughout the day can make a big difference. Here are a few simple, manager-friendly ways to get your team moving more and feeling better:
🚶♀️ Walking Meetings
Ditch the meeting room for a walking meeting when possible. Whether it’s a one-to-one or a team catch-up, walking side by side encourages creative thinking, reduces tension, and adds some valuable steps into the day.
🧘 Chair Yoga or Desk Stretches
Encourage employees to take 5-minute stretch breaks at their desks. Chair yoga is a gentle and accessible way to ease tension and, moreover, improve posture and get the blood flowing. This is especially helpful during long periods of screen time.
⏰ Regular Microbreaks
Set reminders or encourage the use of apps that prompt a quick break every 30–60 minutes. Whether it’s standing up, walking to get water, or a simple stretch, these breaks help reduce muscle fatigue and mental fog.
🏃♀️ Step Challenges or Activity Trackers
If you’re looking for a fun way to get the whole team involved, consider a workplace step challenge or encourage the use of pedometers or smartwatches. A little healthy competition can go a long way in getting people moving!
At Acorn, we’re currently running a charity fundraiser focused on movement and activity with team members clocking up steps, swims, runs and cycles across a range of challenges. It’s certainly been a brilliant way to boost morale, encourage movement, and support a great cause.
🪑 Active Workstations
Where feasible, offering standing desks or balance ball chairs can introduce movement throughout the day without disrupting workflow. Even small changes to workstation ergonomics can help reduce sedentary strain.
Supporting Long-Term Activity Through Occupational Health
Creating an active culture is about more than one-off challenges, it’s about supporting sustainable habits that fit around real work lives. That’s where Acorn’s services can help.
If an employee is struggling with mobility, fatigue, or a health condition that limits their activity, our Management Referral services can provide expert occupational health advice. We’ll work with you and your employee to find reasonable adjustments or support plans that help them stay well and active.
Our Well Person Medicals offer a proactive health check for your team, helping to identify any early signs of health issues and offer personalised lifestyle advice – including how to safely increase physical activity levels. It’s a great tool for supporting employee wellbeing and, furthermore, encouraging long-term engagement with their health.
Supporting movement at work doesn’t require a gym or complex programs, just a bit of intention and encouragement.
This Move More Month, why not take the first step toward a more active workplace?
Whether it’s rethinking how meetings happen or promoting regular breaks, the small things can add up to a healthier, happier team and a stronger, more resilient business.
Contact us:
📞 Call: 01260 277797
📧 Email: website@acornoh.co.uk