4-minute read
Walking groups are a great way to encourage healthier habits in the workplace. They’re easy to launch, inclusive, and require only a decent pair of shoes and comfortable clothes.
This guide tells you how to integrate walking groups and why they’re a cost-effective, enjoyable way to enhance employee well-being and workplace culture.
Why a Walking Group at Work Matters
When it comes to workplace wellness, the simplest ideas are often the most powerful. Walking groups may seem like a small step, but the impacts are plentiful. Beyond the obvious physical health perks, walking at work supports mental well-being, strengthens bonds, and helps employees return to their jobs more focused and energized by…
- Decreasing health risks: Performing any job with low physical activity raises the risk of chronic health issues. A walking group encourages regular breaks that support circulation, posture, and overall energy.
- Uplifting mental outlook: Stepping outside with a walking group gives people a quick change of scenery and a mental reset. Even a few minutes of walking at work can improve mood, creativity, and resilience.
- Building stronger connections: Walking together links employees across varied departments and roles. Even an informal conversation during a walk can deepen comfort levels and collaboration.
- Reducing barriers: Walking requires no special gear and suits nearly all fitness levels. Whether it’s a brisk walk outdoors or even a few laps in the hallway when it’s raining, walking at work is a most accessible wellness strategy.
- Offering a strong ROI: Having healthier, more engaged employees means fewer sick days, higher productivity, and improved retention.
Read more: Walking for Mental Health: A Simple, Fun Way to Support Employee Wellness.
Walking Group Advantages for Employees and Employers
A walking group isn’t good just for employees; it can benefit entire organizations. From boosting an individual’s energy and focus to reinforcing teams, walking at work is a win-win.
Employers can anticipate seeing increased productivity, fewer absences and injuries, decreased healthcare costs over time, better employee engagement, and a stronger organization identity.
By supporting both employee well-being and organization performance, a walking group delivers something positive to everyone in the workplace.
Implementing Your Workplace Walking Group
Encouraging walking at work through structured yet flexible programs can cement an environment that values wellness. Try these steps:
- Secure leadership support. Raise interest by showcasing leader participation. Managers who join the group and schedule walking meetings help set the right tone.
- Use a clear yet flexible structure. Pick times that fit naturally into schedules, like during lunch or breaks, and define frequency. But it’s fine to send a spontaneous message asking if anyone wants to walk around the block at 2:30, too.
- Communicate your plans. Promote your walking group by email, newsletters, or posters by highlighting the benefits, then sharing success stories to build excitement.
- Make participation easy. Welcome all paces and fitness levels. Also be sure to provide route maps and create indoor options for bad weather.
- Embed walking groups into existing wellness activities. Track attendance, reward participation, and highlight walking at work during other well-being initiatives.
- Celebrate your success. Applaud milestones including participation goals and group achievements while gathering feedback to monitor how employees regard the walks and whether you need adjustments.
Read more: From Challenge to Change: 15 Ways to Build on Successful Walking Challenges.
Walktober Can Set Your Walking Group on the Right Path
October is the perfect time to launch or refresh a walking group, and our popular Walktober program — in its 23rd year — makes it easy to take advantage of everything the season offers. The month-long challenge inspires walking at work (and beyond) by encouraging participants to track steps, enjoy the vibrant fall colors, and celebrate progress together.
Here’s why Walktober pairs perfectly with workplace walking groups:
- It’s motivational — Seasonal themes and engaging visuals are built in to keep employees energized and moving
- It’s clear on the rewards — From office hallways and parking lots to local trails and sidewalks, all walking counts
- It’s social — Team challenges are built to be fun and creative, which fosters camaraderie as well as accountability
- It’s turnkey — HES will provide everything your organization needs, including communication, marketing materials, support, and reporting.
By combining a year-round walking group with Walktober, you can add consistency and annual anticipation, making walking at work an enjoyable, sustainable habit.
Free White Paper download: Mental Health in Motion: Walking Your Way to a Healthier, More Resilient Workforce.
Need Help With Your Walking Group?
Let us know. For more than 30 years, HES has been helping organizations of all shapes and sizes embrace healthy initiatives. Contact us here today or call 800.326.2317 to learn more about how challenges like Walktober can achieve your workplace wellness goals.
