A quick summary:
May is National Walking Month, and for HR leaders it’s a timely reminder that employee wellbeing initiatives don’t always need to start with big programmes or complex interventions. Sometimes, they start with something as simple as reminding people to get some steps in.
No pressure. No over-engineering. Just movement that fits into real working lives. Because when it comes to workplace wellbeing, the most effective approaches are often the ones people can actually stick to.
Why movement matters in the workplace
We often separate physical and mental health, but in reality they’re closely connected, especially in work environments where stress, screen time, and sedentary behaviour are common.
Encouraging regular movement can improve energy levels, support heart health, and help with sleep quality. Research shows that just 11 minutes of brisk walking a day can reduce the risk of early death and improve cardiovascular health.
At the same time, movement plays a significant role in mental wellbeing. It can help reduce stress, boost mood, and improve focus. Studies also show that people who are inactive have around 3x higher rates of moderate to severe depression compared to those who stay regularly active.
For HR teams, this matters because wellbeing isn’t separate from performance. It directly influences engagement, productivity, and how people feel at work. A short walk during the workday can help employees reset, especially after long periods of sitting or back-to-back meetings. It creates space to step away from screens, change your environment, and mentally recharge.
Start where your people are
There is no shortage of noise around workplace wellbeing. From complex frameworks to one-off initiatives, it can be difficult to know where to start. But sustainable wellbeing strategies don’t begin with perfection. They begin with accessibility.
For some employees, that might mean building a daily walking habit. For others, it might naturally extend into gym sessions, fitness classes, or more structured activity over time. And for many, walking alone may be enough to feel the benefit.
The key is meeting people where they are, not where they “should” be.
Making movement easier to access
One of the biggest challenges for HR teams is helping employees turn intention into action. Many people already know movement is good for them, but consistency is where things tend to break down.
This is where flexibility and choice matter.
Heka supports organisations in offering health and wellbeing benefits that feel practical and adaptable to different lifestyles, energy levels, and preferences.
If walking is the starting point, employees can be supported with:
- Access to National Trust memberships, encouraging time outdoors and access to walking routes across the UK
- Walking and hiking books for inspiration and easy planning
- Regional hikes to help people explore new areas without the mental load of organising
- BorrowMyDoggy memberships for those who want companionship and motivation to get outside
If employees want to build on that foundation, they can progress at their own pace with:
- Fitness wearables to help track movement and build motivation through small goals
- Gym memberships and fitness classes for more structured activity
- Hiking equipment to support longer outdoor walks
And for hybrid or remote workers, or days when getting outside isn’t realistic:
- At-home walking treadmills to keep movement part of the day, even indoors
The emphasis is not on doing more, but on removing friction so movement becomes easier to maintain.
Progress doesn’t have to mean intensity
In workplace wellbeing, there’s often an assumption that progress means increasing intensity or adding more initiatives.
But in reality, progress can simply mean consistency.
It can look like encouraging employees to take a short walk between meetings - or even a walking meeting. Or supporting a culture where stepping away from desks is normal, not discouraged. Or helping people build small habits that support their wellbeing over time. If that leads to bigger changes, that’s great. If it doesn’t, the impact is still meaningful.
This National Walking Month, keep it simple
HR teams don’t need to redesign wellbeing strategies to make a difference. Sometimes the most effective starting point is simply encouraging people to move more in ways that feel realistic. Start with a walk. Build from there if it feels right.
Heka supports all versions of that journey, whether employees are taking their first steps towards more movement or already looking to expand their wellbeing habits.
Because in the end, workplace wellbeing isn’t about doing everything. It’s about creating the conditions for people to do what works for them, consistently, in everyday life. Get in touch to learn how we can help you support your workforce.
