There are loads of easy ways to encourage walking in your workplace. We've given you a few tips below to get started.  You might also be interested in signing up to our e-Bulletin or working more closely with us to become a campaign partner.

Do a travel survey

Do you know how your staff and colleagues get to work? How many people are already walking as part of their journey? How can they involve other colleagues? Get the lowdown before you start.

Internal communications

• Offer maps that show mainline stations and landmarks within walking distance of your office. You can also include these on your website and in recruitment packs to encourage suppliers, potential new employees and other visitors to walk to your office.
• Start a buddy system for colleagues who live close to each other to walk to and from work together.
• Advertise for groups of colleagues to walk together at lunchtime. This can be a great way to get out of the office at lunch as well as boost team spirit.
  
• Promote local walking events – look out for charity fundraising walks, or why not organise a walking event of your own? Walking Works is holds a national Walk to Work Week in April or you can hold one on in your office, any day you like! Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.
• Encourage staff to sign up to the Walking Works pledge.

No excuses!

Showers and lockers put an end to those "I get too hot" or "I have nowhere to put my sweaty trainers" excuses. And if you don't have those facilities, it's time to appeal to your office manager...

Show them the way

People hate getting lost so help them find their way around by making sure that you provide them with walking-friendly directions to get to work. We have a simple guide to help you do this which you can download here ( guide for web walking directions.pdf). Use these directions on your staff intranet, include them in your induction packs and interview invitation letters as well as on your external website and as information for visitors so they can arrive feeling fresh, happy and on time.

Take it to the top

Getting support from senior management is essential if you want to make changes in the workplace. Maybe your CEO already makes walking part of his/her journey? If not, there are so many business benefits it won't take long to convince them walking in the workplace is the way forward.

If you need some help persuading key people in your workplace, we can help. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about Walking Works presentations.

Walking is a great way to keep me fit and healthy. And I've noticed I feel much more alert if I walk to work.

Emily, 25

Your company's Travel Plan

The government wants all employers to have a Travel Plan (opens external window, PDF, 1.02MB). This should encourage employees to leave the car at home (or at least share their journey with a colleague) and promote cycling, walking and public transport, as well as options for home working.

Walking Works can help you develop the walking aspect for your organisation's travel plan. Email us on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Walking Works for everyone

Walking is one of the most accessible and equal forms of transport. Unlike cycling, organised sport or gyms, people with different levels of ability can take part in walking in some way.

When you're promoting walking to employees, you'll need to think about making it accessible to everyone. Download our campaign equality impact assessment (opens Word document, 120 KB).