Why walking will work for you

In 2006, workers across the UK each took an average of seven days off sick, resulting in 175 million lost working days and costing the economy £13.4 billion. But just 90 minutes of exercise can cut the number of sick days employees take by half.

And if that wasn't enough to persuade you to get your staff up and about, employees who took part in exercise initiatives run by their workplace reported that they enjoyed their work more, had increased concentration and mental alertness, as well as better rapport with colleagues.

But you don't have to build a gym to show you're committed to staff fitness.

Walking has been hailed as a "magic bullet" by Professor Joann Manson of Harvard Medical School, because it has proven benefits.

Promoting walking to your employees can help your organisation in lots of ways:

• According to the International Journal of Obesity, there's a significant link between commuting to work by car and being overweight or obese.

• Walking could actually stop people being late – once you have timed your walk, you will always know how long it takes to get to work. There are no unexpected queues for tickets or 'leaves on the line' if you are on foot..
• People should arrive at work happier and more alert – making them more productive (particularly at Monday morning meetings).
• And with such contented staff, you'll also look more attractive than your competitors to potential employees and customers alike.

• With seven out of 10 people thinking businesses should take responsibility for limiting climate change, your green credentials are important to your customers and employees alike. If fewer employees travel by car you'll be lowering your carbon footprint. You could save on parking costs too (a single space can cost companies up to £500 per year!).

Walk to Work Week 2010

Why not use Walk to Work Week 2010 as a focus to get your employees thinking about how to walk more as part of their daily routine? Between 26-30 April, we're asking people to walk all or part of their journey into work, as well as find ways to walk more during the day, such as going for lunchtime walks.

This year, it's all about ‘Get fit without the hassle' - you can try walking part or all of your journey to or from work, or walking more during the working day. Your staff can earn ‘rewards', be entered into prize draws and enjoy some truly healthy competition with their colleagues!

Online registration opens on 29 March, but in the meantime you can keep up to date by signing up to our e-Bulletin.

There are already a whole range of supporting materials available too, with pedometers, umbrellas, footcare kits, posters and leaflets to help you get your colleagues motivated. Ordering closes on 19 March, so make sure your workplace doesn't miss out - to place an order visit our online shop.