From work-ing to work-out: Moving more for mental health and the impact on productivity in the workplace.

In the UK, 36% of adults do not meet the physical activity recommendations set by the World Health Organisation (2020), engaging in less than 150 minutes of activity per week. Research consistently shows that regular physical activity not only improves cognitive function, concentration, and overall mood but is also an effective tool to combat low mood and anxiety.

I believe that encouraging our workforce to move more and allocating time for physical activity during the working week can significantly boost morale, reduce absences, and positively impacts work performance. 

In this opinion piece, I will outline the mental health benefits of moving more, explain how this correlates with productivity, and share how we promote this within our TU team.

What do we class as physical activity?

Physical activity varies greatly from one person to the next depending on individual preferences and capabilities. When we talk about moving, we are inclusive of all activity; from neck rotations to ultra-marathons, it all counts. Physical activity can take place during leisure time (such as playing sports or engaging in planned exercise), transportation (like walking, cycling, or using a wheelchair), work, or household chores. It is integrated into daily occupational, home and community settings.

How does physical activity impact our mental health?

Historically, mental health has been treated separately from physical health. However, in recent years the mutual relationship between mental and physical wellbeing has become better understood. For example, NHSE reported that regular physical activity can reduce the risk of depression by 30% (2022). While intense exercise may be challenging for those experiencing poor mental health symptoms, lighter activities such as short walks or yoga can help boost the immune system, elevate mood, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.

How does this link to productivity?

Physical activity has been shown to naturally relieve and equip our brains to handle stress more effectively. Studies show that providing opportunities for employees to be active in the workplace can boost morale, enhance concentration, and promote creativity and innovation. Being more physically active can also help employees better manage back pain, weight, and medical conditions, ultimately leading to improved staff retention and increased productivity.

How do we support this at the TU?

At the TU, in my role as Physical Health Champion, I work closely with other TU health and wellbeing champions. This year, our focus is on ‘Move More, Sit Less’, which we promote through various means. These include optional wellbeing walks on our whole-team days, Tuesday run clubs, and walking meetings where appropriate. We also offer educational resources, information on discounted health initiatives, and opportunities to participate in activity-based fundraising events.

We also support our clients to put physical activity at the centre of transformation. We have  evidenced this through our support to the Active Hospital programme, launched as part of the national Moving Healthcare Professionals (MHPP) in 2016. We provided extensive change leadership, governance and oversight to ensure the successful delivery of the programme. If you would like to read more about our work on Active Hospitals, read our case study here and project publication here.   

Each January I launch the annual TU-Athlon, an optional inclusive six-week team challenge where participants set individual goals and stretch targets to achieve each week. These goals are personal, and colleagues are encouraged to think about how each will positively impact their wellbeing. Goals vary widely, from reading 10 pages of a book each day or meditating each morning to completing daily sitting exercises at a desk. 

Conclusion

The benefits of physical activity extend far beyond physical health, encompassing improvements in mental wellbeing, morale, and workplace productivity. With over a third of UK adults not meeting WHO’s recommended activity levels, more can be done to encourage movement in our daily lives.

At the TU, we understand the interconnectedness of physical and mental health and actively promote a culture of activity through objectives like ‘Move More, Sit Less’. By offering diverse opportunities for our team to engage in physical activity, we not only enhance their overall wellbeing but also produce a more creative and productive work environment.

How we can help you / Get in touch 

If you would like to learn more about the TU and what we do to support our staff’s health and wellbeing, please get in contact.

E: transformationunit@nhs.net
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