Each year we cover Mental Health Awareness Week on the Cordell Health blog. It’s one of the most important awareness events of the year. We are all aware of the many factors affecting mental health, so we support this important initiative. The week aims to tackle stigma and provide people with the information and tools to understand and prioritise their own mental health.
In this article we’ll look at the many benefits of movement on mental health and then explore what employers can do to help their people become more active – both in the office, working remotely and more generally in life.
Why movement isn’t just exercise
It’s important to frame what we mean by movement. And it’s also important for employers to get the message across that this campaign isn’t about doing more gym workouts. That may only deter those who don’t like going to the gym – and many don’t. It’s really about doing any form of movement that will bring positive benefit to our health and wellbeing.
Movement may also mean any way we move our bodies that uses energy. Gardening, casual walks, gentle yoga, even DIY – every kind of movement is valid and it’s an individual’s choice.
So, how much activity should we do? Regardless of the mental health benefits of movement, the NHS has published guidelines that suggest adults aim to do 150 minutes of moderate activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week as part of a healthy regime. This is to be spread evenly over 4 to 5 days a week. It’s also worth noting that exercise just once or twice a week can reduce the risk of heart disease or stroke.
The benefits of movement to mental health
What we do know is that physical activity is proven to improve our mood and also help us to become more resilient to the effects of stress both inside and outside of work. Research by Mental Health UK, for their Burnout Report 2024 found that 56% of adults said exercising regularly helped them to manage stress, and therefore burnout.
Likewise, a report published by the Mental Health Foundation for Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 found that spending time in nature – which could mean anything from walking in a park, being close to a river or simply growing plants – can have a big impact on supporting good mental health and preventing stress.
Other benefits of movement often include a sense of achievement, more focus and motivation and less anger, frustration and anxiety, improved self-esteem and it slows cognitive decline.
So, what can employers do to support the campaign and help their people benefit from the positive impact of movement?
Employers – tips to encourage exercise and movement
A fit and healthy workforce leads to greater productivity. And yet employers face the challenge that employees spend long hours sat down thanks to the IT and desk-based nature of the way many of us work. It follows that if employers can encourage exercise or regular movement, these initiatives will bring benefits for all. Here are just a few you might adopt.
Encourage cycling to work: This Cordell Health article looks at the many health benefits of cycling to work, as well as explaining what employers need to know about the Cycle to Work Scheme and how to take part. It’s also important for employers to remember to install secure cycle storage to make this initiative work. Read: Cycle to work – but don’t stop there
Take meetings outside: Do you really need to huddle around a boardroom table? We don’t think so. Walking meetings are increasingly seen as good for team building as well as the health benefits that movement brings. Clearly this depends on the great British weather but as we approach summer, it’s a great option.
Create a space for movement: Yoga and pilates are gentle movement activities that can be done at work, with the guidance of visiting instructors. Realising the time constraints on employees, employers are investing in office-based rooms to encourage these activities that, as well as physical benefits, also help to deal with stress and boost moods.
Introduce standing desks: Why not give your employees the choice to increase their movement with a standing desk? Standing desks are particularly great when you need to feel energised and creative. What’s more, alternating between sitting and standing positions can reduce fatigue and ease musculoskeletal discomfort.
Keep your remote workforce active: From home workout videos on YouTube to fitness tracking apps, technology can help you bring awareness of movement and create opportunities to exercise for those working remotely. Why not offer remote classes or discounted access to online lessons that can be easily dialled into. You can also encourage the same philosophy about outdoor meetings, suggesting remote employees join calls while walking.
Adopt shared challenges: Training together for an office marathon entry or deciding to work on a community volunteering project are both ways of bringing the benefits of movement into your workplace culture.
In conclusion
The key take away for employers is that more movement brings benefits for mental health. But movement doesn’t need to mean intense physical activity. Starting out with smaller activities can bring positive benefits to both mind and body, and the workplace itself presents many opportunities to incorporate greater awareness of movement and the adoption of activities that increase it.
Find out more
Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week, including what it can achieve and previous themes.
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