Lunchtime walks keep employees feeling their best

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    For most people, work takes up the biggest chunk of the day. After the workday, we're often still busy and don't always get around to moving. That's why it's a great idea to introduce lunchtime walks. A lunchtime walk? Yes indeed, walking while you have lunch.

    Instead of quickly grabbing a sandwich (usually at your computer) to get ready for the next meeting, you could use that time more wisely by stretching your legs for a short walk at midday. An ideal activity for young & old alike. 

    On the one hand, walking is good for employees' body and mind, but as an employer, you also share in the many benefits: an employee who moves enough is ill less often, is generally healthier physically and mentally, can concentrate better, feels more connected to colleagues and their work... 

    Plenty of reasons to introduce lunchtime walks at your company!

    How do you get started now?

    1. Find one or more ambassadors who want to support the walking group. They take care of further communication, build support, organise the walks... 
    2. Set a day, time and meeting point on a recurring basis
    3. Send attached email (see the bottom of this page)
    4. Enjoy your walk!
    5. Check in for feedback and adjust where needed

    A few more tips

    • Communicate in advance so colleagues can bring a lunch (or provide one for everyone joining the walk)
    • Schedule the lunchtime walks in the calendar: everyone invited
    • Set a goal: X kilometres per month
    • Set a good example (the CEO, management and team leads join in too!)
    • Give the participants a nice surprise. Gift them an umbrella or raincoat with the company logo. Extra publicity as a bonus.
    • Also invite customers or suppliers who are present in the building
    • Ask for feedback in good time and adjust if needed
    • Come with your initiative get outside, promote yourself as a healthier employer

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    Dear colleagues

    We're encouraged from all sides to move more. Just half an hour a day already has a positive effect on our health! 

    That's why we want to encourage you to go on lunchtime walks together! 

    Every [wandelmomenten], you're warmly welcome at [startplaats] for a walk of about 30 minutes, guided by [ambassadeurs].

    • Work done! You won't need to do this in the evening anymore (though you're welcome to)

    • Feel fitter and more energised in the afternoon

    • Work on your overall health

    • Get to know your colleagues better

    For those joining in, we've arranged [reward, see tips]

    See you then!

    Best wishes,

    [naam]

     

    Success!

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