Spring is in the air, which means a few things: The days are getting longer, flowers are starting to bloom, March Madness is in full swing, and National Walking Day is right around the corner. Now, you might be wondering, “what’s that?” You didn’t know about National Walking Day? That’s OK—until recently, neither did I. Now that we know it exists, let’s make the most of it and see how we can use this day to improve the workplace.
Now, more than ever, employers are looking for ways to improve employee engagement and encourage wellness in their employees. Here’s how you can get both through National Walking Day.
Educate
Let your employees know about National Walking Day (which falls on April 6 this year), why the American Heart Association created it, and the benefits of regularly walking—including (but definitely not limited to) weight loss, improved health, and stress reduction.
Set Goals
Most employees can’t actually walk all the way from home to work, but they can park farther away, or get off the subway or bus a stop or two early. Ask employees to set some personal goals to get more steps in, and make sure there are prizes if they reach their goals.
Get Comfortable
Loosen the dress code for a day and encourage employees to wear sneakers and comfortable clothes to walk in (with reason of course). You might see a nice uptick in everyone’s mood if they are dressed extra comfortably.
Get Tracking
Consider investing in Fitbits or other step tracking devices for employees who are interested. You will certainly see an increase in activity, and you’ll have the ability to hold step contests to further engage your employees.
Repeat
National Walking Day doesn’t need to be a once-per-year event. You will most certainly see positive results in your employees, and you will want to embrace it. Maybe hold a monthly event (or even more often if possible). If your employees enjoy it, and you see benefits, do it as often as possible.
Following these steps (pardon the pun) can liven up your workplace and your business will be better for it.
