In today’s workplace, employee wellbeing, productivity and sustainability are no longer optional, they are essential. Walking Scotland, the national walking and wheeling charity for Scotland, is working with employers across the country to embed one of the most powerful and accessible wellbeing tools into the working day: walking.
From active commuting and walking meetings to lunchtime strolls and team challenges, walking is free, inclusive and easy to integrate into any organisation. The impact is significant. Regular physical activity is proven to improve mental health, reduce stress, increase energy levels and boost concentration. Healthier employees tend to be more engaged, more productive and take fewer sick days, benefits that every employer can recognise.
Why Walking Matters for Business
Modern employers face growing pressure to support mental wellbeing, strengthen workplace culture and demonstrate commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. Encouraging walking delivers across all three.
Walking supports:
Improved physical and mental health
Reduced workplace stress and burnout
Stronger team connection and morale
Enhanced productivity and focus
Progress toward ESG and sustainability goals
Importantly, it does so in a way that is low-cost, highly inclusive and adaptable to all sizes and sectors of organisation.
The Walk at Work Award
At the heart of Walking Scotland’s workplace programme is the Walk at Work Award, a free accreditation scheme that helps organisations build a positive walking culture tailored to their working environment.
The Award provides practical guidance, tools and ideas to support:
Active commuting
Lunchtime and break-time walks
Walking meetings
Workplace walking champions
Team-based walking initiatives
Participating organisations gain formal recognition for their commitment to staff wellbeing, while employees benefit from a healthier, more supportive workplace culture.
Whether you are a public sector organisation, private business or third-sector employer, the Award offers a clear, credible way to demonstrate leadership in health, wellbeing and sustainability.
Step Count Challenge: Walking Together
To complement the Award, Walking Scotland also delivers the popular Step Count Challenge, a fun, team-based programme that encourages colleagues to increase their daily activity together.
The Challenge builds motivation through friendly competition, shared goals and collective achievement. It is often used as a catalyst for long-term behaviour change, helping staff form healthier habits while strengthening relationships across teams and departments.
Many organisations use the Challenge as a wellbeing initiative, engagement tool or part of a wider health strategy.
Partnering for Impact
By working with Walking Scotland, organisations also contribute to a wider national mission: creating a healthier, greener and more connected Scotland.
Corporate partnerships with Walking Scotland support community walking initiatives, local infrastructure development and programmes that help people of all ages and abilities become more active. For employers, this offers meaningful opportunities for staff engagement, brand visibility and measurable social impact.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Walking Scotland makes it easy for workplaces to get started, whether your focus is staff wellbeing, sustainability, employee engagement or all three.
From the Walk at Work Award and the Step Count Challenge to long-term partnerships, Walking Scotland can help your organisation take confident steps towards a healthier workforce and a stronger future.
It’s time to walk the walk — for your people, your business and Scotland.
Get in touch with us at
walkatwork@walkingscotland.org.uk
walkingscotland.org.uk
