Keeping your workforce active isn’t just about physical health – it plays a vital role in supporting mental wellbeing too. Regular movement can help reduce stress, lift mood, improve concentration and boost energy levels. In a busy working environment, even small bursts of activity can make a real difference.
With Mental Health Awareness Week coming up, now is the perfect time to introduce fun, inclusive activities that get your team moving and open up positive conversations around wellbeing.
Here are some engaging ideas to help you build a more active, connected workplace.
1. Launch a Race At Your Pace challenge
If you’re looking for something inclusive, flexible and genuinely motivating, a Race At Your Pace workplace wellbeing challenge is a brilliant option.
The beauty of Race At Your Pace is that it works for everyone. Employees can walk, jog, run or move in a way that suits their ability and schedule. It removes pressure while still encouraging healthy competition and team spirit.
Why it works:
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Inclusive for all fitness levels
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Encourages consistent daily movement
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Builds team spirit and friendly rivalry
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Works for remote, hybrid and office-based teams
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Creates a shared goal everyone can get behind
With Mental Health Awareness Week approaching, this is an ideal time to set a collective distance goal and complete the challenge together. It’s a positive, energising way to show your organisation values wellbeing – not just in words, but in action.
2. Step challenges with leaderboards
A simple step challenge can generate fantastic engagement. Set a team target or encourage departments to compete for the highest average step count.
Keep it light-hearted:
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Offer small prizes
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Share weekly progress updates
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Celebrate personal milestones
The focus should always be on participation and encouragement rather than pressure.
3. Lunchtime walk and talk sessions
Encourage colleagues to swap one meeting a week for a walking meeting or group lunchtime stroll. It’s a simple way to:
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Break up sedentary time
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Encourage informal conversations
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Reduce stress and improve clarity
Fresh air and movement together can do wonders for creativity and connection.
4. Workplace wellbeing bingo
Create a fun bingo card filled with wellbeing activities such as:
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20-minute walk
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Drinking enough water
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Screen-free lunch break
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Stretch session
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Gratitude check-in
This adds variety and keeps engagement high throughout the week.
5. Team fitness tasters
Invite local instructors – or run virtual sessions – to host short tasters such as:
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Yoga or mobility sessions
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Circuits or boxercise
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Dance workouts
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Guided meditation combined with light stretching
Short sessions (20–30 minutes) are often more accessible and easier to fit into the working day.
Why novement supports mental health
Physical activity isn’t just about fitness – it has a direct impact on mental health. Regular movement can:
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Reduce anxiety and stress
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Improve sleep quality
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Boost self-esteem
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Increase productivity and focus
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Strengthen social connection
Even just 20 minutes of daily movement can bring noticeable benefits. When done as a team, it also builds a sense of belonging and shared achievement – both essential for workplace wellbeing.
Make Mental Health Awareness Week count
Mental Health Awareness Week is a valuable opportunity to reset, reconnect and reinforce your commitment to employee wellbeing.
By launching a Race At Your Pace challenge during the week, you create:
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A clear, positive focus
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A shared goal
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A reason to move together
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A visible demonstration of support for mental health
It turns awareness into action.
Ready to get moving?
Creating an active workplace doesn’t need to be complicated. Start simple, keep it inclusive and focus on enjoyment. Whether it’s a step challenge, walking meetings or a full Race At Your Pace workplace challenge, every step truly does count. Book a Race At Your Pace demo to learn how the challenges can work for you and your team!
This Mental Health Awareness Week, why not move together – and feel the difference?
