In the demanding environment of the NHS, asking staff to find extra time for exercise can feel like 1 more burden on an already stretched workforce – much like telling someone who’s burned out to simply be more resilient. Yet a few small changes can make a real difference to both staff wellbeing and patient care. When healthcare professionals experience the benefits of movement themselves, it becomes more than just another ask, but part of the answer.

In this blog, I explore how a culture of everyday movement can support staff wellbeing and improve patient care, and how simple, practical steps can help make that a reality.

Why an active workforce matters

1. Happy, healthy staff support better care: a happy, healthy workforce is better placed to support the people in their care. When colleagues discover how a short walk or a few stretches can clear the mind and ease tension, they naturally share that experience with patients and each other.

1. Culture, not just willpower: creating a more active workforce doesn’t mean relying on motivation alone. It means shaping environments and routines where movement fits naturally into the day. With the right support – from flexible break policies to visible leadership – it’s possible to embed activity without adding pressure.
2. Part of a wider movement: increasing activity among NHS staff and patients feeds into a nationwide “movement for movement,” helping to raise physical activity levels across communities and contribute to a greener, more prosperous society.

4 simple ways to weave movement into the day

1. Rethink the workspace

• Standing desks and walk-talks: swap some seated meetings for brief walking discussions or use adjustable desks to break up long periods of sitting. Even a loop around the corridor can make a difference.
• Movement corners: dedicate a small area – perhaps a section of the break room or a quiet hallway – for stretching or a 2-minute walk. Visible prompts (like posters or floor markers) can help normalise and encourage activity.

2. Build flexibility into breaks

• Micro-breaks: set a reminder to stand, stretch, or walk every 45 minutes. These bursts of movement can reduce fatigue and improve focus.
• Active travel: where feasible, encourage walking or cycling to work through cycle-to-work schemes, bike parking or simple incentives (like a healthy-snack voucher).

3. Lead by example

• Visible participation: when team leads join a lunchtime walk or share how a brief stretch helped them reset, it sends a clear message that small steps matter and are supported by the NHS.
• Relatable stories: share quick wins – for example: I swapped 1 coffee break for a 5-minute walk to clear my head before my next clinic – to keep messaging authentic and achievable.
• The Royal College of GPs have published a framework for the extended role in lifestyle medicine (GPwERLM).

4. Use easy-to-adopt tools and frameworks

• NHS Active 10 app: this free app tracks brisk walking in 10-minute bursts, letting staff fit activity into gaps in their day.

• The Royal College of General Practitioners Active Practice Charter: this charter offers simple, achievable ways for GP practices to reduce sedentary time for both staff and patients
• The We Are Undefeatable app is a free, tailored physical activity offer to support people with health conditions to build activity into their lives, which benefits NHS staff as well as supporting them to empower patients to be more active.

Celebrating everyday movement

Embedding movement into the NHS doesn’t require big changes or expensive equipment. It’s about shifting the culture, so walking to chat with a colleague instead of sending an email, stretching between shifts, or taking a quick stroll before heading home are all seen as valuable and normal.

By weaving these realistic, low-key adjustments into daily routines – and by creating a culture that values and enables movement – we can build a healthier, more resilient NHS workforce. Julie’s story is a great example of an NHS staff member who has improved her health and wellbeing.

So, download the Active 10 app, chat with your team about signing up to the RCGP Active Practice Charter or simply set a timer for your next micro-break.

Angela Rippon’s Let’s Dance activity – starting March 8

One way you could celebrate movement is by taking part in Let’s Dance which is a national dance movement (starting March 8^th), championed by Angela Rippon CBE after her appearance on Strictly Coming Dancing. The aim is to encourage people to dance more to reap the physical benefits of exercise and movement. You could do this by:

• hosting a dance event during March at a hospital, community hospital, or other health venue
• hosting a virtual dance session in March
• promoting the benefits of dance and physical activity across your networks, using the Let’s Dance communications toolkit and these resources.

Publication reference: BL00065