How to give your people the active advantage

As an HR leader, you are most likely acutely aware of the challenges posed by sedentary sitting in the workplace. The negative impacts on physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall productivity are well documented. But how can you inspire your team to embrace the concept of an active workday?

Many of us crave connection, and movement can be the key to fostering that connection while enhancing focus, creativity, and overall job satisfaction. Introducing movement into your work interactions might initially seem like venturing into unfamiliar territory. You may wonder, “Will my colleagues think it’s strange?” or “What if it disrupts the flow of the meeting?” These thoughts are part of a common resistance to trying something new, even if it holds the potential for creating more meaningful connections and joy in the workplace.

Take a moment to remember the first time you tried riding a bicycle. It might have been nerve-wracking; you might have had a wobbly balance and a fear of falling. But as you continued to practice and found your rhythm, the bicycle became a gateway to exploration and a sense of freedom. You were able to reach new places and experience the world in a whole different way. Incorporating movement into your work interactions can be similar. Initially, you might feel uncertain and even a bit awkward. However, just like riding a bicycle, with practice and persistence, movement can become a powerful tool for building connections and cultivating a positive work environment.

Introducing movement meetings.

Movement meetings encourage active participation and engagement from all team members, regardless of location. As participants take a moment to move their bodies, they also move their minds, breaking free from mental rigidity and embracing a more open and receptive state. This energised collaboration leads to increased productivity and a sense of shared ownership in achieving team goals, whether in a physical meeting room or virtually.

For instance, you can start meetings with a quick ice-breaking movement exercise to set a positive and connected tone. Encourage everyone to stand up and perform a simple stretch, a few shoulder rolls, or even a mini dance to a fun song. This small act can instantly lift spirits, break down barriers, and make team members feel more engaged and present. Imagine the camaraderie that comes from collectively participating in a fun movement exercise. Laughter and smiles abound as you all step out of your comfort zones together. It becomes a bonding moment, creating a sense of togetherness that can carry over into your work collaborations.

Kickstart your meeting moves.

Welcome to a new and innovative way of reimagining meetings and fostering a healthier, happier, and more connected workplace. Meetings can sometimes become monotonous, and the sedentary nature of these gatherings can take a toll on our physical and mental wellbeing, but we’re about to fix that. If introducing movement into your meetings feels daunting, don’t worry. Here’s a simple three-step plan to make this transition easy and enjoyable for everyone:

1. Find a leader: Look out for the fitness enthusiast or the person who loves to move in your team. Enlist them as your meeting movement champion. Having someone passionate about it can make the experience even more enjoyable for everyone. If you can’t find a dedicated leader, no worries. Designate a different person each week to lead the group. Don’t worry; it doesn’t have to be a professional dance routine – simple stretches and moves can work wonders.
2. Find the moves: At first, you might encounter some resistance or hesitation from team members to lead or participate in the meeting moves. If that’s the case, don’t let it discourage you.
3. Explain the why: At the start of your movement meetings, explain the reasons behind incorporating these active breaks into your gatherings. Let everyone know that there’s more to these meeting moves than just having fun – although that’s a big part of it. The science has your back: you’re in for a healthier, happier, and more connected workplace.When everyone understands the benefits of these meeting moves, they’ll be more likely to embrace them wholeheartedly.

These conversational tools will help you kickstart your next meeting and get your team enthusiastic about embracing these changes. Whether you’re aiming to boost energy and focus, break free from sitting too long, stimulate creativity, foster team unity, or relieve stress, there’s a script to fit:

“Alright, team, let’s kick off this meeting with some moves. Not only will they boost our energy and focus, but they also pump more oxygen into our brains and release those happy chemicals dopamine and serotonin. That means we’ll feel more focused, alert, and energised to tackle whatever comes our way. Ready? Let’s go.”

“Time to beat the sitting slump. These meeting moves are our secret weapon. They help us break free from the clutches of too much sitting, keep our posture in check and keep our bodies feeling flexible and happy. So, let’s stretch those muscles and keep the energy flowing throughout the meeting.”

“Research shows that movement stimulates the memory and creativity centres in our brains, making us more imaginative and productive. We want to be creative and productive today, so let’s dance our way to some amazing ideas and make this meeting truly inspiring.”

“Alright, team, time for some team-building magic. Taking a meeting move together is like a mini team-building adventure. It brings us all closer, strengthens our team bonds, and makes us feel like we’re part of one big family.”

The journey to an active workday is an incremental one.

Be the catalyst for change, leading your team towards a future where work is a celebration of wellbeing and connection. Your role as an HR leader extends beyond policies; it’s about creating an environment where people thrive, connect, and find joy in their work. Embrace the active advantage, and watch as your workplace transforms into a hub of vitality and satisfaction.

Lizzie Williamson is the author of The Active Workday Advantage: Unlock your most energised, engaged and happy self at work.

Jack Campbell

Jack is the editor at HR Leader.