Movement is one of the most powerful tools we have for improving our health, yet it’s often the first thing to disappear in a busy workday. Incorporating healthy movement throughout the day can make a meaningful difference in the health, wellness, and productivity of employees. Small choices, such as standing to stretch, taking a short walk, or encouraging a quick movement break, can lead to noticeable improvements in energy, focus, and overall well-being. As workplaces continue to grow, employers are increasingly looking for meaningful ways to support their teams. Encouraging movement is one of the simplest and most effective places to start.
The Cost of Avoiding Employee Well-being
When companies ignore their employees' health and well-being, they end up paying in more ways than one. Issues such as chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout can manifest in ways such as increased absenteeism. Workers affected by poor mental health are more likely to take sick leave and even when present, they perform at a decreased capacity. This can affect project deadlines, peer morale, and also lead to an increase in healthcare costs.
Practical Ways Employers Can Support Movement
- Provide active workstations: Standing desks, pedal machines, and balance boards offer low-effort ways to reduce sedentary time and keep employees lightly active throughout the day.
- Encourage short stretching or walking breaks: Even 1–2‑minute stretch or movement breaks can reduce muscle tension, boost energy, and improve focus.
- Schedule walking meetings: For 1:1 or small-group conversations, walking meetings add natural movement while still supporting productive discussion.
- Organize a workplace movement challenge: A simple, social step or activity challenge can build momentum and engagement. The most effective challenges have clear rules and light competition to keep people motivated beyond the first week.
- Offer on-site or virtual fitness sessions: Short, accessible classes, whether yoga, mobility, strength, or mindfulness make it easier for employees to participate without needing to leave the workplace.
How Employers Benefit
Encouraging movement and wellness in the workplace can deliver meaningful benefits for both employees and organizations. Employers that prioritize employee well-being often see lower healthcare costs, reduced absenteeism, higher productivity, and improved employee retention. Research shows that workplace movement programs can also improve employees’ overall quality of life while reducing issues such as repetitive strain injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, occupational stress, and burnout. Healthier employees are more likely to stay engaged in their work and contribute positively to team performance. When organizations actively support wellness, they often experience additional financial benefits, including lower healthcare costs, reduced insurance premiums, and fewer workers’ compensation claims.
Why Movement Matters
Many adults struggle to meet the physical activity guidelines recommended by the World Health Organization, which suggest that adults ages 18–64 should engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity. Because employees spend a large portion of their day at work, the workplace plays an important role in supporting healthy habits. Encouraging simple practices, such as stretch breaks, walking meetings, or short movement breaks can help employees incorporate more activity into their daily routines. Even small actions like standing to stretch or taking a brief walk can improve energy, focus, and overall well-being.
The Bottom Line
Movement and wellness aren’t just “nice-to-have” perks, they’re important components of a healthier, more engaged, and more resilient workforce. When employers encourage physical activity and overall well‑being, they create an environment where people feel supported, energized, and motivated to do their best. Investing in wellness ultimately strengthens both the individual and the employer, building a culture where everyone can thrive.
“Investing in employee health and wellness can be expensive but what's even more expensive is an unhealthy employee. Healthy employees experience fewer injuries, miss less work, and perform at higher levels, reducing healthcare claims, turnover, and operational disruptions for the company.”
- Erica Malzahn, Workers Compensation Coordinator- BayCare Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
Interested in learning more about supporting your employees’ health and well-being? Join Erica and other community partners on April 23rd from 4:00PM-6:00PM for our Move to Improve event! Registration and further details can be found here! Move to Improve: In support of National Employee Health & Fitness Day