The Choose How You Move Wellbeing Walks are helping Leicestershire County Council staff take active breaks, improve wellbeing and connecting with colleagues.
Since launching in January 2025, around 226 employees have taken part. Themed walks during National Walking Month in May proved especially popular, demonstrating the value of simple, social opportunities to get outdoors during the working day.
Choose How You Move Wellbeing Walks
Julia Thomas and Bethany Wiseman, Senior Sustainable Travel Officers in the council’s Choose How You Move team, introduced free monthly lunchtime walks from County Hall.
Each guided walk lasts around 30 minutes, making it easy for staff to join during their lunch break. The walks run throughout the year and follow local routes through Glenfield, the hospital nature garden and Gynsills Meadows.
Keeping the format simple and consistent has helped build regular participation.
Safe, social and accessible
Experienced walk leaders from the Choose How You Move and Active Together teams lead every session. Routes are risk assessed before each walk, with dynamic checks carried out on the day.
The walks encourage staff to step away from their desks, enjoy a meaningful break and meet colleagues from across the organisation.
Making an impact
Participation continues to grow. During National Walking Month, 95 staff joined themed walks including:
- a local history walk
- a mental health and wellbeing walk
- a Glenfield Tunnel walk.
The sessions have encouraged staff to explore local walking routes, discover green spaces and enjoy active travel together.
‘The walks have become more than just a lunchtime activity. They’ve given colleagues the opportunity to get outside, meet new people and return to work feeling refreshed.’ Julia Thomas, Senior Sustainable Travel Officer, Leicestershire County Council
Supporting Modeshift STARS Business
By encouraging walking for everyday journeys, organisations can improve employee wellbeing, embed active travel into workplace culture and demonstrate meaningful engagement towards Modeshift STARS Business Accreditation.
Looking ahead
The team plans to expand the programme by increasing the number of walks, introducing more themed and accessible routes, and developing lunchtime walking opportunities at satellite offices across Leicestershire.
Their ambition is simple: to make regular walking a recognised part of staff wellbeing across the organisation.
Find out more
Looking to encourage healthier travel choices across your organisation?
A Modeshift STARS Business Licence provides the framework, tools and support to develop an effective Travel Plan, engage employees and achieve nationally recognised accreditation.
Whether you’re introducing wellbeing walks, promoting cycling or encouraging public transport, every initiative helps create healthier workplaces and better everyday journeys.
Find out more about Modeshift STARS Business and start your accreditation journey today.
