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Supporting your People

Support physical activity for good mental health

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Create opportunities for physical activity during the working day

Possible activities might be active breaks, walking meetings, desk-based or muscular relaxation exercises or time outdoors

Make it easier for people to be active at work in ways that suit your organisation

Possible options to consider are flexible breaks and start/finish times, walking meetings, access to local sports and leisure activities

Promote a range of activities people can take part in

For example walking, aerobics, yoga, Pilates, weight training or other forms of exercise

Encourage regular movement and reduce long periods of sitting

Resources & Downloads


This guideline covers how to encourage employees to be physically active. The aim is to increase the working population’s physical activity levels.

The Government’s ambition that cycling and walking are the natural choices for shorter journeys, or as part of a longer journey, was clearly set out in the Cycling and Walking Investment Strategy published in 2017.

LEAP (Leeds Encouraging Activity in People) is a targeted community programme for people aged 18 and over who are currently physically inactive, have a long-term medical or mental health condition, and are likely to benefit clinically from taking part in regular physical activity.
It's the perfect time to get active. No matter how much you do, physical activity is good for your body and mind. Adults should aim to be active every day. Some is good – more is better still.
Whether you want to lose weight, get active, quit smoking or drink less alcohol, Better Health is here to help. Find practical tools and support, free apps and trusted advice to help you make changes that work for you.
Get there your way – explore accessible walking, wheeling and cycling options to fit your life.
Tips and tools employers can use to support the health and wellbeing of employees through physical activity
This guidance document is to help line managers create a supportive working environment which promotes good health and wellbeing for all staff, focusing on physical activity.

This guide is part of ‘All Our Health’, a resource which helps health professionals prevent ill health and promote wellbeing as part of their everyday practise.

Research shows that nature is vital for our psychological and emotional health. As human beings, we have a fundamental need to connect with nature.
As an employer, you must protect your workers from the health risks of working with display screen equipment (DSE), such as PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones.
This is a free-to-download, web-friendly version of L26, (2nd edition, published 2003). This version has been adapted for online use from HSE’s current printed version.
The Working Time Regulations 1998 is the law that applies the EU Working Time Directive to England, Scotland and Wales.
How we work has changed drastically since the pandemic. Many of us still travel to the office, but working hours (and locations) are now a lot more flexible for employers.
Active Leeds has launched a corporate wellbeing service in order to support businesses across Leeds to create healthier, happier and more resilient workforces.
Employer Spotlight

Leeds Beckett University

Leeds Beckett University has worked hard to create a strong business case for mental health as evidenced by their long-standing external commitments to mental health as a Mindful Employer

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