Welcome to Walking Works Wonders

Working life is increasingly sedentary. We are facing a sitting epidemic in the workplace. This is a major health problem, as prolonged sitting is a risk factor for a wide range of chronic diseases.

Walking Works Wonders is an evidence based intervention, involving innovative health education designed to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour at work.

How does it work?

Walking Works Wonders was developed as part of a major research project conducted at Loughborough University. Walking Works Wonders involves tailoring health information and advice to each individual employee. The approach recognises that when attempting to change behaviour, one size does not fit all and success is greater when interventions align with peoples’ beliefs. We are now offering this highly effective intervention to small, medium and large organisations in the public and private sector.

2 years + 10 worksites + Over 1,000 participants + £1 investment = £26-32 savings

Walking Works Wonders was evaluated over a 2 year period. In 10 worksites across the UK. With over 1000 participants and was shown to be effective in reducing BMI, reducing sickness absence, increasing productivity and improving health. The research demonstrated impressive return on investment. For every £1 spent organisational savings of £26-£32 were made.

Employee benefits

weight loss
improved health and well being

Shared benefits

increased productivity
reduced sickness absence
improved staff morale

Organisational benefits

financial savings
improved customer service

Case studies

Walking Works Wonders has been tried and tested with a range of organisations around the UK, watch a selection of testimonials describing experiences of taking part.

“The most compelling thing for me was how much people enjoyed it.” Dr. Paul Litchfield - BT

“The intervention definitely made a big difference to me.” Sally Peckham - Ipswich Borough Council

“What it made me realise about my daily activity is that I can control it.” Frank Kindred - BT

“It made me think about, when working from home, what could I do? Walk to the post box, or go for a walk in the evening...” Beatrice Osbourne - BT

“The desire to get 10,000 steps in plus a day has made me think about getting into work and also stuff I do at the weekends, walking around for pleasure.” James Jennings - Ipswich Borough Council

“When I used it (the pedometer) I tended to do a lot more walking up and down stairs whereas I would normally take the lift.” June Blake - BT

Research

Tailoring workplace interventions is an approach pioneered by Professor Cheryl Haslam, which has attracted international acclaim and awards from the American Psychological Association and the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Cheryl is a Chartered Health Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society and has been conducting influential occupational health research for over 30 years.

Walking Works Wonders was developed by the Work and Health Research Centre, led by Professor Cheryl Haslam. The research team included Dr Stacy Clemes, Dr Aadil Kazi, Dr Myanna Duncan, Ricardo Twumasi and Lois Edwards. The enterprise team developing Walking Works Wonders as a service to organisations comprises Cheryl Haslam, Aadil Kazi, Ricardo Twumasi, Emily Brown and Roger Haslam. All graphic design was led by Emily Brown.

Pricing

Up to 500 users

£10 joining fee + £52 per year = £1 per person per week

Up to 1000 users

£10 joining fee + £49 per year = 94p per person per week

Up to 2000 users

£10 joining fee + £46 per year = 88p per person per week

Up to 3000 users

£10 joining fee + £43 per year = 83p per person per week

Up to 5000 users

£10 joining fee + £40 per year = 77p per person per week

This includes:

12 months access to walkingworkswonders.com
6 monthly one-to-one health assessments from the Walking Works Wonders team
Step and other physical activity logging
Tailored health promotion advice
Walking Works Wonders branded pedometer
Access (for occupational health) to anonymised data on staff physical activity, health outcomes and self-reported health measures

We also offer a reduced rate of £22 per employee per year which includes all of the above but where the 6 monthly one to one health assessments are conducted by in house occupational health staff.

Contact us

Fill out my online form.

Professor Cheryl Haslam
School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
National Centre for Sport and Exercise Medicine
Loughborough University
Leicestershire
LE11 3TU

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01509 223086

Find us on a map at maps.lboro.ac.uk

Find us on Twitter at twitter.com/walkingworks

Download the factsheet

Download our factsheet which summarises everything you need to know about Walking Works Wonders and the benefits of the scheme.

Download factsheet