At Active Lincolnshire, we know first-hand the difference that regular movement can make, for both body and mind.

As the county’s Active Partnership, we champion physical activity not just in the wider community, but within our own workplace too. We understand that balancing work, home life, and personal commitments can make it hard to hit the recommended 150 minutes of activity each week, so as an employer we aim to make it easier for our team to move more.

Introducing the Active Hour

Everyone on the team has different preferences, abilities, and schedules, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach to workplace activity doesn’t work for us. To make movement easier and more inclusive, we’ve introduced different options and staff benefits to encourage people to move in a way that works for them.

One of the most successful of these initiatives is the Active Hour. This employee benefit gives team members the freedom to take one hour during the working week to focus on physical activity. Whether it’s a brisk walk, a gym session, yoga, or simply moving in a way that feels good, the Active Hour is all about flexibility.

The goal isn’t to create pressure or a strict schedule, it’s to make activity accessible, enjoyable, and part of the workweek. Team members are already noticing the benefits: a boost in energy, improved focus, and an overall lift in mood that carries through the rest of the day.

Why it Works

The Active Hour works because it’s flexible and personalised. Team members can choose what feels right for them, whether that’s a solo run, a swim, a gentle stretch, or a walk with a colleague. By removing barriers - it encourages everyone to take part at a level that suits them. During winter it also helps people with being active outdoors in daylight hours.

The feedback has been really positive and it has definitely helped staff members be more active.

“As someone juggling work, family life, and other commitments, I know how hard it can be to carve out time for exercise. This benefit reduces that pressure, allowing us to fit in activity when it suits our natural rhythms - be it a morning walk, a quieter gym session during off-peak hours, or even a class that helps re-centre in the middle of a busy week.”

Clare Williams, Director of Business Operations and Engagement

The Active Hour is a commitment to wellbeing, productivity, and creating a workplace where everyone feels supported to move, recharge, and thrive.

The Active Hour has been such a brilliant benefit for me. It gives me the chance to stay active and get to the gym, which sometimes isn't possible out of work hours due to family commitments. Having this dedicated time during the day has a great impact on my physical and mental health.

Emily Trevey, Business Operations Lead at Active Lincolnshire

Over the past year, we’ve also tracked our monthly active minutes as a team, celebrating achievements big and small. From cycling and swimming to dog walks and wheelchair basketball. Together, we’ve clocked thousands of hours of activity, showing how small, consistent efforts add up.

Encourage Activity in Your Workplace

If you'd like to give staff the opportunity to move more, but perhaps aren't able to commit currently to an active hour each week, why not try it out on a smaller scale by taking part in Joe Wicks Movement Hour this March. The Movement Hour encourages companies over the UK to pledge to commit to giving employees an hour off from their regular working duties to prioritise their physical and mental health. Movement Hour is taking place from 12-1pm on Wednesday 8 March.

Find out more about Movement Hour here.