At iconsys, encouraging people to move more isn’t delivered through a formal exercise programme. Instead, it’s become part of the organisation’s culture, helping staff stay connected, support their wellbeing and enjoy being active together.
Over the years, employees have taken part in a wide range of activities, including charity bike-a-thons, memory walks, lunchtime walking groups, ‘Walk the Wrekin’ events, cycling and running clubs, and outdoor games. What makes these initiatives successful is that they focus on fun, teamwork and shared purpose rather than exercise alone.
Working from the top down
A key feature of the organisation’s approach is visible leadership. Senior leaders regularly get involved in wellbeing and fundraising activities, helping to create a workplace where movement is seen as a normal and valued part of working life. This sends a powerful message that wellbeing is not just a policy, but something that is genuinely supported throughout the organisation.
The company has also invested in creating an environment that makes movement easier. Staff have access to walking routes, green spaces, sit-stand desks, sit-stand meeting areas, shower facilities and a woodland wellbeing space. Alongside this, wellbeing champions, employee forums and regular staff engagement help ensure wellbeing remains embedded in everyday business decisions.
Making and strengthening connections
Social connection is another important ingredient. Many activities are designed to bring people together, strengthen relationships and help colleagues feel part of a wider team. The company’s walking groups, charity challenges and employee-led activity clubs provide opportunities for staff to connect while being active, supporting both physical and mental wellbeing.
The culture at Iconsys highlights several of the system conditions that support healthier workplaces. These include leadership role modelling, supportive environments, strong wellbeing structures, positive communication, employee involvement and partnerships with external organisations. Workplace health checks have also played an important role in helping staff understand their health and make positive changes.
The way we do things here
The organisation recognises that hybrid and remote working can make it harder for people to take part in group activities. This reflects an opportunity for employers everywhere to think about how movement can be built into everyday work, rather than sitting alongside it.
Simple changes such as walking meetings, active one-to-ones, regular movement breaks and designing movement into team routines can help make being active a normal part of the working day. By moving from one-off events to everyday habits, workplaces can create lasting change that benefits both their employees and the business.
This example shows that when workplaces focus on culture, connection and supportive environments, moving more becomes less about individual motivation and more about “the way we do things here”.