According to the British Heart Foundation and the Get Britain Standing group, which has launched a campaign called On Your Feet Britain, office workers in the UK spend less than 30 minutes on their feet per day and nearly two-thirds were worried that sitting at work was having a negative impact on their health.

As health communications experts, we’re used to crafting messages and activities that generate belief and behaviour change, and every year JPA puts its expertise and commitment to health into practice with the annual Step Challenge.

Harnessing the power of inter-office rivalry, the Step Challenge involves all members of staff tracking walking steps and exercise activity, with winners announced at the end of the month. It’s easy to see who is putting in the effort with an online leader-board accessible to all, generating a healthy competition amongst the different JPA offices.

If past years are anything to go by, the Step Challenge has an impact beyond the designated month – we all get into better habits, whether that’s taking the stairs and walking up escalators, making a lunchtime walk a regular event or setting achievable goals. It also gives us additional perspective – what motivates people to make and sustain healthier habits, and how easy is it to build healthier behaviours into your everyday life.
We spend a third of our day at work, so commitment to making that time a bit healthier for us is a great ‘step’ forward.