Read Again: Why Movement Matters in NHS Workforce Wellbeing

In the demanding environment of the NHS, asking staff to find extra time for exercise can feel like yet another burden on an already stretched workforce

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared in NHS England

It can land in much the same way as telling someone experiencing burnout to “be more resilient”. Yet the reality is that even small, well-designed changes to daily working patterns can have a meaningful impact on staff wellbeing, energy levels and ultimately patient care.

When healthcare professionals experience the benefits of movement themselves, it stops being an additional expectation and starts becoming part of the solution. Over time, this shift in culture can also contribute to a wider “movement for movement” across the health system, supporting not only staff health but also encouraging more active communities and long-term improvements in population wellbeing.

Building Movement Into the Working Day

Rather than relying on structured exercise outside of work hours, a more sustainable approach is to embed movement into the rhythm of the working day. Short, frequent interruptions to sitting time can help reduce fatigue, improve concentration and support musculoskeletal health, particularly in high-pressure clinical environments.

Encouraging staff to take brief micro-breaks away from screens or desks creates natural opportunities for movement without disrupting workflows. These pauses do not need to be formal or time-consuming; even a short walk, a stretch, or simply standing for a few moments between tasks can make a measurable difference over time.

Active travel also plays a role here. Where practical, walking or cycling to work can be supported through existing workplace schemes, facilities such as secure bike storage, and small behavioural nudges that make active choices easier and more appealing. The focus is less on structured fitness and more on integrating activity into everyday routines.

Rethinking the Clinical Workspace

The physical environment has a significant influence on how much people move during the day. Small adjustments to workspace design can help reduce prolonged sitting and encourage more natural movement throughout the day.

In some settings, this might involve introducing more flexible working positions, such as adjustable desks that allow staff to alternate between sitting and standing. In others, it may be as simple as normalising walking conversations for short discussions or encouraging movement-based breaks between tasks.

Creating informal “movement-friendly” spaces within staff areas can also help reinforce these behaviours. When opportunities to stretch or move are visible and accessible, they become part of the culture rather than an added task. Over time, this helps shift perceptions of movement from something separate to something embedded within everyday practice.

Using Simple Tools to Support Behaviour Change

Alongside environmental changes, there are a number of practical tools already available within the NHS and wider health system that can support staff in building more activity into their day.

Digital tools such as activity-tracking apps designed around short bursts of movement can help staff identify natural gaps in their routine where activity can be incorporated. These approaches work particularly well in busy clinical environments, where long uninterrupted periods of time are rare but short breaks are more frequent.

There are also established frameworks that support more active healthcare settings, helping practices reduce sedentary time for both staff and patients. These provide practical guidance on how movement can be embedded into consultations, waiting areas and daily workflows without requiring major structural change.

Creating a Culture Where Movement Is Normal

The most important shift is cultural. When movement is made to be seen as part of effective working practice, it becomes easier to sustain. In doing so, healthcare organisations are not just supporting staff wellbeing, they are reinforcing the foundation of better patient care, stronger resilience, and a healthier system overall.