National level

One of the best ways to encourage staff to walk is by example.  If workers see the boss or senior management walking to work or to meetings, they are more likely to considering walking themselves. 

Walk2Work 2015 will be on Wednesday 11 March 2015.  Walk2Work day events aim to celebrate and reward those people who walk to work, and to encourage more people to give it a go.

A few low cost changes can make it easier for people to consider walking for transport.

Maps and directions

Having maps and information readily available makes it easy for staff and visitors to find out the best routes for them to get to your workplace on foot.  

Have a look at your policies and see if you can make them more walking friendly.  For example:

Getting Started

A good place to start is by looking at all the travel associated with running your business and developing a plan to make your travel smarter and more cost effective. 

The New Zealand Transport Agency has a simple, clear explanation of what Workplace Travel Planning it is and how to do it, with handy templates you can adapt for your workplace - see NZTA Workplace Travel Planning  You can also contact your local Council for assistance. 

The Walk2Work Toolkit is a resource to help businesses encourage their employees to walk to work, thus reducing absenteeism, improving employee health, and increasing productivity.

Walking is the most accessible and easy form of exercise.  It doesn’t cost anything, no special equipment or training is needed, and people of all levels of fitness can walk.