Stepping up: 5 ways to get employees active outside this summer

With longer days, warmer weather and the pull of the summer holidays, staying at work might feel harder than usual for many employees.  

Throughout the season, teams are often balancing a mix of annual leave and school holidays while others will continue working through. With warmer temperatures on the way, it’s perhaps unsurprising that workplace motivation and energy levels might start to wane. 

In fact, research has found that 51% of workers find it more difficult to feel motivated and concentrate on their work during hotter weather[1].

Additional data has found that almost two-thirds (61%) of employees reported a decrease in productivity in the summer months – with uncomfortable office temperatures and feelings of tiredness cited as key contributors[2].   

For employers, it’s crucial to consider how they can keep staff engaged, energised and productive; encouraging your employees to spend more time outside and make the most of the weather could be a good place to start.  

Below, we share five ways employers and HR can encourage staff to get outside, get active – and make the most of some of Vitality’s newest reward partners at the same time. 

1. Active commuting

While the sun is shining, why not encourage your staff to embrace a more active commute? Getting off the bus, train or tube a couple of stops early and walking the rest of the way to work is a simple place to start.

And, if your employees are looking for some comfy new footwear to accompany them on their commute, members can get access to discounts on selected shoes and clothing from ASICS, in addition to the current running shoe benefit from SportsShoes.com. 

Prompting staff to walk more is also a great way for them to get their steps in, get outside, enjoy some fresh air – and earn rewards too.  

Through the Vitality Programme, members can unlock great rewards to choose from when they get active, such as free handcrafted drinks and coffees, cinema tickets, and discounted fitness trackers – perfect for summer! 

2. Early finishes 

With longer and lighter days, you might find your employees want to maximise their weekends and improve their work-life balance.  

So, why not let your employees clock off early? After all, research has found that 65% of employees said that early Friday finishes would help to boost morale[1].  

Letting your employees down tools early could give them the chance to get outside, do an activity that they enjoy and get some steps in – whether that’s a hike in a local park or a round of golf at the golf course. 

The good news is that Vitality members can now get discounts on golf gear and equipment from Peter Millar, G/FORE and Callaway helping them to prepare for an afterwork golf trip. For those looking to track their scores, members can also get a 12-month subscription to VPAR. 

3. Cycling club 

Your employees are probably aware of running clubs by now, but have you thought about starting a cycling club?  

You might already have some keen runners at work, but a team bike club could be a good way to involve those who want to participate in a team sports activity but prefer cycling. 

For those who are either looking to refresh or invest in some new gear, Vitality members can now benefit from discounts on bikes and bike accessories from the likes of Trek and Brompton. 

4. Walking meetings

Make the most of the milder temperatures and encourage your employees and line managers to take 1-2-1s outside.  

Stepping outside not only offers a change of scenery and a break from computer screens, but it can also give employees an opportunity to discuss potentially sensitive topics with discretion away from the office. 

‘Walk and talk’ meetings help tap into the powerful connection between physical activity and mental wellbeing and also enable employees to get their steps in at the same time. 

When members get active, they can unlock great rewards through the Vitality Programme,so it’s important to keep stepping so they can reap the benefits and look after their health at the same time! 

Data from those who engage with the Vitality Programme has found that members who exercise at least three times a week have a 10% lower risk of anxiety and depression compared with less active members[3]. 

5. Step-based challenges 

Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition in the workplace?  

Setting up a steps-based challenge can be a great way to encourage your staff to get outdoors on their lunch break, after work or between meetings. 

Any of the above ideas can be turned into a step-based challenge to encourage employees to turn everyday movement into healthy, consistent habits.  

Whether your employees are remote, office-based or working on a hybrid basis, step-based challenges are easy to roll out, good for physical and mental wellbeing and help boost connections among colleagues too.

Want to get staff involved in a steps-based challenge this summer?

Tapping into the power of gamification and social accountability, Vitality's Employee Challenges initiative can be a great way to get staff active.

The more employees move, the more they can benefit from rewards in the Vitality programme – a win-win for businesses and their employees.

[1] Employee Summer Wellness Report, Jukebox Marketing 

[2] Summer slump: 61% of workers are less productive, HR Magazine, 2025

[3] Vitality research into Vitality Programme data 2023