Support the Move At Work Pledge

Uniting for healthier, more sustainable and high-performing workplaces through physical activity and sport

Background

We invite individuals and organisations — companies, institutions, associations, and decision-makers — who believe in the benefits of integrating movement into daily work life to join the Move At Work Supporters’ Pledge.

This pledge is a collective call to action for all who believe physical activity plays a vital role in improving employee wellbeing, enhancing productivity, and supporting long-term health — and should be a natural part of the workplace, where we spend much of our time.

This pledge is launched by the Move at Work project consortium¹ — an initiative co-funded by the European Union Erasmus+ programme, uniting partners to promote healthier, more sustainable, and high-performing workplaces through physical activity and sport.

Physical activity doesn’t mean running marathons or compulsory gym sessions. It includes walking meetings, stretch breaks, active commutes, and creating an environment that encourages regular movement throughout the workday.

The need for action is urgent. Physical inactivity costs European economies over €80 billion annually through lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and early retirement². Nearly 45% of Europeans never exercise³, despite the recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.

For businesses, the impact is clear: replacing an employee can cost up to 200% of their salary, and absenteeism averages €4,060 per employee yearly⁴ Yet, simple steps like two-minute breaks can reduce long-term sick leave by 13%⁵. Workplaces that promote physical activity see 25% less sick leave, 41% lower stress levels,⁶ and employees who are 20% more productive. ⁷

Despite this, very few European companies have structured workplace activity programs, even though many workers want employers to encourage sports and movement. Closing this gaprequires standardized strategies, including promoting activity targets, fostering an inclusive work culture that engages all employees, and integrating physical activity into HR and health metrics.

Now is the time to make physical activity a standard, supported part of every working day.

https://moveatwork.eu/ ↩︎
https://inactivity-time-bomb.nowwemove.com/ ↩︎
Special Eurobarometer 525, 2022 ↩︎
Society for Human Resource Management – Statista, 2023 ↩︎
Andersen, L.L. et. Al. Potential of micro-exercise to prevent long-term sickness absence in the general working population?, 2022 ↩︎
Harmonie Mutuelle/AOS, 2023 ↩︎
International Journal of Workplace Health Management – Havard business review – Forbes, 2017 ↩︎

Move at Work

Our Shared Principles

Organisations who endorse this pledge agree that:

Movement is essential for health, wellbeing, and workplace engagement.
Every workplace can contribute, no matter the size, budget, or sector.
Inclusivity matters — all employees, regardless of ability, background, or job role, should have access to physical activity.
Culture change is key — from active meetings to encouraging regular movement breaks, normalising physical activity makes a difference.
Small actions can make a big difference — promoting flexible, low-cost solutions.
Leadership matters — when managers and executives participate, others follow.
Collaboration drives progress — sharing knowledge, challenges, and innovations across sectors around moving in work environment.
Evidence-based approaches are essential — policies should be guided by scientific research and impact evaluation.
Digital tools enhance engagement — integrating platforms such as e-learning, guidebooks and activity-tracking apps helps make physical activity initiatives more accessible, scalable, and adaptable to diverse work environments.
Long-term impact matters — workplace physical activity strategies should prioritize sustainable, ongoing efforts over one-off actions. Building lasting change requires the active involvement and engagement of all employees in shaping a shared approach.