Work forcing walks

[CaramelCandle]

My whole team is wfh. The manager has decided that everyone needs to walk 1000 steps a day on their lunch hour for the next month. We've been put into teams and have to record the steps and the team with the most will win a half day off. There were a few people not keen to take part but everyone has been put into a team anyway. AIBU to think this is stupid? I understand the idea is to get people away from their desk etc but it's the way it's been done so that you're letting your team down if you don't take part that I think is unfair. Surely it would be better to give people a choice without the guilt.

Are other colleagues allowed to do your steps for you? I walk on my lunch break anyway so would happily do extra for a colleague who didn't want to! I can do about 6500 in an hour!

Sounds amazing I’d love to be able to go for a walk at lunchtime. I miss lunch breaks and colleagues.

I worked somewhere where a colleague took it upon herself to do a wall chart of everyone's food to make sure we were eating five a day She'd fit in well at your workplace

@IrenetheQuaint

This is ridiculous - also obviously a massive problem for any members of your team with disabilities that affect mobility.

My first thought too.

Pop your phone in here and go and have a cup of tea and a bun.

NEWZEROL Phone Swing Accessories Compatible for Poke Ball Plus/Pokemon Go Cell phone Pedometer, [USB Cable] [Easy Installation] [Mute Version] [Support 2 Phones] Quick Steps Earning Device-Black www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07W1ZY6QQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_K3PBR3ABP129VFSW0C8X?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

We had something like this a few years ago and I refused.

Tell them you are currently doings online fitness class in your lunch hour and prefer to continue with that. They can't force you.

I did get called out for not being a team player though.

In the end I put the step counter they sent me on my dog.

I'd be challenging this on several different levels quite frankly. It simply isn't on.

I use my lunch break for facilitating my DD’s remote schooling. I don’t have time to add a walk. Do none of the employees have school age children?

This is a really horrible idea. Some people have disabilities, others may have to watch their kids over lunchtime, there are any number of reasons why people can't do it. Adding the peer pressure element is even worse!

I would just not do it and find a way to not care if anyone was unhappy about that.

Bit weird although I guess they're trying to encourage a team spirit. Wouldn't be a work-related activity though and presumably not covered by employers' liability insurance.

I'd be seriously annoyed because I'm a runner, and when I'm not running, I actually walk as little as possible to keep my legs fresh in order to run fast!

Most workplaces don't pay you for your lunch break, so they definitely can't tell you what to do on it! This should have been a voluntary initiative. Making it forced is slightly fascistic

I would not be happy with this , our team spend at least 60% of their shift on their feet , they want to sit doen for a bit and take a load off .

What happens if we have another cold snap and it gets icy again ? or its pissing down .

If you have to do it I would be tempted to post a picture early in the morning of your health lunch then after your walk post another on of McDs / KFC / Local chippy saying you could not resist while passing

Excellent idea. Poor execution. Should be voluntary.

"Oh my phone wouldn't install the app, you'd better take me out so I don't disadvantage the team" In my case likely true too, my phone is ancient.

I'd also point out you need to use your lunch break to prepare lunch for family/help troubleshoot home schooling/whatever and are not available for work related things. Again, unfair this should disadvantage team, take you out and/or let you walk at (time that you'd be walking anyway).

Ask for a written copy of the risk assessment and proof that their insurance will cover any injuries or mishaps.

I’ve been wondering for a while how many steps a counter would rack up if I wore it while I was doing crochet.

In the end I put the step counter they sent me on my dog.

Not everyone would have a step counter, surely? I don't.
There is one on my phone but it isn't overly accurate and I'm not glued to my phone so I often don't have it with me, especially if I go outside.

I also struggle with mobility so would hate feeling forced to do this and what if you're self isolating?

Really awful to make you out as the bad guy, by putting you in teams, as this means you'll possibly annoy the others if they think you're not pulling your weight, and causing them to lose.

Your lunch hour is for lunch and a break, not your bosses need to push this bollocks on their staff.

Unless there’s a massive backstory you are hugely over reacting. It’s 1000 steps, it’s nothing. They are trying to show a bit of concern for your well-being. Participate or don’t, but don’t be surprised if your team mates and manager think you’re a bit of a misery if you refuse on principle

I would be amazed if HR validated this idea (at least under the form it is bring presented to you)

@IrenetheQuaint

This is ridiculous - also obviously a massive problem for any members of your team with disabilities that affect mobility.

Yeah, I was thinking this. But as a wheelchair user I'm sadly not surprised. I'm used to being invisible.

I'd still be raising it, if I were in the team.

Op this is a easy one.... agree you will take part and be a team player, then at lunch pop your iPhone into the inside of your sock and tap your foot while u sit on the couch with a nice lunch and watch Netflix....

Your welcome 😃

Ours have just started something like this and we get countless emails about it.

it's because the annual 'Investors in People' audit is due and they need to tick the wellness box......

I can understand the employers concern that people WAH should be taking a break from sitting down. In Japan factory workers (along with their managers) do exercise at the beginning of each working day. I would do the steps but finish work however minutes early I needed to fit them in. I hate (workplace or other) situations where you are corralled into a team with random people and morally pressured to do things.

I recall being on a residential course organized by my uni when I was an academic. You filled out a form citing any special needs and I made it clear I had a disability. The facilitator had either not read the forms of did not give a toss. First she tried to get us all to sit on the floor and I refused, citing arthritis. Another women also refused saying she felt it was childish. At a later stage there was some kind of game were everyone was rushing around, and I opted to sit that one out. The facilitator said "Im not comfortable with you not participating." I told her that I appreciated her feelings but that I was not comfortable with disability discrimination. She backed off, not willing to open that particular can of worms. Nevertheless I did make a complaint when the employer asked for feedback on the course.