NHS staff often struggle with consistency due to shift work, fatigue, and high stress.
According to research by the RAND Corporation, voluntary workplace wellness programmes without financial incentives see a median participation rate of 20%. Even with incentives, participation typically reaches only 40%. This programme achieved 74% completion with no incentives, no employer mandate, and entirely outside working hours.
Snapshot
- 6-week programme
- 74 staff participants
- 74% completion rate
- 80% joined (92 → 74)
- 71% email open rate
The Problem
NHS staff struggle to stay consistent due to:
- Irregular shifts
- Fatigue and poor sleep
- High stress
- Low and unreliable motivation
Motivation was the most common barrier (32/49 responses). Staff wanted to exercise — they just couldn’t maintain it around unpredictable schedules and demanding work. Traditional programmes that relied on fixed class times or self-driven motivation didn’t work for this population.
The Approach
The programme was designed to reduce decision-making and increase visible accountability — two key barriers identified in NHS staff.
The key focus wasn’t just flexibility — it was building accountability through community.
The programme included:
- Flexible workouts (beginner → advanced) that could be done in 20–40 minutes, at home or in a gym
- Simple, time-efficient sessions designed around shift patterns — no fixed schedule required
- Clear nutrition and habit guidance delivered weekly via email (71% open rate)
- Reduced decision-making — participants followed a structured plan rather than choosing what to do each day
- Ongoing support through a WhatsApp group with daily check-ins
A typical week looked like this: participants received their sessions at the start of the week, completed them whenever their shifts allowed, and posted a quick check-in to the WhatsApp group when done. Other members responded with encouragement — and those who hadn’t checked in could see that others were showing up.
Instead of relying on individuals to stay motivated, the programme created an environment where:
- Members shared progress openly
- Others responded and engaged
- Participation became visible
This made showing up feel expected — not optional. The group dynamic replaced the need for individual willpower, which is exactly what shift workers need when motivation is unreliable.
The Results
- 74% of participants completed the full 6-week programme
- 15+ staff training consistently each week
- Strong engagement despite being fully voluntary and outside working hours
Participants reported:
- Improved consistency with exercise
- Increased confidence in training independently
- Better awareness of habits and nutrition
For context, industry averages for voluntary workplace wellness programmes typically see completion rates of 20–40%. A 74% completion rate — with shift workers, outside working hours, and with no employer mandate — suggests the accountability-driven approach made a meaningful difference.
What UNISON Said
“Matthew collaborated with our Health and Wellbeing service to design and run a six-week fitness programme open to all members via a WhatsApp group.
The programme was a success, with members progressing through levels and engaging consistently. The group environment was encouraging and supportive throughout.
Matthew was always available to motivate participants and answer any questions.”
— Debbie Reilly
Health & Wellbeing Officer
UNISON Lothian Health Branch
Key Insight
People were more consistent because others were showing up.
The group environment created accountability that individual motivation couldn’t. When you can see that your colleagues are training — and they can see whether you are — it changes the equation entirely. That’s the principle behind how we coach.
Want Something Similar?
If this looks relevant to your branch or workplace, get in touch and we’ll outline how this could work for your members. You can also read more about our approach on the blog.