Why sport and wellbeing should be at the healthy heart of the HE employee experience

By Greg Christison, Communications Manager, University of Stirling

9 September 2025

Having recently returned from paternity leave – tired, out of shape and time-poor (joyful and proud too, of course!) – I’ve developed a renewed appreciation for the health and wellbeing benefits of working in higher education. 

Balancing family life with professional responsibilities can make it difficult for parents to prioritise their own wellbeing. Yet working at a university offers sometimes overlooked unique opportunities to build physical activity into the working day (even if I haven’t always been first in line to take advantage of them). 

A podium place for staff wellbeing
Universities across the UK rightly invest in sport and wellbeing as a strategic priority for students, recognising its vital role in recruitment, retention, and the overall student experience and their wellbeing. But the benefits for staff are just as significant – and often underappreciated as they are not always utilised. From access to world-class facilities and a culture that supports mental and physical health, to intramural sports programmes and green campus spaces, the sector’s institutions are uniquely positioned to support staff wellbeing.

Cards on the table (and forgive my bias), I work at one of the UK’s most picturesque campuses – with the University of Stirling nestled amongst 330-acres of countryside in the heart of Scotland. As Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence, health and wellbeing are embedded in our institutional strategy, and our environment is perfect for staying healthy, active and connected. 
 

As part of the award-winning communications team responsible for promoting the University’s reputation, particularly in sport, I’m lucky to share stories of Olympic and World champions who train on our campus. Their achievements inspire not only our students, but also our staff and the wider Stirling community, helping to foster a culture of wellbeing and shared pride. 

A Stirling example 
Our dedicated staff wellbeing programme offers everything from tennis and pickleball, to swimming and yoga. We run lunchtime groups like ‘Beyond Couch to 5k’, and offer discounted gym access, organised staff walks and after-work spin classes. For me, the highlight is our long-running staff lunchtime football – a 40-year tradition that brings colleagues together from across the University for a competitive (but friendly) hour of exercise and connection twice a week.

We run an annual hill race on campus – born 50 years ago from a £1 bet between colleagues – which today attracts hundreds of runners, including staff, and our yearly charity rounders match is always a hit with colleagues. For those who prefer a gentler pace, we also host the local parkrun every Saturday, and staff step count challenges, including ‘Walk to the Moon’ which saw our community collectively cover 238,855 miles in 150 days. 

Sport and wellbeing: an asset across the HE sector
Outside of the fitness industry, few workplaces offer such a breadth of wellbeing opportunities, providing the right environment to help staff balance their work and health. While we are undoubtedly spoilt at Stirling, we’re far from alone, with many institutions across the UK recognising sport and wellbeing are not just student priorities – they’re essential to attracting and retaining talented staff in an increasingly competitive sector. 

Sport plays a vital role in the employee experience – supporting mental and physical health, building community, and contributing to a sense of belonging. It’s not just a perk, it’s a strategic asset. 
As for me, I’ll keep showing up for lunchtime football (as long as my knees allow) and making the most of our gym. Returning to work after the birth of my son has been a challenge – but one which has also helped me rediscover the value of routine, community, and the many ways our sector supports better health and wellbeing.

Greg will be one of the guest speakers at Changing communications: meeting our sector’s evolving challenges and opportunities, our annual communications-focused conference hosted at a central London venue on Tuesday 25 November. Find out more and to book early bird places.