Stimulate a bit of interest by creating a display in reception
Download some of our posters to use at work
Campaigns can be an extremely successful way of getting people interested and raising awareness, but before you start, make sure you’ve planned well to give yourself the best chance of success.
Define your issue
Whether it’s a full car park, corporate social responsibility, an unhealthy workforce or poor provision for cyclists, make sure you know exactly what the issue is before you try and fix it.
Set your goal
Your goal should be SMART – Specific, Measureable, Ambitious, Realistic, Time-bound. What do you want to achieve? Do you want 20 bike parking spaces by the end of the summer? Do you want management to start rewarding people who cycle to work? Do you want to set up a lunchtime walking group?
Become an expert
The chances are someone else has come across the problem you are facing, so read up on how other people have tried to fix the problem, or contact the Sustrans Scotland Workplace team who will be able to offer assistance.
Create a resource pool
Resources will make your life easier, it’s hard to do everything on your own. You might need help from people who feel the same way about your issue, or you might need to call on Sustrans to assist, maybe you can print out some of our ready-made resources such as ‘How to get buy in from Senior Management’, or ‘How to set up a bike pool scheme’.
Know your opponents
You are always likely to come up against opposition, but if you are prepared for it then it will be much easier. Drivers won’t want car spaces removed for bike racks, facilities teams might be reluctant to put in a new shower or lockers and HR might not want to start providing bike mileage – but if you’ve got the proof that it’s needed then you’re on the right track.
Get your message across
Think creative! There are countless ways to get your message across. Everything from writing a letter to management, to putting an article in your staff newsletter, or posters at reception and handing out freebies. Bigger events can gather more interest, such as bringing in Dr Bike for an afternoon or organising a lunchtime walk.
Who needs to be involved?
It depends on what you want to achieve, but it could be HR, a Sustainability manager, senior management team, Health and Wellbeing representative or Environment manager. They might be working on fixing your issue already, so get in touch with them.
How do you get people involved?
Make it relevant to them. Most people want to save money or get healthier – those are the two best angles to take.
If you want further guidance or support please contact our workplaces team.