Get moving at work and combat the dangers of prolonged sitting with these ideas for active working.
Deskbound Britain
A sedentary nation
Staying in one place for too long is unhealthy for our bodies and our minds. The implications for office workers is worrying, especially as more and more of us are relying on computers to carry out our job roles.
One of the biggest studies so far found that sedentary behaviour can:
- Increase the risk of developing type II diabetes
- Increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- Increase the risk of some cancers
- Reduce life expectancy
- Increase occurrences of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
- Cause unhealthy ageing and poorer bone health later in life
The outlook is just as bad for businesses. In 2014 the most cited reason for taking sick leave was back, neck and muscle pain - resulting in a loss of 31 million work days a year, a massive 25% of the total days taken off sick in the country.
Office workers - we're all at risk
Sedentary working impacts businesses in many ways
Lower concentration
Reduced productivity
Lack of morale
More absenteeism
Strain of covering workloads
Recruitment difficulties
The remedy? An active working policy
The best solution is to adopt an active working culture. This requires us to change our way of thinking and the way we interact with our working environment.
Use the stairs instead of the lift
Active breaks - away from our screens
Standing up on the train to work
Walk during lunch breaks
Healthy nutrition & hydration
Managers leading by example
Keep active
The more we can move at work, the better. Staying in one position for too long - whether that’s sitting or standing - is bad for us.
Frequently changing your posture and taking opportunities to move away from your desk will help maintain the metabolic activity that breaks down fats and reduces blood glucose levels. Movement will also help you to maintain good postures and reduce muscle fatigue. As the following behaviours become routine, business efficiency should improve, along with the health and wellbeing of you and your colleagues.
Download our useful advice sheet for ways you can keep active around the office.
Download advice sheetWhat is a sit-stand desk?
A sit-stand desk is simply a desk that can be adjusted to both sitting and standing positions. This encourages users to change their position throughout the day, which relieves stress on the body and reduces the risk of sitting related aches, pains, injuries and diseases.
Leading by example in this area is Scandinavia, with data showing that 90% of office workers there have access to sit-stand workstations. In the UK that figure is just 1%.
Sit-stand products
Innovative workstations that help encourage activity while you work
Join the stand-up revolution with a sit-stand desk, designed to get office workers up and moving more.
Contact us
To request more information or to seek 'no obligation' advice, please contact our experienced customer services team on +44 (0) 345 345 0010 or submit an enquiry.
