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A recent study has us on the edge of our seats – literally. It shows that spending over eight hours a day sitting at your desk does so much harm to your body that you need more than an hour’s daily exercise to offset the increased risk of death. Not only that, it can increase the likelihood of diabetes and cardiovascular problems by 90%. And the inactivity is likely to be costing your business. A study shows that physical inactivity costs our global economy over £50 billion per year in healthcare and lost productivity.
Every fast-growing company knows that healthy (and happy) employees are efficient, invested ones – research by Virgin showing that wellbeing has a positive impact on company culture in 80% of cases. But for most industries, desk work is part and parcel of the job.
To help keep your team fighting fit while at work, we’ve put together some little adjustments to make in your company:
Keeping moving
Most of us spend most of the day at a computer, so it’s important to vary your team’s daily routine. Introduce a policy of stand-up meetings whenever they’re internal – and mark it on the calendar event as a reminder. Shifting pressure points by standing relieves muscle strain and prevents your team members spending hours sitting with a curved back looking at a screen.
Making use of breaks
Regus studies reveal that most workers can only concentrate for up to three hours without breaks, so it’s worth using those gaps productively for short bursts of activity such as stretching or walking. British NHS research shows that ten minutes of moderate exercise can help lessen the risk of diabetes. Lead by example and move around the office on hands-free calls.
Checking screen heights
How are your team’s screens positioned? (Hands up if you’re reading bent over a laptop.) Slouching reduces lung capacity by as much as 30%, which can lead to shortness of breath and even cardiovascular problems from a lack of oxygenated blood, so it’s worth making sure your employees are sitting properly. Keeping screens straight – not positioned to the side or at an angle – and 15cm below the natural sightline are simple ways to ensure a straight-backed posture.
Switching to video
Spending too long in one position, such as holding a phone to your ear, can cause unnecessary muscle strain. Switching from phones to using video conferencing for your calls allows you to sit up straight and keep moving your muscles.
