Make Work Healthier With Movement
How sedentary are you at work? In today’s busy day and age, it may seem that more people are moving around than ever. But in fact, work keeps most of us at our desks. While we may have a cell phone, tablet or laptop, we’re simply not as mobile as we may wish. And while sedentary work is less worrisome than once thought, workers today want and demand more activity in their work life. In order to remain healthy and engaged at work, it’s essential to move more.
According to the new Steelcase Global Report, the majority of office workers around the world use twice as much fixed technology as mobile technology, tethering workers to their desks. Eighty percent of workers use a desktop computer, while 86 percent use a landline phone. As a result, workers today are desk-bound, spending an average of 5.7 hours a day sitting. So what’s the answer?
How to move more at work
To help workers stay on the move and spend less time sitting, Steelcase identified three ways to rethink the workplace.
First, providing an ecosystem of spaces is essential to encouraging movement, choice, and control. And according to recent research, workers are more engaged when they can choose where and how they work.
Secondly, support varied postures. When employees have the option to sit or stand, lean or perch, workers will be more comfortable and better supported.
Lastly, employing different positions and postures throughout the day ensures true activity. Standing and sitting tend to burn the same amount of calories, but one can become the worse option if the user becomes static and inactive. Switch frequently between sitting and standing; that offers positive health outcomes according to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society. One popular way to do it is with an adjustable-height desk, which is quick to customize for each user.
See the full article on movement at work here. And keep the good news moving by sharing this article with your circles!
Questions? Feedback? Leave us a comment below or connect with us at info@custerinc.com.
Custer is proud to bring you insights from our partner, Steelcase.
