New research unveiled today reveals how Brits yearn to feel the burn in the workplace as two-thirds of office workers (68 percent) are worried about the effect that sitting at their desks for prolonged periods is having on their physical and emotional health. 

The study by Plantronics, a global leader in audio communications, has uncovered that putting on weight (57%) as a result of remaining seated for most of the day was the top concern for the nation’s workforce. More than half (56%) said their health had suffered because they were “not as fit” and four in ten (43%) workers  complained that they constantly have back or neck ache as a result of staying at their desks. Three in ten (29%) even feel mentally exhausted and drained from sitting down for so long. Shockingly, on the occasions Brits do stretch their legs, seven in ten (73%) only get up to go to the toilet or make a cup of tea. So it’s little wonder that, on average, workers have put on half a stone in the last year, with one in five (19%) putting on a stone or more.

Steven Ward, Executive Director of ukactive, commented: “Sedentary office environments are harming the health of millions of employees in the UK every day.  We all know it is much easier said than done to get up from our desks and move more – especially when those deadlines are looming – but this poll shows how urgently that needs to change.  It’s great to see Plantronics opening up new ways to tackle inactivity in the workplace and finding new ways to inject movement throughout the working day.” 

The research, which surveyed 2,000 British office workers, also revealed:

• Over half (50.23%) stay at their desks for hours on end because they are ‘too busy’
• Over a fifth (22%) said they can’t be away from their desks because they need to be near their phones in case they ring
• Four in ten (42%) admit they have lunch at their desks – rather than going out or to the work canteen/office restaurant
• One in ten (9%) admit to never having a lunch break
• The average worker only gets up from their their desks and walks around the office just three times a day
• On average, British office workers spend over half a day (4.27hrs) of sitting continuously at their desk without getting up
• A third (33%) of Brits admit to exercising just one hour or less a week

With eight in ten workers (80%) saying they’d like to fit more exercise into their everyday work routine, but 40% don’t know how to or don’t have the time, Plantronics has teamed up with Faya Nilsson of ‘Fitness on Toast’ to create an exclusive series of desk based exercises. The simple workouts, which can be done using a wireless headset, include tricep dips using an office chair, incline press ups using a desk and squats using water bottles. The selection of exercises illustrate how busy workers can still tone their glutes and core without interrupting their work day or missing those all important conference calls. Faya, Fitness on Toast, said: “I understand how challenging it can be to take a break from busy work schedules and sitting at your desk, but it’s really important to move around.  A quick walk around the office or some light stretching of your back, arms or legs, all while on a call, can help make you feel more active and energised both mentally and physically. I’m glad to be working with Plantronics on this project. It’s really easy to weave in some exercises into your every day life at the office and the growth of wireless technology helps you to do this.” 

Paul Clark VP General Manager, Nothern & Eastern Europe, Russia & sub-Saharan Africa at Plantronics added: “The line between work and play has blurred in recent years thanks to the rise of flexible, mobile and remote working. However, as our stats show, office workers feel increasingly tied to their desks.  A healthy workforce is a happy workforce and the growth of wireless and connected headsets in the workplace mean employees can stay active, even when they’re on conference calls. Faya’s exercises are a great way to work exercise into busy schedules.”