A sedentary lifestyle often comes with the territory of an office job. However, AXA PPP healthcare’s research reveals that British workers are racking up an average daily sit-time of nine hours – the equivalent of flying to the Caribbean from the UK [1]. Contributor Dr Yousef Habbab, Medical Director for Health Services – AXA PPP healthcare
Yet prolonged sitting has been linked to health risks including obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and certain cancers – health risks that HR professionals shouldn’t ignore [2]. Promoting a more active workforce is in your company’s interest too as, in addition to physical benefits, exercise brings psychological and cognitive benefits, which can, in turn, help boost performance and productivity [3]. Despite nearly three-quarters (73 percent) of the workers we polled saying they experiencing musculoskeletal problems such as back, neck and shoulder pain, only 36 percent said they were proactive about regularly leaving their work seats to move around.
To make matters worse, sedentary commuting and leisure time further increase the risk of developing health problems. Over a quarter (27 percent) of the respondents in our survey said they sit for 30 to 60 minutes on their journey to and from work, while 50 percent are also seat-bound for two to three hours per day during their leisure time.
Arguably some of this sedentary tendency can be helped by employers as, in our follow-up study, 61 percent of the employees we surveyed said they do not feel encouraged by their employer to lead an active lifestyle [4]. But it doesn’t have to be this way. And HR professionals can do their part to address the issue of sedentary working by taking the lead themselves – and encouraging those in their own teams – to adopt and develop more physical activity in and around the working day.
Take regular breaks
Try to be proactive about getting up and about every half an hour. And encourage others to do likewise – whether it’s to speak to a colleague, get a (healthy!) drink or to simply stretch their legs. This should help to energise and refresh them. For an extra boost, take the stairs instead of the lift.
Suggest a walking meeting
Walking meetings offer the chance for exercise, a change of scenery which may inspire new ideas and fresh air – the latter being especially valuable if employees spend long periods of time working at their desks. This informal style is effective for 1-2-1 meetings and brainstorms.
Standing meetings are also effective
Not many people can stand comfortably for two hours so standing meetings are a great motivator for keeping proceedings concise – while giving participants an opportunity to stretch the legs.
Use lunchtime to take some exercise
This can be as simple as leaving your desk or work station for a walk with, again, the change of scenery and fresh air giving you a chance to reflect and refresh. If practicable, you may wish to organise lunchtime exercise or sports or yoga groups for those who enjoy doing activities with workmates.
Encourage face-to-face interaction instead of email
It’s too easy to send an email, which can add to employees’ screen-time. So for a change encourage them to walk over to colleagues in the same workplace when they have a question to ask or want to discuss something. Little steps … that can help make a big difference.
Working out
Some workplaces have a gym on-site so make the most of the facilities. And, if not, you could sound out your management about your organisation offering free or discounted gym membership. You may find it’s a welcome employee benefit – and morale booster.
HR leaders have a key part to play in ensuring their organisations meets their statutory duty to safeguard employees’ health and safety. But they can do even better. And, by taking a positive, supportive approach to building a workplace culture where being physically active is not just encouraged but the norm, it should be conducive to fostering a happy, productive workforce where employees feel valued, supported and motivated to give their best.
References
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Survey of 2007 UK adults in employment undertaken October 2016 by Atomik for AXA PPP healthcare.
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Kohl HW, Craig CL, Lambert EV et al (2012). The pandemic of physical inactivity: global action for public health. The Lancet 380: 294-305
http://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lancet/PIIS0140-6736(12)60898-8.pdf
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Hogan CL, Mata J, Carstensen, LL (2013). Exercise holds immediate benefits for affect and cognition in younger and older adults. Psychol Aging 28: 587-94
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23795769
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Survey of 1000 full-time employees undertaken August 2017 by 3Gem for AXA PPP healthcare
