A recent study highlights the significant activity levels among non-desk-based workers in the UK.
- Workers in non-desk roles, such as healthcare and hospitality, are nearly three times more active than the average Brit.
- Non-desk-based workers walk an average of 10,393 steps daily, significantly exceeding the 3,500-step average of the general UK population.
- Despite physical benefits, many workers face challenges such as missing meals and social activities due to job demands.
- Employers are encouraged to implement measures to reduce physical strain, providing safer working environments.
A recent investigation into the activity levels of workers in non-desk-based roles has uncovered striking data concerning their physical engagement. According to findings, employees in sectors such as healthcare, hospitality, and construction exhibit a level of physical activity that is nearly three times that of the typical British worker. These individuals, who track their daily steps, report an impressive average of 10,393 steps per workday, a stark contrast to the 3,500-step average of the general UK populace as per NHS statistics. This translates to an astounding 98,626,942 steps over the span of an average career, equating to approximately 44,175 miles, equivalent to two laps around the Earth’s circumference.
The psychological benefits of this increased activity are notable, with 76% of workers acknowledging a positive impact on their mental health. However, the demands of their roles often lead to sacrifices in other areas of life. It was reported that nearly 60% of non-desk-based workers frequently forgo recreational pursuits or social gatherings due to fatigue accrued from their jobs. Furthermore, 51% admitted to leaving social events prematurely for similar reasons. The study also highlighted a critical concern regarding hydration and nutrition; 76% of respondents confessed to inadequate water intake during their shifts, and 62% admitted to skipping meals due to work commitments.
Physical strain is a documented issue, with significant numbers experiencing discomfort due to prolonged periods on their feet. The data indicate that 81% rarely have opportunities to sit during their shifts, leading to prevalent back and foot pain, affecting 55% and 48% of workers, respectively. Alarmingly, 18% reported taking time off due to work-related injuries, and 23% had experienced slips or trips while on duty.
An industry-specific breakdown reveals that non-desk-based professionals consistently exceed the recommended 10,000 daily steps, underscoring the intense physical nature of their roles. Sarah de los Rios, Sales and Marketing Director at Altro, emphasised the necessity for employers to mitigate physical risks, advocating for the deployment of safety technologies and enhanced workplace environments. Altro’s commitment to safety is demonstrated through its flooring solutions, engineered to minimise slip risks with rigorous testing to achieve superior pendulum test values.
This study serves as a crucial reminder for employers to address the physical demands placed on non-desk-based workers and to ensure their wellbeing is maintained through appropriate workplace modifications.
The findings underscore the need for balanced approaches to safeguard non-desk-based workers’ wellbeing.
