New research highlights a stark contrast in activity levels between desk-based and non-desk-based workers in the UK, with the latter being significantly more active.
- As the days lengthen, there’s a growing interest in increasing daily step counts among Britons, driven by the anticipation of summer.
- A staggering 81% of office workers in the UK spend a significant portion of their day seated, leading to over two months of sedentary behaviour annually.
- To address this, Altro offers practical suggestions to seamlessly integrate more movement into the workday without disrupting routines.
- These tips have gained traction, notably evidenced by the surge in online searches related to achieving daily step goals.
A recent study conducted by Altro reveals that non-desk-based employees in the UK demonstrate nearly three times higher activity levels compared to their desk-bound counterparts. This disparity becomes increasingly relevant as the UK approaches the summer months, when more individuals seek to enhance their physical activity. The motivation behind this trend is corroborated by a 230% increase in searches for ‘10,000 steps a day’, indicating a shift in public interest towards achieving specific fitness benchmarks.
Current findings show that a vast majority, accounting for 81% of office personnel, are confined to their desks for extensive durations ranging from four to nine hours daily, translating into roughly 67 inactive days each year. This substantial sedentary time poses challenges for individuals striving to inject more activity into their routines.
In response, Altro has curated a set of five strategies aimed at boosting physical activity within the constraints of a typical working day. One such method involves the utilisation of standing desks or desk converters. These tools facilitate calorie expenditure, alleviate back pain, and enhance focus, while encouraging users to engage with under-desk walking pads for added movement. It’s noteworthy that the walking pad trend has gained significant popularity on social media platforms, with users sharing impressive personal milestones.
Lunchtime represents a prime opportunity for incorporating exercise into the day. Allocating a portion of this break to walking can invigorate employees, providing a welcome respite from morning tasks. Such activity is linked to better circulation and heightened concentration, effectively counteracting the afternoon dip in energy and productivity.
Commutes provide another avenue for step count enhancement. Employees are encouraged to walk to work when feasible, or alternatively, adjust their travel habits by parking further from the office or disembarking public transport earlier. This approach ensures an incremental boost in daily steps, contributing positively to overall health.
For those who may find individual exercise intimidating, joining or organising a walking group can offer motivation and a sense of community. Engaging in group walks post-work can be both a social and physical benefit, fostering connections and promoting relaxation as daylight extends into the evening hours.
Finally, altering the manner in which work calls are conducted presents an innovative means to increase activity. Transforming typically sedentary phone calls into opportunities for movement can significantly contribute to fitness goals. Walking during calls can markedly enhance focus while also delivering substantial health benefits over time.
Sarah de los Rios, Sales and Marketing Director at Altro, underscores the dual advantage of increased physical activity: it boosts individual well-being while also reducing environmental impact. She highlights a colleague’s initiative to cycle to meetings on Earth Day as an exemplary effort to merge personal health objectives with sustainable practices. Employers are thus encouraged to facilitate active opportunities for all employees, promoting equity in workplace wellness.
Altro’s recommendations offer feasible options for integrating exercise into daily work routines, benefiting both personal health and ecological impact.
