The Sitting Epidemic – Are you moving enough?

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As remote work becomes increasingly common, many of us find ourselves spending long hours at our desks at home. While this arrangement offers flexibility and comfort, it can also lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Some have even gone so far as to refer to ‘the sitting epidemic’, with work from home employees totalling as little as 500 steps per day!

Working from home often means less incidental movement – no commute, no walks to meeting rooms, or chats by the water cooler. This reduction in daily activity can negatively impact our physical and mental health and the drastic nature of the change could lead to long lasting health effects, if left unchecked.

Let’s delve into some eye-opening statistics that highlight this growing concern:

• A study by Fitbit found that after the shift to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic, step counts decreased by an average of 12% across the United States. In some cities, the decrease was as high as 38%.
• Research published in the Journal of Occupational Environmental Medicine revealed that remote workers spend an average of 16 minutes more per day sitting compared to office workers. Over a week, this adds up to nearly two additional hours of sedentary time.
• A survey by the Institute for Employment Studies found that 33% of remote workers reported taking fewer breaks, leading to prolonged periods of inactivity.
• A report by NordVPN Teams showed that remote employees in the US are logging an average of three additional hours per day on their computers compared to pre-pandemic levels, further contributing to sedentary behaviour.
• The American Heart Association warns that adults who sit for eight or more hours a day have a 59% increased risk of obesity compared to those who sit for less than four hours per day.

These statistics paint a concerning picture of the physical inactivity that often accompanies remote work. However, awareness is the first step toward change. By understanding the scope of the problem, we can better appreciate the importance of integrating more movement into our daily routines.

Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Whether it’s setting reminders to stand up and stretch, incorporating short walks between tasks, or investing in active workstation options like standing desks or under-desk treadmills, there are many ways to combat the sedentary nature of remote work.

The goal of 10,000 steps per day originated in Japan and has since become a global benchmark for daily activity. While it’s not a magic number, research suggests that increasing your step count to this level can offer significant health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, better weight management, increased energy levels, reduced risk of chronic diseases and many more.

Incorporating more movement into your day isn’t just about health – it’s about efficiency too. Regular movement can boost creativity and problem-solving skills, improve focus and concentration, reduce stress and anxiety an enhance overall job satisfaction.
Remember, the goal is progress, not perfection. Start where you are and gradually increase your activity. Your body and mind will thank you for it!

CEO SAYS

It is my understanding that the current working from home policy is beneficial to both the company, and you as an employee. Please take note of the above and incorporate more movement into your day to negate the negative trends described above.

Call us on 083 458 5403 or send an email to [email protected] to appoint us as your independent scheme manager and experience the difference of personalized member care with Medi Call.