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We all know at some level that the modern office environment has negative impacts on our bodies, despite being comfortable and climate controlled. A number of recent studies have shown concerning statistics about how sedentary lifestyles can impact our overall health.
With that in mind, let’s dive into the numbers about how office work are impacting millions of people around the world.
The data and statistics in this article have been thoroughly researched from numerous expert reports and sources (see bottom of article for full citations) such as the US Department of Labor, The Vision Council, and the American College of Physicians.
What is the Sitting Epidemic?
“More than one half of the average person’s waking life involves sedentary activity, such as watching television, working at a computer, or commuting” [1]. Of this time, approximately 6.5 hours are spent specifically at their desk during working hours.
Our screen time has reached unprecedented levels – “more than 80 percent of adults report using digital devices for over two hours per day, and nearly 67 percent say they use two or more devices simultaneously. Moreover, close to 55 percent report looking at some type of screen in the first hour they’re awake, and nearly 80 percent say they use digital devices in the hour just before going to sleep.” Dr. Justin Bazan notes that “based on my experience and research, the light emitted from screens may be linked to issues with sleep, not to mention recurrent headaches, issues seeing content on a screen, and red, itchy and dry eyes.” [2]
Those are scary statistics and shows that the education and adoption of best practices still has a long way to go. Personally, I have found that instead of being on my phone right before going to sleep that reading a book – personally I prefer a Kindle in bed because it’s easier to hold) has helped tremendously.
The Rise of Standing Desks:
First, we suggest you have a look at our full post: Standing Desk: What are the Health Benefits according to Experts
The response to these numerous health concerns regarding sitting and being sedentary has been to adopt standing desks in homes and offices.
One survey shows that “60 percent of respondents said they provide or subsidize the cost of switching from a sitting desk to a standing desk” [3]. This represents a significant increase from even a few years earlier in 2015 where only 25% of respondents said they are offering standing desks.
However, cost remain a significant barrier to full adoption since office specific standing desks can cost up to $2,000 each. Even with the investment, the research shows that workers with standing desks typically only stand for 1-2 hours during their workday.
Workplace Injuries and Ergonomic Solutions
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 30% of all worker injury and illness cases [5]. Office workers specifically report these common issues:
- Back pain (38% of cases)
- Neck strain (16%)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (12%)
- Other repetitive strain injuries (34%)
Those can add up to many missed days and many more unproductive hours that only grows as the size of the organization increases.
Breaking the Sedentary Cycle
Health experts recommend several strategies to combat the physical toll of office life:
- Following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away
- Taking a 5-minute movement break every hour
- Aiming to stand for at least 2 hours per workday, gradually increasing to 4 hours
- Ensuring proper ergonomic setup of workstations
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- Excellent balance
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- Some appreciate the build quality, saying it's well-made and provides stability.
The Cost of Inaction
The economic impact of poor office ergonomics and sedentary behavior is substantial. Companies lose an estimated $3,900 per employee annually due to productivity losses related to physical discomfort and associated health issues [6]. This figure includes:
- Lost workdays due to musculoskeletal problems
- Decreased productivity while working through discomfort
- Healthcare costs related to workplace injuries
- Worker’s compensation claims
Looking Forward
As we continue to understand the physical impact of office work, companies are increasingly adopting better approaches to workplace wellness, but there is still work to be done. This includes:
- Regular ergonomic assessments
- Investment in adjustable furniture
- Implementation of movement-friendly office designs
- Education programs on proper posture and movement for employees
- Ways to ensure accountability for these steps
The data clearly shows that while office work presents significant physical challenges, proactive measures can help mitigate these risks. As we move forward, the focus must remain on creating workplaces that support not just productivity, but also physical wellbeing.
Sources:
[1] Annals of Internal Medicine: Too much sitting linked to serious health risks and death, regardless of exercise habits
[2] Vision Council Digital Eye Strain Report: The Vision Council Shines Light on Protecting Sight – and Health – in a Multi-screen Era
[3] Employers Boost Benefits to Win and Keep Top Talent, 2019
[4] Ergonomic Trends Market Analysis
[5] Bureau of Labor Statistics Workplace Injury Report
[6] Employees Poor Health Cost Employers $575B in 2019
