Office workers spend around three-quarters of their working day sitting down, according to the British Medical Bulletin. Compared with home workers, office staff take fewer exercise breaks.
The layout of most offices encourages sedentary work patterns, with staff encouraged to stay at their desks for long periods. ONS data show that most workers commute by car rather than by bike or on foot. They may walk from the car park to their desks, but they spend most of the day sitting.
The 2024 ASICS Global State of Mind study found that two hours of continuous sitting at a desk creates a measurable mental decline. Most British office workers exceed three hours of continuous sitting every working day, which is not supportive of high productivity.
These findings suggest that when looking for new offices, organisations should consider whether the office layout encourages exercise. Locating shared facilities away from desks means workers walk more. Sit-stand desks reduce sitting time. Gym and exercise areas, as well daily breaks when the whole team leave their desks, encourage healthy habits. Some organisations have collective exercise sessions, which are good for health.
Helen Beebe, an expert on happiness at work, says that when considering office design and management, little attention is given to how a building affects the health and mood of those who work in it.
If your organisation is moving to a healthier office, you’ll need the help of a company experienced in office removals. In Merseyside, we at Merseyside Movers & Storers are the answer. Our team are experts in relocating offices.
