New research highlights the varying levels of activity across UK industries, revealing that non-desk workers are substantially more active.
- Current data shows average daily steps for UK individuals range from 3,000 to 4,000, driving interest in increasing activity.
- Office workers spend a significant amount of their day seated, highlighting the need for innovative solutions.
- Standing desks and walking pads, gaining popularity on platforms like TikTok, are suggested tools for reducing sedentary time.
- Implementing brief, regular walking activities during breaks or calls can significantly boost daily steps and improve health.
Research conducted by Altro shows a stark difference in activity levels between non-desk-based workers and their desk-bound counterparts in the UK. Non-desk workers are almost three times as active as the average Briton. This disparity is sparking increased interest in finding ways to boost physical activity among those in sedentary roles, as the days become longer and the weather more inviting.
The NHS indicates that most individuals only manage between 3,000 and 4,000 steps daily. As summer approaches, there’s a rising trend, evidenced by a 230% spike in searches for “10,000 steps a day,” suggesting a collective desire to enhance physical fitness. For many, this includes office workers who spend a substantial portion of their day—up to nine hours—seated, resulting in approximately 67 days of sedentary activity each year.
To address this, standing desks or converters offer a practical solution, allowing employees to work while standing. This adjustment can help burn calories, improve posture, and reduce back pain. The trend for walking pads, propelled by social media platforms such as TikTok, where #walkingpad has garnered over 578 million views, has enabled some users to walk significant distances, up to 16 miles, during a typical workday.
Besides workspace modifications, utilizing lunch breaks for movement is vital. A brisk walk during this time can not only break the monotony of a long workday but also improve mental clarity and productivity by enhancing blood flow to the brain. This practice supports the dual goals of increasing activity levels and mitigating the afternoon energy slump.
Walking to work, or at least part of the way, presents another opportunity to integrate more steps into the daily routine. Even small changes, such as parking further from the workplace or alighting public transit a stop earlier, can add a meaningful number of steps, contributing to higher overall daily activity levels.
For those who find solo exercise daunting, forming or joining walking groups can offer motivation and a sense of community. These groups provide companionship and encourage regular activity as evenings extend and temperatures rise, providing a relaxing end to the workday. Remote workers also have the option to propose virtual walk-and-talk meetings, prompting their peers to participate in these active sessions.
Finally, prioritizing mobile conversations over stationary meetings can transform necessary discussions into opportunities for physical activity. Engaging in calls while walking can improve focus and ensure employees remain active, counterbalancing the significant time spent in largely unnecessary meetings. Walking during conversations can burn between 200 to 350 calories, accounting for 6,000 to 8,000 steps, thus contributing positively to overall health.
Enabling more active workdays can enhance individual well-being and productivity across all sectors.
