Over four-fifths (81%) of UK office workers spend between four and nine hours each day sitting at their desks, equating to an average of 67 sedentary days per year, according to research commissioned by business product organisation Fellowes.
The survey of 1,250 office workers, conducted by Censuswide in April 2018, found that nearly half (45%) sat at their desks for between six and nine hours daily, and over a third (36%) said they were sedentary for between four to six hours.
Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents said their office environment had a negative impact on their health, and almost half (45%) didn’t think their employer cared about their health and wellbeing in the workplace.
A quarter (25%) of office workers told the survey that being uncomfortable at work means they ache at the end of the day, while slightly more (26%) said it stops them being productive.
Stephen Bowden, ergonomist and human factors consultant at chartered ergonomist organisation Morgan Maxwell, said: “These findings are extremely concerning. British businesses have an obligation to look out for their employees’ health and wellbeing, and failure to do so can result in injury, illness, as well as poor productivity output.
“One simple way to do this is by ensuring workers have access to the necessary ergonomic equipment, including sit-stand desks, foot, wrists and back supports, to prevent aches and pains and mental distress.”
Over a quarter (26%) of respondents did not know it is a legal requirement for employers to undertake regular workstation risk assessments.