As summer approaches, improving workplace activity becomes crucial for many desk-bound employees.
- Research highlights non-desk-based workers as significantly more active than their desk-bound counterparts.
- A notable surge of 230% in searches for ‘10,000 steps a day’ reflects growing interest in personal fitness.
- Altro presents practical strategies to integrate more movement into the workday without drastic changes.
- Emphasis on small adjustments like standing desks and incorporating walks into daily routines can significantly enhance activity levels.
With the advent of brighter days, there is a palpable shift towards increasing physical activity, especially among those tethered to desks. The vast discrepancy in activity levels between desk-based and non-desk-based employees has been spotlighted, with the latter moving almost three times more than the average British worker. This backdrop sets the scene for a growing trend; searches for ‘10,000 steps a day’ have skyrocketed by 230%, underlining a collective shift towards healthier lifestyles.
Acknowledging the difficulty faced by 81% of UK office workers, who spend significant hours seated, Altro offers accessible solutions for enhancing workplace activity. The first recommendation is the adoption of standing desks or converters, which can seamlessly transform a traditional workspace. These setups not only aid in burning more calories but also potentially improve posture, alleviate back discomfort, and heighten concentration. A more novel suggestion is the use of under-desk walking pads, a trend gaining traction on TikTok, demonstrating how employees can accumulate impressive mileage without leaving their workstations.
Lunch breaks provide a valuable window for physical activity. By dedicating even half of this time to a brisk walk, workers can materially boost their daily step count while simultaneously invigorating their mental faculties. Walking after a meal enhances blood circulation, which in turn, refines concentration and productivity, effectively counteracting the common afternoon decline in focus.
The concept of walking to work, or modifying commuting habits to increase step counts, is encouraged. Given improved weather conditions, employees might opt to park further away from the office or alight public transport sooner to incorporate additional walking into their daily routine. Even minor adjustments, such as a mile-long walk, can contribute significantly, translating to approximately 2,000 steps and just over 15 minutes of added commute time.
For those daunted by solitary exercise, walking groups present an attractive alternative by offering community and motivation. Organising group walks post-work not only fosters camaraderie but also serves as an effective stress reliever as days become longer. Remote workers can leverage technology to partake in virtual walking sessions, thereby encouraging a culture of collective engagement in physical activity.
Another pragmatic approach is to conduct phone calls while walking. This strategy repurposes the excessive ‘pointless’ meetings into opportunities for increased movement. Walking during calls not only amplifies focus but also significantly contributes to calorie expenditure, potentially equating to thousands of additional steps by week’s end.
Integrating these strategies into the workday can markedly shift sedentary habits towards a more active lifestyle.
