Workplaces are aware that prolonged sitting at work has dire health consequences, but simply advising staff to alternate between sitting, standing and walking is not the best answer, according to a report by design practice HASSELL.
By attempting to add more movement into a typical office, employers can unwittingly make it less efficient and less productive, the company says. In addition to that, HASSELL continues, we still do not fully understand the best ways of incorporating more movement into the working day.
HASSELL head of knowledge and sustainability Brett Pollard says there is a need for more research to help employers find the right balance.
“We know the cure is more movement, but unfortunately it has unintended side effects for workplace productivity,” Pollard says.
He adds that research shows that when workers who are in ‘the zone’ are interrupted from their task, it can take up to 23 minutes to get back on track.
“Rather than simply interrupt work activities to move between sitting, standing and walking, we should instead look at which work activities are best suited to each of these,” Pollard says.
“Further research will also tell us how often people should shift positions and for how long, whether it is better to encourage staff to change positions between tasks rather than during, and whether it is appropriate to schedule interruptions into lengthy tasks.”
Pollard continues: “There are a lot of questions that still need to be answered before employers embark on any change. Once we have the answers to such questions, employers will be better able to incorporate effective solutions and to design their workplaces to encourage the optimum level of activity and productivity.”
A review by HASSELL says the ‘jury is still out’ on touted solutions, such as treadmill desks, and cautions that prolonged standing can also have consequences, including back pain and increased stroke risk.
Further knowledge, combined with the emerging WELL Building Standard, will help employers of choice create the healthiest possible environment for their staff, HASSEL concludes.
