Further to our article on workplace stress, a new study has found that 52.6% of workers believe that their workplace damages their health.
Workers Believes Workplace Damages Their Health
As part of their new research, 3GEM Research (commissioned by Home Leisure Direct) interviewed 2000 office workers. They found that:-
- 52.6% of workers believe that their workplace damages their health
- 44.4% of the workers said they did not get the recommended 30 minutes of exercise (including walking) per day, with 72% citing their lack of activity as a health concern
- 32% of the workers spent more than 80% of their work time sitting down, whilst an additional 28% spent more than 60% of their work day seated. A further 12.5% spent 20-40% sitting down, whilst just 3% spent more than 80% of their work time not seated
- 57.5% of respondents to the survey stated that their workplace had no breakout area (i.e. a space open to employees which separates them from their usual working area), whilst 70& of those workers that had no breakout area said that they would like one. Of those offices that had breakout areas, the most common pieces of equipment were pool tables (42.8%) and table tennis tables (32.8%)
- 65% of workers said that they would consider moving to another employer for a improved working environment
Reaction
Responding to the survey which found that more than half of workers believe that their workplace damages their health, the managing director of Home Leisure Direct, Andy Beresford stated: "Considering we spend so much of our time at work, it’s no surprise that it’s likely to have an impact on our health. Be that a bad back from a lack of lumbar support, or simply being static for too long at a desk-bound job – there are many ways that our health can be impacted, and indeed impaired, by the space in which we work. Of course, the majority of workers would like better wages and more holiday – but improving their working environment is a step in the right direction. Whether you earn £100k a year or £100 a week, providing a vibrant and engaging office space does wonders to improve productivity and retention, while reducing absence and general disillusionment with your employer."
