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Office workers live their lives sitting behind a desk
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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During the working week, a person spends an average of 5 hours 41 minutes sitting at their desk and 7 hours sleeping . Sitting at a desk for a long time not only harms physical health, but also negatively affects mental well-being. This is the conclusion reached by researchers Myanne Duncan and Cheryl Haslam from Loughborough University (UK). The scientists presented the results of their study at the annual conference of the British Psychological Society.
According to the study, about 70% of surveyed office workers aged 50 and under did not meet physical activity recommendations. For the study, researchers surveyed 1,000 occupational health workers over 18 months in 2009-11.
The researchers analyzed the lifestyle, physical activity, and work capacity index of the study participants. All participants answered a questionnaire on their general health and attitude toward work (job satisfaction, organizational commitment, motivation to work, intention to quit smoking).
The results of the study also showed that:
- People who sit longer at work are more likely to lead a sedentary lifestyle outside of work.
- There is a link between body mass index levels and time spent at work.
- Sedentary work reduces a person's mental well-being.
Today, in the UK, as elsewhere in Europe, there is a trend towards an increase in employees aged 50 and over. With the proportion of sedentary jobs increasing, scientists are focusing on the health, working conditions and mental well-being of employees.
Dr Duncan said: "There is a real need for more physical activity in many organisations at the moment. I would encourage more movement at work, such as going and talking to your work colleagues face to face rather than using Skype or email."
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