Sitting is a health risk similar to smoking.
It wasn`t that long ago that employees smoked while working but today smoking is prohibited in the most Ontario workplaces. Employers must now acknowledge the potential health problems related to sedentary jobs.
There is extensive medical evidence showing that being inactive for extended periods of time by sitting at a desk, on the couch, or in a car is hazardous to your health. A good daily workout is not enough to correct the problem. Employees, who sit extensively at work, need to stand up and stretch for a few minutes at least every half hour. The incidence of musculoskeletal disorders, heart disease, cancer and diabetes increase significantly for sedentary people.
To prevent injuries and disease, employers must recognize this job hazard and implement strategies to reduce prolonged seated time by workers. Employees often stay seated continuously at their desks for hours. They need to feel comfortable standing up, stretching and even working in a standing position. The attitude that “Sitting quietly at one’s desk is the proper way to work” must change.
Examining work processes and workplace attitudes can help employers identify how to get employees to stand up and move more often during the work day. To get employees out of their chairs, they may need:
- more information about the health benefits of stretching and changing positions frequently
- training about how to incorporate more movement into their work day
- acceptance by supervisors and colleagues during frequent standing sessions
- modelling by supervisors and colleagues who also stand and stretch often
- adaptive equipment or workspace re-design (standing desks or tables, telephone headsets, etc.)
- reminders to take scheduled breaks.
Senior Managers need to acknowledge that prolonged sitting is a workplace hazard. Commitment to helping workers become more active during the work day can prevent employee health problems and optimize productivity.
There are many resources available to get employees more active at work.
