A recent study published in the Lancet has revealed that sitting too much and a lack of physical activity can lead to an increased mortality risk.

The research analysed data from 16 previous studies, mainly involving people aged over 45 from Western Europe, Australia and the USA. It found that people in this group - which includes many thousands of office workers – who sat for eight or more hours a day and were active for less than one hour a day were up to 60% more likely to die prematurely than more active and less sedentary individuals.

Heart disease and cancer were the most likely causes of death linked to an inactive lifestyle.

However, it was also found that an hour of activity every day can completely offset this risk; lead author, Professor Ulf Ekelund, from the Norwegian School of Sports Science and Cambridge University said: “You don’t need to do sport, you don’t need to go to the gym. It’s OK doing some brisk walking, maybe in the morning, during lunchtime, after dinner in the evening. You can split it up over the day, but you need to do at least one hour.”

Professor Ekelund acknowledges that many people who commuted to work and had office-based jobs could not escape sitting for long periods but said that even short breaks from sitting could prove beneficial: “Take a five minute break every hour, go to the next office, go upstairs to the coffee machine, go to the printer. Build physical activity in your every day life.”

The report also urged employers to allow workers to bring activity into their daily routine, which has been supported by another recent study carried out by Warwick University. Reporting on HR news website, HRreview, Rebecca Clarke highlighted the study's findings that healthier workers are happier workers, which in turn can help increase productivity. Further, it also has the added benefits of, among other things, improved staff morale, reduced sick pay costs and reduced insurance costs.

Rebecca writes: “Healthy staff can create a healthy bottom line, so wellness in your organisation should be looked upon as an opportunity and benefit – not a cost to be avoided”.

But how can employers help boost the health of their workers?

Here are some ideas on encouraging a healthier, more active workforce:

1. Ensure workers take some time away from their desk, perhaps by creating a comfortable and inviting area where they can eat their lunch.
2. Encourage healthy eating with free fruit and other healthy snacks available each day.
3. Allow flexible working to enable staff time to fit exercise around their working day.

How can Omnium Benefits help?

If you want to do something more formal, Omnium Employee Benefits can put together a bespoke benefits package tailored to the needs or your organisation and employees.

For example, we can help you put in place a cycle to work scheme with tax advantages, as well as health, dental and optical plans that encourage better wellbeing or even a scheme where members use a fitness tracking app with rewards for those choosing a healthier lifestyle.

Get in touch

Please give us a call today on 01483 205890 or email mhodson@omniumbenefits.com to set up a no obligation meeting to discuss your own requirements.