For many workers in the UK, leading an active lifestyle can be difficult at the best of times, especially when much of the working day sees them sitting down at a computer. But, for others, work means constant movement, with sitting down during a shift seeming like a luxury.
Despite how different the roles in these non-desk-based industries are, workplace safety expert Altro, knows they all have one thing in common: the time spent on their feet.
From healthcare to hospitality to construction, Altro spoke to over 500 non-desk-based workers in the UK who track their steps at work and can reveal that non-desk-based workers in the UK are nearly THREE times more active than the average Brit, with an average of 10,393 steps in a typical working day, compared to the average Brit’s 3,500 (3,000-4,000 is the average in the UK according to previous NHS figures).
Over the course of an average career, non-desk-based workers clock up as many as 98,626,942 steps on their working days – or around 44,175.95 miles. That’s enough to take a casual stroll around the circumference of the Earth – twice.
Altro also asked the workers they spoke to about the effect spending so much time on their feet during their shifts has on them, with a whopping 3 in 4 (76%) of workers saying they think the time they spend on their feet at work has a positive effect on their mental health.
However, there was a common theme of those working in non-desk-based sectors missing out on meals, social events and even consulting medical advice as a result of their physical jobs. Full details below:
What are the knock-on effects of having a physical job?
It’s always important to ensure a solid work-life balance, but Altro’s research found that almost two-thirds (60%) of non-desk-based workers say they regularly skip out on recreational activities such as hobbies or meeting up with friends as a result of being tired from work. Another 51% of non-desk-based workers say they regularly leave social events early.
While most non-desk-based workers think that their physical activity at work has a positive effect on their mental wellbeing, there were some clear physical wellbeing issues:
Three-quarters (76%) say that they don’t drink as much water as they should when at work.
But 7 in 10 (70%) of non-desk-based workers say they drink caffeinated drinks to ‘keep them going’ at work.
Two-thirds (62%) say they often skip meals at work because they’re too busy with other work tasks.
60% say they also regularly skip out on exercise because they’re tired from work.
Physical health is important, and Altro’s study found that many non-desk-based workers reported experiencing some negative physical aches and pains as a result of their job, with nearly 1 in 5 (18%) taking time off work due to work related pains or injuries. What’s more:
4 in 5 (81%) say they rarely get the chance to sit down during their shifts.
More than half (55%) say they experience frequent back pain as a result of their job.
Almost half (48%) say they have frequent foot pain.
Almost a quarter (23%) say they have slipped or tripped while working.
Which industries are spending the most time on their feet – and how does this compare to the average person?
We’ve all heard of the 10,000 steps a day rule, but previous NHS figures show that the average person in the UK only walks between 3,000-4,000 steps per day.
Take a look below at the average steps daily working steps of non-desk-based workers in the UK by sector and how this compares to the average Brit:
Sarah de los Rios, Sales and Marketing Director at Altro comments: “Our study found that while non-desk-based workers in the UK recognise the positive effects movement at work can have on their mental well-being, there is a concerning number of workers experiencing physical strain because of the nature of their role.
“Movement at work often can’t be helped, but physical strain can, and employers have a duty to equip their employees with safe environments to mitigate any potential accidents.
“Employers can do this by implementing safety technology or features to provide peace of mind for their workers.
“At Altro, our team is dedicated to doing just that with our safety flooring solutions rigorously tested to ensure they reach greater than 36+ PTV (pendulum test value which is the measurement of how slippery a surface is).
“In PTV, anything above 36 is regarded as ‘excellent slip resistance, allowing us to ensure the chances of workers slipping or tripping on our floors are literally one in a million.”
For many workers in the UK, leading an active lifestyle can be difficult at the best of times, especially when much of the working day sees them sitting down at a computer. But, for others, work means constant movement, with sitting down during a shift seeming like a luxury. Despite how different the roles in Read More HR News