Your desk may fill you with the dread of another working day, but that’s not the only way it’s affecting your wellbeing. According to a major new survey from Fellowes, workstation woes are causing long term wellness problems among office workers, with almost three-quarters suffering from health problems due to poorly equipped desks.
The results of the study showed that more than two-thirds of office workers need to take medication to manage their condition, while a significant one in 20 have had to give up their job altogether. One in ten respondents complained of being in constant pain, 17% said they suffered some pain each day and 40% reported regular health flare-ups as a direct result of sitting at their work station. Not only does this affect employee health, but corporate wellness; costing businesses more than £7 billion per annum in sick pay alone.
One in five office workers miss up to three weeks of work a year because of backache, tense shoulders, eye problems and even depression. According to Dr Sarah Jarvis, a general practitioner and health broadcaster, ‘The impact of the working environment on office workers’ health is all too often overlooked by businesses. What is very clear from the research is that the way you work and the equipment you use has a major impact, not just on your workplace health, but on your wider health too.’
She added, ‘On a daily basis I see many patients suffering particularly from back pain, and I ask routinely about workplace set-up because I know the consequences of poor posture and spending long periods sitting in the wrong position. What’s worrying is that we are becoming a nation of ‘self-medicators’ to help ease pain, with workers choosing to sit in silence when they should be having conversations with their employers about making sure their workstation is set up to minimise the risk of long term health issues.’
Louise Shipley, from Fellowes, commented ‘Most of us spend a great deal of time at our desks so we need to think harder about the conditions we’re working in – and invest in protecting our health and ultimately, our quality of life. Employers have a responsibility to their employees and that includes making sure they can work safely and productively. Investing in the right kind of supportive, ergonomic accessories and workspace assessments should be a part of that process to ensure they have a more engaged and healthy workforce.’
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