Remaining seated at the workstation for long periods of time or static postures can cause strain to the body, leading to fatigue, muscle strain and even spinal and skeletal injuries over time, according to the ‘Keep Moving’ study conducted by Godrej Interio

Office workers today spend many more hours at desk work, compared to their counterparts from a decade or more ago, with most of the hours spent working are on a computer or laptop. Remaining seated at the workstation for long periods of time or static postures can cause strain to the body, leading to fatigue, muscle strain and even spinal and skeletal injuries over time, according to the ‘Keep Moving’ study conducted by Godrej Interio.

The firm carried out a study of around 1,000 employees, aged between 20-50 across 70 companies like ICICI Bank, State Bank of India and Tata Consultancy Services with the objective of finding out the effect of static postures on the health of office-goers.

Six out of every ten employees remain inactive during working hours. 64 percent employees spend almost nine hours at the desk or in meetings. 68 percent employees spend 6 hours at their workstations.

Office workers in the 46-50 age group put in the longest hours, upto 10.5 hours per day, spending almost 57 percent (6 hours) sitting. 7 in 10 employees have suffered from pain in the last six months.

Employees in the age group of 31-40 years suffered the most pain. 76 percent of the respondents complained about pain/discomfort in the last 6 months. 83 percent of the women in the 20-25 years age group suffered from spinal pain as compared to 17 percent of their male counterparts.

Employees took 3-4 days of leave in a span of two months due to musculoskeletal disorders and pain, leading to a loss of productivity for the organisation.

Proactive measures

• Providing different seating options that can be used by employees like beanbags, bar stools, standing tables, furniture that would encourage change in posture.
• Integrating change in present seating systems by introducing sit-stand workstations.
• Appointing wellness champions who can drive greater awareness about the health hazards of remaining stationary at one’s desk for long periods of time.