New research provides insight into the physical health toll resulting from more than a year of remote work and the potential health consequences at risk given a long-term remote workforce.
The ramifications of the extreme lifestyle shift in 2020 through early 2021 resulting from the pandemic are far-reaching, likely to have ripple effects for many years to come. While mental health has been an undisputed health consequence for many, physical health challenges given the significant decline in mobility for workers across the country is an issue which may have long term consequences of which we’ve only just scratched the surface.
To explore this topic further, the team at Upright Pose conducted a study of 2,000 remote and hybrid workers in the U.S. to glean insight into how mobility has changed during working hours and how these changes have impacted workers’ physical wellness.
Within the past year of remote working, 50% report an increase in lower back pain, 48% in shoulder pain, and 52% in eye strain
A shocking 54% of remote/hybrid workers estimate they’ve reduced their mobility during work hours by 50% or more in the past year
The average remote worker commutes just 16 steps from their bed to their workstation
82% of workers under 35 report experiencing one or more physical health issues for the first time during the past year and 70% went as far as visiting a doctor or specialist to address it
78% report that they feel concerned about the future health consequences that an increase in sedentary lifestyle could lead to long-term
While in an office environment, people found many reasons to get up and move throughout the day. Walking to common rooms, co-workers offices and/or to/from a parking lot were a daily occurrence that encouraged mobility.
Yet, without an office environment, there are few reasons workers feel the need to move throughout the day. Many workers admit the only time they walk during working hours is to visit the restroom or the kitchen. More than 1 in 3 admit sitting in their work chair nearly the entire day.
Of employees never step outside their home
Only walk to go to the bathroom or the kitchen
Sit in their work chair nearly the whole day
The effect of this decline in mobility is already starting to impact remote workers, even those in much younger age groups. People are experiencing increased frequency of pain, with many encountering physical health issues for the first time in the past year. With such a significant impact in the short term, there’s a significant cause for concern as to how remote work could impact physical health long-term as many companies shift to a permanent remote or hybrid-remote workforce post-pandemic.
For younger generations who are remote, many experienced physical pains like back pain, hip pain and shoulder pain for the first time during the last year, demonstrating the potential impact that an increasingly sedentary work day may be having on people’s bodies.
Based on the survey results, 1 in 3 remote workers report sitting for more than 7 hours per day and nearly half of all remote workers estimate they take fewer than 1,000 steps during work hours, despite the recommended 8,000 steps per day recommended by health experts.
While the average commute time for workers in the U.S. was 27 minutes in early 2020, the new commute for the growing remote workforce looks much different when many workers are just steps away from their workstations. While the benefits of not sitting in traffic is a bonus, the downside is that mobility is being greatly reduced during large portions of the day.
Report an increase in lower back pain
Report worse posture since working from home
Report an increase in shoulder pain
Report an increase in neck pain
Report an increase in eye strain
67% have found these physical health issues bothersome enough that they’ve sought out a doctor, specialist or physical therapist for one or more of the issues to get help.
*Physical pain and/or physical health issues refers to any increase in back pain, neck pain, joint pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, ear pain and/or eye strain.
Both employers and employees must be aware of the issues and risks at hand. It’s important that active steps are taken to address it before it potentially worsens and poses long-term health consequences.
While standing desks are a healthy option that’s been on the rise as of late, with 23% of respondents indicating that this is part of their home workstation, there are many more options that could support remote workers during their work day, ranging from treadmill desks, posture trainers, ergonomic chairs and more.
Employees are also looking for more support from their employers in providing them with the resources and encouragement needed to create a home work setup and routine that promotes physical health.
Think they should provide a higher budget for ergonomic home office furniture and accessories
Think they should encourage frequent breaks to keep employees moving throughout the workday
Think they should provide virtual trainings and/or workshops to discuss best practices
Think they should conduct regular assessments of employees workstations to gauge need
From investing in more ergonomic workstations to scheduling time for walks throughout the day, there’s much more that remote workers can do to prevent and address physical health issues. Ultimately, employees need to prioritize their health and employers should ensure their staff feel comfortable and motivated to take the steps needed for their overall health and well-being.
