Work Wellbeing

For more information and
research related to health and wellbeing, our groundbreaking ‘Mobile Generations’ white paper
is an invaluable resource

131 million working days were lost in theUK to sickness in 2011, and musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, neck pain, and upper body problems contributed to most.
Learning to touch type can alleviate a number of postural issues at the workstation, along with frequent changes in posture such as standing while you work.

Ill-fitting set-ups and lack of movement can accelerate the onset of fatigue at the desk, while sharing a workstation amplifies the problem. Suitable equipment and sufficient training, which go beyond the minimum in terms of ease of use, range of adjustment and comfort, should be provided to improve health and productivity.

The side effects of using mobile technology contribute to 1 in 10 visits to the GP. Those in the 25 - year age range, plus or minus five years, now have a three times higher incidence of neck pain, as adults in the 55 - year age range. Learn to limit texting & emails and meet friends face to face. Make fitness and exercise part of your life and introduce goals with your manager as part of your personal objectives.

50% of teenagers are complaining of discomfort. Excessive smart phone and tablet use is a potential health time bomb for the future workforce. In the UK, 27% of children under the age of eight now own a tablet and a third of toddlers use them before they can talk. Limiting the excessive use of technology and educating the young on best practice in where, what and how to handle mobile devices can limit bad habits and decrease the risk of more serious issues later in life.

There has been a 35% increase in short-sightedness in the UK since the introduction of the smart phone in 1997 and cyber-sickness is a new illness attributed to mobile technology. On average people check their phones once every six and a half minutes over a 16 - hour daily cycle - that’s around 150 timesa day. Just learning to switch off, especially when on the move or at night, improves sleep patterns, reduces accidents and decreases stress levels.

Nearly 75% of UK workers suffer from some kind of significant work-related stress or anxiety. A feeling of being undervalued is the most common issue. Over half of UK employees (53%) believe that stress is a problem in their workplace with around a quarter (24%) feeling very concerned about it. Stress management programmes, including an open-door communication system, flexible working and exercise incentives can reduce the risks.

Only 18% of the UK population experience a high level of wellbeing or describe their health as ‘thriving’ or ‘flourishing’. Absenteeism related to physical inactivity costs the UK economy £5.6bn per year. Employers who have introduced wellbeing initiatives said that productivity had increased as a result. 88% found motivation of their staff was greater, 86% reported better staff wellbeing and 83% reduced absenteeism.

The Work Foundation reports that for every £1 invested in wellbeing initiatives, businesses get a return of £3. According to the Society of Chartered Physiotherapists (CSP), employers who have taken steps to address health and wellbeing report the following:

• Reduced sickness absence, fewer compensation claims and less use of temporary staff
• Increased productivity
• Improved staff retention
• Increased employee satisfaction
• Improved competitiveness and profitability

Active Ergonomics

has been involved in a number of health related initiatives and publications for adults and children.