Britain’s inactivity crisis starts at the desk

New research from Hussle suggests physical inactivity isn’t simply a lack of motivation. For many people, it’s the modern working day. Pauline Alonso, a wellness expert and director at Hussle, talks to WellNation about the company’s recent Work is Health research

The latest data on Britain’s inactivity levels makes for concerning reading, but it also raises an important question. Are people really choosing not to exercise, or are their working lives making it increasingly difficult to stay active? At Hussle, our latest ‘Work is Health’ Workplace Wellness Report suggests it’s the latter; while 77% of UK employees say they exercise at least once a week, only 50% manage to be active three or more times, meaning less than half are meeting NHS guidelines. At the same time, 70% say their work routine actively reinforces sedentary habits.

This is the “active but sedentary” paradox, in which people are motivated and actively trying to prioritise their health, yet they’re spending most of their day sitting at desks, in meetings or commuting. Unfortunately, an evening workout cannot completely rectify the impact of eight or more hours of inactivity. The effects are clear to see: more than six in ten (61%) employees say long hours at a desk negatively affect their health, while 55% believe being indoors all day harms their wellbeing. More than half (52%) don’t move enough during the working day, and 51% say workload and time pressures prevent them from being more active. These findings show that inactivity is no longer simply a personal responsibility, it is increasingly shaped by workplace culture and the way the working day is designed. Employers have a significant opportunity to change this; encouraging walking meetings, promoting regular movement breaks, offering flexible working patterns and providing fitness benefits that fit around busy schedules can all help employees build healthier habits without adding more pressure to their day.

If we want to tackle Britain’s inactivity crisis, we need to stop thinking about exercise as something that only happens before or after work. Movement should be built into the working day itself. If we make it easier for people to move, healthier lifestyles become more achievable, benefiting not only employees but businesses too.