Flexible working can be an antidote to office heath risks

Flexible working can provide an antidote to the health risks associated with sedentary office jobs in Exeter according to a new survey from Regus.

Medical journal The Lancet recently published a paper outlining the risks to health of sitting at the desk all day.

The Regus survey suggests that flexible work could be an antidote.

Regus canvassed business people from across Exeter on their attitudes and approaches to work. 74% of respondents believe that working closer to home helps improve health, and more than three fifths (61%) believe working closer to home would encourage them to go to the gym more often. Almost two thirds of Exeter workers (65%) say that flexible workers are more ‘mindful’ and are better able to assess their levels of well-being.

Richard Morris, UK CEO, Regus said: “The latest reports on the risks of a sedentary office lifestyle confirm what many professionals have long suspected. The fixed-office, fixed-hours working day is beneficial to neither mind nor body.

“Surely, responsible businesses must re-think their attitudes to staff well-being. Encouraging staff to be active and to take breaks throughout the day is one thing – and innovations like standing desks can be useful. But our report shows the bigger issue is to tackle the commuting/9-5 model and to allow more flexibility into the working day. The working culture must develop in order for real health benefits to register.”