According to a survey by CareerBuilder, 22% of employees admit to spending at least one hour per day on personal activities unrelated to work, such as browsing the internet, checking social media, or making personal calls or texts. The lack of movement can have a direct impact on employee productivity.
Impact on Employee Productivity and Engagement
Reduced Blood Flow to the Brain. Prolonged sitting can lead to reduced blood flow to the brain, which can impair cognitive function and mental clarity. When blood flow is restricted, the brain may receive less oxygen and nutrients, leading to decreased focus, attention, and concentration.
Decreased Brain Activity. Sedentary behavior has been associated with decreased brain activity in areas of the brain responsible for attention and focus. Spending long periods sitting in front of a computer screen or in meetings can lead to neural fatigue, making it more difficult for employees to maintain focus and mental alertness.
Increased Mental Fatigue. Sedentary behavior can contribute to feelings of mental fatigue and exhaustion. Employees who spend prolonged periods sitting may experience increased levels of mental fatigue throughout the day, making it challenging to sustain focus and attention on tasks.
Impaired Cognitive Function. Sedentary behavior has been linked to impaired cognitive function, including decreased memory retention, problem-solving skills, and decision-making abilities. Employees who engage in prolonged sitting may experience difficulties processing information and staying engaged in tasks, leading to decreased focus and productivity.
Distraction and Restlessness. Sedentary behavior can contribute to feelings of restlessness and boredom, leading employees to seek distractions or lose focus on their work. When employees spend long hours sitting in one place, they may become more susceptible to distractions from their environment, such as noise, interruptions, or irrelevant stimuli.
Decreased Task Engagement. Sedentary behavior can lead to decreased engagement in tasks and activities. Employees who spend prolonged periods sitting may experience reduced motivation and interest in their work, making it more challenging to stay focused and immersed in their tasks.
As you can see, sedentary behavior can have significant negative effects on employee focus, attention, and cognitive function. This is something to take pretty seriously, for yourself, and your employees.
You can mitigate these effects by introducing a Wellness Initiative that promotes regular movement and physical activity in the workplace, encouraging employees to take breaks and stretch throughout the day, and providing ergonomic workstations that support proper posture and comfort.
Strategies to Promote Movement