Your Workday Is Not a Workout: Physical Activity at Work—When Moving a Lot Isn't Healthy
Physical Activity at Work: Insights from Bart Cillekens’ Research
Bart Cillekens examined the relationship between physical activity in the workplace and the health of employees in physically demanding jobs. His main conclusion is that not all forms of physical activity are equally beneficial. While we often hear that movement is good for health, his research reveals that physical labor in the workplace does not always bring health advantages. Employees in physically intensive jobs often experience more muscle and joint problems and face higher risks of absenteeism and premature death. This is because workplace movements frequently place significant strain on the body.
In contrast, leisure-time physical activity, such as walking or exercising, does improve health and reduces the risk of illness. This underscores the importance of supporting workers in demanding jobs with opportunities for leisure-time movement and healthier working conditions to enhance their well-being.
Rethinking the Health Benefits of Physical Activity
While physical activity is globally recognized as healthy, it remains unclear whether all forms of movement provide the same benefits. Workers in strenuous occupations are at higher risk of health problems, including muscle and joint issues, absenteeism, and premature death. Cillekens investigated whether physical activity is always healthy and how the well-being of these workers can be improved. His research focused on how work-related movement correlates with health, contributing to better guidelines and strategies for promoting health in physically demanding professions.
Healthier Workplaces for a Changing Workforce
With increasing retirement ages, a rise in chronic illnesses among employees, and a tight labor market, ensuring a healthy workplace has become even more critical. Cillekens highlights that physical activity at work, particularly in demanding jobs, is not always beneficial for health. This finding is significant for employers and employees, especially in sectors like construction, healthcare, and transportation, where physical strain is prevalent.
Employers can address these challenges by reducing workload pressures, implementing ergonomic measures, and encouraging employees to engage in more physical activity during their free time. Such efforts can alleviate health complaints, reduce absenteeism, and support a longer, healthier working life. In an era where people are working longer and labor markets are increasingly constrained, keeping employees fit and healthy is more important than ever.