5 keys to countering sedentary lifestyles at work
A sedentary lifestyle is a public health issue that also affects the workplace! Prolonged sitting has become the norm in the workplace. According to ANSES (Agence nationale de sécurité sanitaire de l’alimentation, de l’environnement et du travail), a sedentary lifestyle is now considered to be the fourth leading risk factor for mortality worldwide. On average, an employee remains immobile for 7 to 10 hours a day.
This sedentary lifestyle, often invisible and underestimated, has multiple consequences :
– Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD): back pain, neck pain, stiff joints.
– Slower metabolism: weight gain, digestive problems, cardiovascular risks.
– Impaired concentration and mood: reduced motivation, irritability.
– Increased risk of pathologies: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers.
– Chronic fatigue and loss of energy.
Faced with these challenges, HR departments have a strategic role to play in proposing concrete, sustainable actions for the implementation of simple, effective and accessible preventive measures.
Why not take action?
Here are 4 targeted wellness solutions to combat the effects of a sedentary lifestyle :
1. Sitting massage : high-impact express relaxation
This short massage (15 to 20 min.), performed on an ergonomic chair, has a deep-acting effect on localized tension (back, neck, shoulders, arms).
Benefits :
– Relieves muscular pain associated with prolonged sitting,
– Reduces stress and promotes a feeling of relaxation and immediate release,
– Revitalizes employees without putting them to sleep,
– Boosts energy and concentration.
HR advantage : it can be easily integrated into a wellness day, a monthly schedule or a key moment (busy periods, return from vacation, etc.).
2. Self-massage workshops : empowering employees
Led by a practitioner, these workshops teach employees how to use a massage ball to relieve their own everyday tensions, using simple gestures.
Benefits :
– Reinforces body awareness and good postural reflexes,
– Reduces chronic pain.
– Prevents musculoskeletal tension,
– Encourages individual responsibility for health and well-being.
Flexible format : face-to-face, video, small groups or open workshops.
3. Chair yoga : gentle mobility at the workplace
Accessible to all, even without sportswear, this practice combines stretching, breathing and refocusing, right from your workstation.
Benefits :
– Mobilizes joints, improves posture,
– Calms the mind, reduces cognitive load,
– Improves breathing and concentration.
Ideal for incorporating into a weekly wellness routine in the office or at home.
4. Relaxation chairs: an accessible space for recovery
Installing one or two recliners in a quiet area enables employees to take a rejuvenating break in just a few minutes, in complete autonomy.
Benefits :
– Deep relaxation, reducing nervous and muscular tension.
– Improved concentration, mood and productivity after use.
– Reduced stress,
– Feeling of appreciation and recognition.
It’s a strong gesture of recognition and trust towards employees. The company’s message : “We take care of you”.
5. Step Challenge : daily steps for sustainable energy
With our Step Challenge application, employees can take up daily walking challenges, at their own pace, alone or in a team. Fun and motivating, this program encourages regular physical activity.
Benefits :
– Encourages physical activity in a progressive and accessible way.
– Strengthens team cohesion.
– Stimulates commitment and motivation with rankings.
– Easily integrated into a company.
HR bonus : a turnkey solution to anchor a culture of sustainable movement within the company.
In conclusion
Taking action against a sedentary lifestyle not only helps prevent absenteeism and occupational hazards, but also boosts commitment and job satisfaction, and above all, retains talent. These measures, although they may appear to be “conveniences”, are in fact genuine tools for sustainable performance, in line with the values of benevolence. They enable you to invest in the health, energy and sustainable performance of your teams. Seated massage, chair yoga, self-massage or relaxation chairs: every solution counts, as long as it’s conceived as an integral part of a workplace wellness culture to prevent the deleterious effects of a sedentary lifestyle.