Dive Brief:
- Two Drexel University professors say employers should be held responsible for the health risks that come with sitting for long periods of time, reports Science Daily.
- Researchers have found that prolonged sitting contributes to high blood pressure and high cholesterol, and can even increase workers' risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer. The professors say technology is part of the problem because it has further decreased the need for employees to move around, Science Daily says.
- Forcing employers to incorporate the cost of injury or disease caused by a workplace designed for prolonged sitting will incentivize them to change their workplace design, the professors said.
Dive Insight:
Whether employees could succeed in holding employers liable for sitting-related health problems remains to be seen.
Still, some business are already taking the problem seriously. Many have adopted standing desks, treadmill desks and walking meetings. And, as the researchers suggested, some are designing offices with wellness in mind, boasting benefits like yoga rooms and running trails.
If nothing else, encouraging employees to take periodic standing breaks throughout the workday and promoting exercise and wellness can go a long way.
