Contrary to a common misconception, sitting does not prevent a healthy work experience—inactivity does. As humans, we are made to move. While it may not feel as natural to move about the office right now, it remains critically important to well-being. And, your workspace can help.
Integrating movement throughout the workday helps optimize people’s performance and reduces health consequences associated with the inactivity of prolonged sitting or standing in place. When organizations provide workplaces that promote movement, it can help people stay effective and lessen the negative impacts of traditionally sedentary workstyles.
Using the Affordances framework, active work environments consider three layers of movement:
Providing spaces that encourage people to change posture, position, and location reinforces an organizational focus on employee well-being. Educating employees on possibilities and empowering leaders to support movement as a social norm will help create a culture of movement in your workplace.
