ResearchNew survey highlights UK workers’ desk break habits and workplace wellbeing concerns

A recent survey by workplace product supplier AJ Products has revealed that more than half of UK desk workers are failing to take regular breaks, raising significant concerns about workplace wellbeing and mental health.

The survey, which included a representative sample of 2,015 UK adults, examined desk break habits, their impact on physical and mental health, and trends across different age groups, professions, and working arrangements. This research comes in the wake of the 2024 ASICS Global State of Mind study, which found that two hours of uninterrupted desk work leads to a noticeable decline in mental health, while four hours raises stress levels by 18%.

Key Findings:

• Break Frequency:
  • Only 41.5% of desk workers take at least one break per hour, as recommended by health experts.
  • Workers aged 25-34 are the least likely to take hourly breaks, with just 31.6% adhering to the guideline.
  • Hybrid workers lag behind fully remote (44.9%) and office-based workers (41.4%), with only 38.8% taking hourly breaks.
  • Cardiff leads the way in healthy break habits, with 68.4% of workers taking regular breaks, while other regions fall behind.
• Neck, Shoulder, or Back Pain:
  • 21.3% of respondents report experiencing daily pain in these areas.
  • Workers aged 45-54 are the most affected (26.3%), and remote workers report the highest rate of daily pain (21.3%).

Helen Beebe, Managing Director of AJ Products (UK), expressed concern about these findings:
“Nearly a third of workers go for three hours or more without a break, which is a worrying statistic. This data underscores the urgent need to prioritise workplace wellbeing initiatives. Frequent desk breaks are one of the simplest ways to improve mental and physical health.”

A call for workplace change

The survey highlights the need for businesses to foster healthier workplace practices and educate employees, particularly younger workers, on the importance of regular breaks. With prolonged static desk time linked to increased stress and physical discomfort, AJ Products emphasizes the benefits of incorporating regular movement throughout the day.

“Our mission is to bring happiness to the workplace by improving both physical and mental wellbeing,” added Beebe. “Frequent desk breaks are a small but impactful step toward achieving this goal.”

The findings are a wake-up call for UK employers, urging them to address workplace wellness gaps and support employees in adopting healthier habits to boost productivity and long-term wellbeing.