MOST Brits believe that their workload is having a negative effect on their health, a new study has revealed.
Office workers are too busy to take a break and their desk jobs are leaving them crippled in pain.
Getty – Contributor
Experts found that seven in ten put their agony down to staring at computer screens for too long, while 30 per cent said that their decreasing health was down to the fact that they’re too busy to eat well.
The study looked at what effect having a desk job – in the office or at home – had on wellbeing.
More than a third of the 2,000 UK adults polled said they were considered about the long-term impact their job might be having on their health.
Spending too long in front of screens
Dr Hilary Jones, said: “Many people spend at least six hours a day looking at screens either on their mobiles, looking at the television or working on computers.
“The normal blink rate is 10 to 15 times per minute, but this is 60 per cent reduced when looking at computer screens and the most common of all eye disorders is dry eye syndrome which is very much on the increase.”
Breaks only last ten minutes
The study, conducted by OnePoll, found that desk workers go for as long as two and a half hours without stepping away from their screens and when they do finally take a break, it only lasts for ten minutes.
And that’s despite the vast majority saying that they feel better for taking regular breaks away from their laptop or computer.
46 per cent blamed their back pain on their job, with more than a third suffering from dry eyes or neck pain.
Those aches get worse throughout the working week, but only 18 per cent have managed to visit their GP about their issues.
We can prevent aches and pains
Most of us try to improve our health ourselves, with two-thirds having previously tried to reduce their screen time, try out desk exercises or take time off work.
Dr Hilary says that there are some things we can do to prevent aches and pains at work – and reduce the potential for eye discomfort.
“Glare can cause discomfort, flickering lights are tiresome, annoying and can have serious effect on people with photosensitive epilepsy.
“If you’re working from home a lot, installing quality LEDs can provide a nice warm light and have advantages including improved eye comfort.”
Elina Enqvist-Twomey, Philips LED Product Manager (who commissioned the study), said: “Screens with their artificial light are dominating our lives.
“Our priority is to ensure we produce quality energy-efficient LED lamps and luminaires that not only reduce environmental impact but make people more safe, productive and comfortable in their own home.
“Signify scientists have developed industry-leading LEDs with Eye Comfort criteria which ensures lights meet lighting standards that have been tested to be comfortable for your eyes.”
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