We often hear that to stay in shape, an adult should take at least 10,000 steps a day. This number represents about 8 km of walking, and an average duration of one hour and 40 minutes. For many North Americans who work at a desk, this is a hard goal to reach, especially if they drive to work or don't enjoy long evening walks!
The president of the company has the health of its employees at heart. This is why, since 2014, elevated office stations with a treadmill are available to Logiciels Info-Data employees. Most employees also have a height-adjustable workstation to allow for both sitting and standing.
Over the past few years, we have seen sit-stand desks and active desks increase in popularity. Does standing while working really bring benefits? Is sitting really bad for the body?
Since 2014, elevated office stations with a treadmill are available to Logiciels Info-Data employees.
The benefits of standing are numerous.
Firstly, research has proven that a person who stands or walks while working increases his or her
attention and memory. Moving from a sitting to standing position regularly promotes good blood
circulation and therefore helps oxygenate the brain. Thanks to this, some studies note an increase
in productivity of 25% to 50%!
Another notable benefit is the reduction of back pain. In addition to its beneficial effects on
concentration and productivity, having a greater range of motion allows for better blood circulation
in the muscles and offers more space to the vertebrae. It is also more difficult to have a hunched
back when standing, which is often one of the causes of sitting injuries.
What are the physical problems associated with a sedentary work environment?
First of all, according to several studies on the subject, a sedentary work environment can
contribute to the risk of metabolic syndromes (such as diabetes), cancer and depression, leading to
a reduction in life expectancy. These risks are present even for people who have an active lifestyle
outside of work.
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Hygiene (CCOHH) also confirms this association and
adds the risk of cardiovascular disease and varicose veins. Poor blood circulation caused by sitting
can also increase feelings of fatigue and have an impact on muscles, which are less oxygenated and
more at risk of injury.
According to the CCOHS, a prolonged sitting position puts the spine in a weakened state because the
intervertebral discs are under more pressure and wear out more quickly. This is due to the fact that
movement is very limited and posture is often not adequate. This same situation leads to additional
tension in the lower back, neck, tendons and ligaments.
Finally, Australian researchers have determined that after 10 years of working behind a seated desk,
the risk of colon cancer is doubled.
Note that it is not necessary to work in a standing position all day long, but rather to have the
option of alternating between the two positions.
In addition to being able to work in a standing position and even to walk while working, the flexible
work schedule is another clear advantage of working at Logiciels Info-Data. This flexibility allows
employees to temporarily leave their workstation during the day to enjoy the outdoors. Some walkers
take the opportunity to do their daily exercise, others take the opportunity to simply get some
fresh air, and some have even started the Logiciels Info-Data running club and take advantage of the
lunch break to discover the surrounding neighbourhoods. Rain or shine, going out for a breath of
fresh air allows employees to return to work invigorated and more focused.
The company also participates in sporting events to support humanitarian causes, such as in
September 2018, an event during which the Logiciels Info-Data team took up the challenge of climbing
Mont-Saint-Anne as many times as possible.
All the beneficial effects of exercice are reflected in the service offered to clients.
The importance Logiciels Info-Data places on the physical well-being of its employees helps reduce back pain for some and stimulates productivity and work well done. Daily movement and all the benefits associated with exercise also contribute to the mental well-being of the employees, and all these beneficial effects are reflected in the service offered to clients.