The Impact of Home Office Set-Up on UK's Rising Sick Leave Numbers

In the UK, the number of people on sick leave has been growing at an unprecedented rate. The pandemic has catalysed an evolution in working habits, with more people now working from home than ever before. However, along with this shift, there has been a significant increase in work-related health issues. This article aims to explore the connection between these two phenomena and the impact of a properly set-up home office on employee health.

Part of The Problem

According to the Office for National Statistics, approximately 186 million working days were lost due to sickness or injury in the UK in 2022. The major causes included musculoskeletal problems, such as back pain, neck and upper limb problems, often related to poor ergonomic practices at home.

Traditionally, offices are designed with ergonomics in mind, providing workers with chairs, desks, and computer setups designed to minimise strain and promote health. However, with the abrupt shift to remote work, many found themselves working from kitchen tables, couches, or even beds – environments not conducive to long hours of work. Ensure you have the right posuture for your employees and yourself.

The Solution

An effective way to mitigate these health issues is by setting up a home office that emulates the ergonomic design of a traditional office. Key elements of this setup include height-adjustable desks, ergonomic office chairs, and innovative additions like wobble stools. At Thats My office we have a range of products with 360 degree view and augmented relaity so you can view our products in your space 

Height-Adjustable Desks

Height-adjustable desks have become increasingly popular due to their flexibility. They allow employees to alternate between sitting and standing during the workday. The British Journal of Sports Medicine suggests that office workers should aim to stand for at least 2 hours a day, eventually increasing to 4 hours to counteract the health implications of prolonged sitting. Height-adjustable desks facilitate this change seamlessly.

Ergonomic Office Chairs

Investing in the correct office chair is equally important. Ergonomic office chairs are designed to support the lower back and promote good posture. They can significantly reduce back pain, one of the leading causes of work-related sick leave.

Wobble Stools

Wobble stools, often used with height-adjustable desks, are an excellent tool for promoting movement and improving core strength. They encourage 'active sitting', a dynamic movement that helps maintain good posture and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems.

The Klarna Solution

Recognising that the cost of ergonomic furniture can be prohibitive for many, "That's My Office" has partnered with Klarna to offer a "Pay in 3" solution. This allows customers to spread the cost of their purchases over three equal payments, making a correct home office set-up more accessible to all.

Conclusion

The rise in sick leave due to work-related health issues is a real concern. However, by investing in a correct home office set-up with features like height-adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and wobble stools, we can make a significant impact on the physical well-being of remote workers. With Klarna's "Pay in 3" solution, this set-up is within reach for more people, providing an effective way to combat the growing sick leave numbers in the UK.