British workers are leaving themselves open to health problems by continuing work on smartphones, iP...
Smartphone overtime not good for your health
A new survey had found that workers continue checking emails and working on their smartphones for nearly two and a half hours after leaving the office.
British workers are leaving themselves open to health problems by continuing work on smartphones, iPads and tablets long after leaving the office, according to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).
Two-thirds of office workers reported that they continued working for an average two hours and 18 minutes while commuting, while nearly seven in ten said they had suffered job-related illness.
The society warned that bad posture adopted when using the gadgets can lead to back and neck pain. It also said over-working is creating physical and mental health problems for the future.
Huge concern
CSP chair Dr Helena Johnson comments: "The results of this survey are a huge concern to physiotherapists, who see the consequences of poor posture and bad working practices each day.
"While doing a bit of extra work at home may seem like a good short-term fix, if it becomes a regular part of your routine then it can lead to problems such as back and neck problems, as well as stress-related illness."
The research comes in the wake of a report from LV=, which also revealed that one in five workers won't use all of their annual leave allowance this year, while those who do go away continue working well into their breaks.
Workout at work
And with stress, problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints likely to affect workers who spend the majority of their time sitting at a desk and carrying out repetitive tasks, the CSP is eager to increase awareness of the issues.
It has made today (20 June) its annual Workout at Work Day and physiotherapists across the country will be encouraging physical activity and exercise at workplaces of employers who want to benefit from healthy employees.
The day's events include Olympic decathlete Daley Thompson leading an exercise session at the Chelsea and Westminster hospital in London.
Quick tips
- Take regular breaks from your computer throughout the course of the day
- Make sure you take a lunch break, eating out rather than at your desk
- Regular exercises or simply sparing some time for a brisk walk could benefit you
After leaving the office take the time to switch off from work, talk to your manager if you feel your workload is too heavy