Remote work linked to longer sitting time and reduced physical activity, study finds
A Finnish study tracking university staff shows that on home-office days they sit about 44 minutes longer and are less active than on office days.
In a Finnish investigation, 97 university staff members alternated between remote and office work while wearing movement sensors for seven days. The findings indicated that on home-office days they remained seated 44 minutes longer and engaged in 37 minutes less light activity and 21 minutes less moderate or vigorous activity compared with office days. They also lingered in bed for an additional 14 minutes, though the study did not assess actual sleep time.
The researchers highlighted that the reduced movement aligns with a Norwegian survey of workers, which similarly found lower activity levels among remote employees. Oslo Met researcher Lisebeth Skeie Skarpaas noted the results contradict expectations that home work would free up time for exercise. Workplace-environment specialist Eirik Degerud suggested the pattern may reflect a desire for quieter conditions to focus on computer tasks.
Why it matters
Understanding how remote work affects daily movement can inform workplace health policies.
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