27.01.2025 (Updated: 27.01.2025)

Staying Active During Workdays Leads to Increased Activity During Leisure Time

Being active during the working day is just as important as being active after work hours. Read this article to find out why this is the case and how you can increase your activity levels during the working day.

Our work lives are becoming increasingly fast-paced, and balancing the demands of a stressful job with mental wellbeing can be challenging. After a long day at work, it’s tempting to collapse onto the sofa and turn on the TV rather than getting active, even though physical movement is precisely what your body needs.

So, what could help alleviate post-work fatigue? The answer is surprisingly simple: taking short breaks during the workday. Research shows that being active during work hours not only boosts productivity but also significantly impacts energy levels and engagement in leisure activities after work. Therefore, incorporating breaks and maintaining activity during the workday is not just a means to improve work efficiency – it is the key to overall wellbeing.

The Positive Effects of Staying Active

Physical activity plays a proven role in maintaining health and wellbeing. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. However, for many office workers, this target may seem daunting: days are spent sitting, and opportunities for movement can be limited.

Incorporating movement into the workday, such as through short breaks, creates a positive chain reaction. A study by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health found that employees who took active micro breaks during the workday using the Cuckoo app significantly reduced sedentary behaviour, not just during work hours but also afterwards. These employees also took nearly 700 additional daily steps and reported less fatigue. When energy levels remain high enough to enjoy meaningful activities after work, mental wellbeing improves significantly.

Why Is Activity During the Workday Important?

Improved Energy Levels. Physical activity releases endorphins, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormones. Short active breaks during the workday can reduce fatigue and help maintain energy levels, making it easier to participate in leisure activities and also enhancing work-life balance.

Reduced Stress. Regular exercise is a proven stress reliever. According to the American Psychological Association, physical activity lowers levels of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol while stimulating the production of endorphins. This helps employees perform better both at work and in everyday life.

Long-Term Health Benefits. Excessive sitting is linked to an increased risk of chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Encouraging movement during the workday effectively reduces these risks, promoting a healthier and more active life.

Cuckoo Helps You Stay Active with Regular Breaks

Cuckoo is designed to promote activity during the workday, helping employees feel energised even after work. The app encourages short breaks with smart reminders, motivating users to either move their bodies or take a restorative moment with mindfulness content.

Long-term commitment to personal activity is essential. That’s why Cuckoo’s features, such as personalised break plans, statistics, and group breaks, are designed to activate users and foster a culture of activity in the workplace. Gamified elements and corporate challenges keep motivation high, ensuring that activity becomes an integral part of everyday work life rather than a fleeting trend.

Employers Play a Key Role in Promoting Holistic wellbeing

Employers now have a unique opportunity to create a workplace culture where physical activity and recovery during work hours are embraced. Companies that invest in employee wellbeing gain measurable benefits, including reduced sick leave, increased productivity, higher employee engagement, and improved team spirit.

Even small increases in daily activity can significantly lower occupational health costs over time. Read this article to learn more about how regular use of Cuckoo can reduce sick leave and save companies up to €3,000 per year per active user.

Conclusion

Supporting workplace activity is not only a smart business decision – it’s vital for building a thriving work community. Staying active during workdays doesn’t just enhance efficiency; it improves overall wellbeing and performance in both professional and personal life. By integrating regular movement into the workday, employees experience less stress and enjoy better health and satisfaction across all aspects of life.

Would you like to learn more about how Cuckoo can support your company’s workplace wellbeing and generate savings by reducing sick leave? Book a free 30-minute demo to discover how Cuckoo could help your team thrive.