It is common knowledge that prolonged sitting takes a serious toll on the body. However, lesser known are the financial consequences of prolonged sitting for employers. This document brings together current research to demonstrate the costs of prolonged sitting for employers and how Focal’s upright way of working can be part of the solution for a healthier, more active workplace.

1. Most contemporary workplaces are defined by sedentary behavior patterns, in which
employees spend the majority of their time in an inactive, seated posture. A growing
body of medical research indicates that prolonged sitting has measurable effects on
key health and productivity outcomes.
THE PROBLEM
9.3
15
The Average Knowledge
Worker Spends
Quantifying the Costs of
Prolonged Sitting
Prolonged Sitting
Increases Risk for:
Back Pain
Metabolic Syndrome
and Other Chronic Diseaseshours a day sitting
in the office
total hours a day sitting
THE IMPACT
The United States currently spends more than 17% of GDP on healthcare. Companies
feel the impact of these costs directly, in the way of medical costs, and indirectly, in the
way of productivity loss. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012 the
average rate of occupational injury and illness requiring time off work was 112 cases
per 10,000 full-time workers. Further, occupational injuries and illnesses required a
median of nine days off from work.
Employers spend approximately 2.5x more in healthcare costs for
employees with back pain and metabolic syndrome respectively,
as compared to their healthy counterparts.
THE COST
THE SOLUTION
Research by Goggins et al. indicates that effectively implemented ergonomic
interventions have the potential to reduce the incidence of negative health outcomes
and improve productivity within employee populations. Focal Upright’s line of active
office furniture stands out as a sustainable solution for enhancing health and vitality in
the workplace.
www.focalupright.com
#UprightRevolution
Presenteeism
Paid Time Off
Medical Costs
$234$160
$44
Presenteeism
Paid Time Off
Medical Costs
$573
$17 $25
TOTAL COST
$438
TOTAL COST
$615
Annual Costs Per Employee
Associated with Back Pain
Annual Costs Per Employee
Associated with Metabolic Syndrome
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
Current
Cost
Adjusted
Cost
Cost Per Employee
Pre-Intervention
Cost Per Empoyee
Post-Intervention
ANNUAL
SAVINGS PER
EMPLOYEE
$316
Potential Savings from Ergonomic Intervention
Per Employee