Third of desk workers sit for three or more hours without taking a break, research finds

A recent survey by workplace product supplier AJ Products has revealed that nearly a third of UK desk workers spend three or more hours at their desks without taking a break.

According to the 2024 ASICS Global State of Mind study, four hours of uninterrupted desk work leads to an 18% increase in stress levels, while two hours without a break negatively affects employees’ mental health.

The survey, conducted with a demographically representative sample of 2,015 adults, found that only 41.5% of UK workers with desk jobs take at least one break per hour.

Workers aged 25 to 34 were the least likely to follow this practice, with only 31.6% reporting regular hourly breaks.

Geographically, Cardiff had the highest percentage of workers taking hourly breaks, with 68.4% adhering to this habit.

Hybrid workers were less likely to take breaks than those working fully remotely or in-office, with only 38.8% of hybrid employees stepping away from their desks at least once an hour.

Travel agents were identified as the profession most likely to take regular breaks, with 66.7% adhering to hourly recommendations.

Other professions showed lower compliance, further underscoring the variability of desk-break habits across sectors.