Office workers more at risk of unhealthy lifestyle choices

Employees that work in open-plan offices are more prone to developing unhealthy behaviours, which subsequently increase their cancer risk.

Despite an increased awareness of wellbeing among UK employers, according to new research from Canada Life Group Insurance, offices are the most difficult environment for employees to make healthy choices.

The report examined the diet, weight, exercise, smoking and drinking habits of the UK workforce and with cancer accounting for 69% of critical illness insurance claims.

Paul Avis, Marketing Director of Canada Life Group, comments: “With employees spending the majority of their week at work, the habits we develop in the workplace can have a real impact on our long-term health. Although this is partly down to workers’ own health choices, our research reveals some workplace environments are more likely to cultivate behaviours with real health risk implications than others.”