activeworking

Activeworking refers to an approach to work that integrates physical movement and activity into daily tasks. It emphasizes reducing sedentary time by embedding movement into workflows, meetings, and environment, aiming to improve health, energy, focus, and productivity without sacrificing outcomes.

The term is used in contemporary workplace wellness and ergonomics discourse. It draws on growing research about sedentary behavior and on practices such as standing desks, walking meetings, and activity-friendly office design.

Common practices include standing or walking meetings, walking phone calls, adjustable desks, treadmill desks, scheduled movement breaks, stretching, short workouts, and design elements that encourage stair use and easy access to active spaces.

Proponents cite potential benefits such as reduced musculoskeletal strain, improved cardiovascular health, increased alertness, creativity, and job satisfaction. Some studies show modest productivity gains from breaks and movement, but effects vary across tasks and individuals.

Critics note that activeworking can be impractical for certain roles or workflows, may require investment in infrastructure, and could distract in high-concentration tasks. Privacy and data concerns may arise with wearables. Proper implementation should balance movement with task performance.