The work colleague of the future

Long hours spent at work is taking its toll on our health as strained eyes, sore backs and headaches top the list of the most common health issues suffered by UK office workers. Health experts are warning what the true extent of these aches and pains will look like in the next 20 years if we don’t improve our work environments.

New research, commissioned by Fellowes, healthy workspace solutions provider, coincides with the launch of the work colleague of the future report, which reveals the serious health issues we are at risk of developing in the future. Health experts recommend changes need to be made to the current office environment to prevent these issues.

It’s not too late to combat future health issues but experts are warning that changes to our office workspace need to be made. To emphasise what impact the office is having on our bodies a life-size model called ‘Emma’ has been created to illustrate what these aches and pains can lead to in the next 20 years if we don’t change our work environment.

Aston spoke to William Higham, behavioural futurist and author of the Work Colleague of the Future report to discuss the research and also how we can improve our health at work.