Scientists create grotesque human model of future office workers

Behavioural Futurist William Higham and a team of experts from the fields of ergonomics, occupational health, and professional well-being have developed a dummy named 'Emma' who shows how sitting all day at an ergonomically-unfriendly desk might affect workers. The life-sized model has a hunched back, swollen limbs, and bloodshot eyes, which will be the condition of a human who does not improve his working atmosphere, warn the experts. The dummy is a reflection of the results after interviewing more than 3,000 employees about their health issues and concerns. The study calls for improving work conditions and asks staff to get off their seats and move around. 

Read: Florida Woman Sings About Skipping Work For Self Care, Song Goes Viral

Based on surveys of more than 3,000 workers in France, Germany and the UK, the team predicted how the current work culture is likely to change the human body over the next 20 years.

Read: TikTok Star Hareem Shah's Videos Inside Pak Foreign Office Create Stir

Long work hours and its health hazards

Model specialists Helix 3D Ltd aided the researchers to create 'Emma' based on the study, which was commissioned by office equipment firm Fellowes. The model had a hunched posture reflecting the result of sitting for hours every day over her desk, dry red eyes from prolonged exposure to a computer screen, and sallow skin for spending years trapped under the glare of artificial light. Researchers found that office workers spend an average of six hours sitting at a desk each day of which more than 90 per cent reported being concerned that this was too much time and 98 per cent feared future health problems. About 90 per cent of office workers in the UK experience health issues that reduced their productivity and almost half suffer from eye strain, sore backs, and headaches caused by their workspace. The consequence is work-related sick days cost the economy £77 billion every year. Similarly, seven out of ten workers reported being seeking medication for the issues.

Read: Breakfast: 5 Quick And Easy Breakfast Options For Office Professionals

Read: Breakfast Tips: Health Benefits Of Having Dry Fruits In The Morning

(With inputs from agencies)