1 in 3 Working Americans More Uninspired Than Ever

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More than a third of Americans have never felt more uninspired at work than they do now (38%), according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 employed Americans found this lull is translating to their everyday productivity, too, as 38% of respondents are only feeling “somewhat” productive at work. Four in 10 suburban survey-takers are also experiencing this productivity slump (41%).

Results showed that their work setting plays a role in their productivity, and many are looking to refresh their work routines with breaks and jump-start productivity with community and exercise.

Prioritizing Yourself

Conducted by Talker Research for  Life Time Work, the coworking company for Life Time, the survey found that 37% of those who have a work routine consider it to be stale, especially those who work fully in person (39%).

The daily march of waking up and repeating the same routine can result in people losing inspiration in the world around them. But there are ways to switch up daily routines to help instill excitement back in life.

According to respondents, surroundings matter. Sixty-two percent said that the people and community around their workspace have a positive effect on their productivity. Having an active workplace where people encourage each other to grab lunch at a new location or meet up for a drink after work can have a huge effect on workers’ mental health.

Sometimes, it’s a small change to a daily routine that helps shake up the day. When they’re in a rut during the workday, respondents said their mood can be improved by getting active and going for a walk (33%) or exercising (19%). However, only a fifth of employed Americans admit they exercise once a week or less (17%).

“Today more than ever, both employers and employees are acknowledging the link between physical activity and mental acuity, and the ability to perform at our best,” said Brooks Hagen, senior director of Life Time Work. “As a result, we’re seeing demand from both team leaders as well as team members for workspaces that are near health and athletic facilities to prioritize being able to incorporate more into their regular wellness routine.”

Nearly two-thirds of all respondents said that being active would make a difference in their ability to be more productive at work (64%). A lot of workplaces now offer gym memberships to their employees, or sometimes, fitness clubs will give people discounts depending on their place of employment.

Some companies also allow some employees to have stand-up desks, and people are allowed to bring their own walking pads. Not only do people get some exercise as they work, but according to  Time magazine, a walking pad can help increase workers’ focus and productivity.

“The idea of an activity-based workspace design is more relevant than even five years ago,” Hagen said. “Working in a space that actively encourages physical movement throughout the day is healthier and allows for occupants to do their best work. Being part of a community at work also increases satisfaction levels, and that passes through to accountability — knowing the people you work out with means you’re more likely to show up.”

A Work/Life Balance

Even with small changes to routines and day-to-day life, how much can respondents really veer away from being tied to their work? Thirty-nine percent “always” or “often” struggle to find time for themselves during the workday.

To maximize employee productivity, those surveyed said that offices should have unique areas available, like a quiet room (36%) and a gym or fitness space (23%).

Similarly, 70% said the environment they work in affects the quality of their work-related ideas. If people are able to take their work away from the office, many have had a good work-related idea in non-work areas like their bed (33%), a coffee shop (21%), or the gym (14%).

If they had the chance to take more breaks, those surveyed would especially want snack breaks (42%) or mental breaks (35%). One in 10 respondents want more exercise breaks, with hybrid employees being the most likely to want them.

Employees with a healthy work/life balance are often shown to be more productive and miss work less than their fellow coworkers. Finding this exact balance can be really difficult, and it might be different for everyone. However, a great place to begin is to talk with your employer about implementing new policies that can benefit the company and your overall health.