A lack of opportunities for movement throughout the day can undermine brain performance; author provides practical ways leaders can adopt movement-at-work as a business strategy.
BLOOMINGTON, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A commentary from HealthPartners Institute published in the Journal of Aging Research & Lifestyle points to a hidden cost of modern work. As jobs increasingly revolve around screens, long hours of sitting and constant connectivity, the brain systems that power memory, focus, creativity and emotional well-being are under strain.
The commentary, written by Nico Pronk, PhD, president and chief science officer of HealthPartners Institute, describes a “sedentary-cognitive paradox.” Work today demands sustained attention, rapid problem solving and creativity, yet the typical workday now includes hours sitting in front of a screen or in long meetings. Decades of research show the brain performs best when movement is woven throughout the day, creating a growing mismatch between how work is designed and how the brain functions.
“Human movement is an essential fuel for the brain,” Pronk said. “We have strong evidence that even short bouts of physical activity improve working memory, information processing speed, attention and creativity. Yet we’ve unintentionally designed workdays that suppress movement. That puts pressure on the very cognitive abilities companies rely on.”
Physical activity triggers biological changes that strengthen the brain. Aerobic exercise enhances neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to rewire and regenerate. Light movement elevates neurotransmitters that regulate mood and focus. Walking breaks and walking meetings have been shown to boost creativity, reduce stress and sharpen thinking. Pronk argues these outcomes make movement a form of “cognitive infrastructure,” as fundamental to modern work as a strong internet connection.
A business case for movement
While traditional return-on-investment models focus on cost savings, Pronk highlights broader measures, including value on investment (VOI) and net present value (NPV) that better capture long-term gains in creativity, engagement, energy and decision making. Many of these benefits aren’t reflected in lower health care costs but show up in day-to-day performance, company culture and team productivity.
“Movement integrated into the flow of work isn’t a perk, it’s a strategic imperative,” Pronk said. “Organizations that intentionally design for movement will see sharper thinking, stronger teams and healthier employees over time.”
The commentary highlights straightforward steps employers can take to help employees break up long sedentary stretches and protect cognitive health.
Strategies leaders can use to enhance movement at work
- Physical environment: Workplace design and conditions influence how often employees move. Leaders can encourage use of spaces that support activity and social interaction, including break rooms or fitness centers. Office layouts can be designed for movement through visible stairwells and flexible meeting room spaces.
- Social environment: Culture and relationships shape attitudes toward well-being. Leaders can reduce stigma and normalize self-care by modeling healthy behaviors themselves, like standing, stretching or stepping away briefly between meetings, encouraging breaks or sharing their own activity goals.
- Economic environment: Flexible work arrangements and strong employer-sponsored benefits can help reduce stress. Leaders can promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging employees to take time off and to build regular physical activity into their day.
- Policy: Leaders can advocate for flexible workplace policies that promote physical activity, work-life balance and mental well-being.
- Corporate culture and climate: Daily work experiences matter. Leaders can encourage physical activity throughout the day by fostering trust and giving employees the freedom to integrate movement into their workflow in ways that support focus and sustained performance.
About HealthPartners Institute
HealthPartners Institute is part of HealthPartners, a nonprofit organization with a mission of improving health and well-being in partnership with its members, patients and community. HealthPartners Institute supports this mission through research, education and practice. The Institute annually conducts more than 400 research studies and trains 700+ medical residents and fellows and 1,200+ medical and advanced practice students. Its integration with HealthPartners hospitals, clinics and health plan strengthens the Institute’s ability to discover and develop evidence-based solutions and translate them into practice. Based in Minneapolis, the Institute’s work impacts care, health and well-being across the region and nation as well as internationally. Visit healthpartnersinstitute.org for more information.
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