When young adults enter the workforce, their average daily physical activity sees a significant increase, but this rises only to decline again over the next few years, while their sleep duration experiences a slight reduction, as revealed by recent research conducted by scientists at the University of Cambridge.
As young adults begin their careers, they initially engage in more physical activity, but this level tends to drop after several years, accompanied by a minor decrease in sleep, according to new findings spearheaded by researchers at the University of Cambridge.
The rise in physical activity was most prominent among individuals in semi-routine jobs like bus drivers and hairdressers, as well as routine professions such as cleaning and waiting tables, in addition to technical roles. In contrast, there was minimal change for those who moved into managerial or professional positions.
The steepest decline in physical activity occurred among individuals who worked from home; however, their sleep duration remained unchanged when they started their jobs.
Young adulthood, which spans ages 16 to 30, is a crucial period for health. While individuals are generally in their best physical shape during this time, it’s also when various long-term health risks, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, can start to manifest.
Health authorities suggest that young adults should aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly, and consume a minimum of five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
This stage of life also marks when most individuals begin working, leading to changes in daily schedules, resources like time and finances, and social and practical environments—all of which can influence health behaviors and future health outcomes.
To assess how starting to work impacts health-related habits, a team led by researchers at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge analyzed data collected over time from over 3,000 participants in the UK Household Longitudinal Study. All participants were between 16 and 30 years old and started working for the first time between 2015 and 2023.
The findings were published today in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.
Dr. Eleanor Winpenny, who was affiliated with the University of Cambridge during this study and currently works at Imperial College London, stated, “While we have insights into the physical activity and sleep patterns of young individuals while they are still in school, there’s limited information on what changes occur when they begin working. Given the significant impact that employment can have on our lives—and its long-term health consequences—it’s essential to understand this transition.”
The analysis demonstrated that upon entering the workforce, individuals’ physical activity increased by an average of approximately 28 minutes of moderate activity (like cycling) each day, but this figure declined by around 7 minutes daily in the years following their job commencement.
The most significant increase was observed in males, who experienced an average increase of about 45 minutes of moderate activity daily, compared to around 16 minutes for females. Those without a university degree also showed a more substantial rise in physical activity with an increase of roughly 42 minutes compared to 15 minutes for university graduates.
Conversely, remote work appeared to correlate with an initial decline in physical activity, averaging around 32 minutes of moderate activity lost each day.
When young adults began working, their nightly sleep duration immediately decreased by nearly 10 minutes, which then stabilized; however, those without a degree continued to experience a reduction of about 3 minutes of sleep each year after starting work, while those with a degree gradually returned to their pre-work sleep patterns.
There was little change observed in the consumption of fruits and vegetables after individuals started their jobs.
Alena Oxenham from the MRC Epidemiology Unit remarked, “Entering the workforce can significantly influence our lifestyles and the behaviors that may impact our health now and in the future.”
“Although we discovered that people generally increase their physical activity when they start working—which is a positive outcome—these findings are average; some may experience reduced activity, especially those working from home and, to a lesser extent, in office settings.”
“To maintain good health throughout our lives, it’s vital to remember that staying active is crucial. Individuals working from home might consider integrating physical activities into their daily routines, such as taking walks before or after work or during a lunch break.”
Dr. Winpenny emphasized, “Workplaces can create settings and cultures that promote healthier diets, increase physical activity, and enhance sleep for young adults. This could lead to healthier employees and fewer sick days in the short term while also contributing to long-term health benefits, helping to avoid health issues later in life.”
