This report examines the significant economic and societal costs of sedentary work in Australia, where a large proportion of the workforce spends most of the day seated. The paper identifies major cost channels, specifically healthcare expenditure, mortality-related losses, and productivity reductions from absenteeism and presenteeism, alongside the burden of musculoskeletal disorders, workers’ compensation claims, and chronic health conditions. Costs are qualified at both individual and national levels. The report concludes that preventative measures and workplace design interventions could yield significant financial and wellbeing benefits.

Psychosocial health is a crucial component of workers’ overall health and wellbeing. Some aspects of work design and the work environment can have the potential to cause physical and/or psychological harm and are called psychosocial hazards. Employees face different hazards based on the nature and expectations of their work. Chronic exposure to these hazards is linked to adverse health outcomes like anxiety, depression, fatigue, cardiovascular symptoms, and musculoskeletal symptoms.

The connection between physical pain and mental health has garnered increasing attention in both academic and clinical contexts. Work environments significantly contribute to physical injuries and mental health conditions. Physical pain can exacerbate mental health issues like depression and anxiety, while poor mental health can amplify the perception and experience of physical pain. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant source of occupational injury and disability for the Australian workforce.

This whitepaper examines how the integration of human-centred systems design and ethical positive nudging can reshape organisational approaches to system effectiveness and user satisfaction, with a specific focus on worker health and wellbeing.