Walking Pads in the Office and Lunch Breaks as Work Accidents: How Germany Is Rethinking Movement
Published on 07/24/2026 at 06:11 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
The World Health Organization has revised its guidelines for healthy aging, and the news is encouraging: as few as 3,000 steps per day can slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. For stronger preventive effects, 5,000 to 7,500 steps are recommended, alongside 150 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
As remote work becomes more entrenched, technical aids are gaining traction. Walking pads — flat treadmills designed to sit under a desk — allow employees to move during phone calls or while reading documents. Recent tests rate them as an effective countermeasure against the lack of physical activity in home offices.
The science backs this up. A study from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) shows that just 40 to 60 minutes of strength training per week can counteract muscle loss. Data published in Nature Ageing further indicates that three hours of weekly exercise can prevent up to 56 percent of age-related genetic changes.
Flexible office models are also reshaping the furniture market. Sedus Stoll launched the S:ircle project this month — a circular economy model for Germany. Instead of buying office furniture, customers can lease it, with the manufacturer handling returns and refurbishment. The business is thriving: Sedus Stoll increased its revenue by 8.8 percent in 2023, reaching approximately 259 million euros.
Large-scale workspace concepts are emerging alongside this trend. In Munich, the LILO project opened on July 23 in the former Lilienthalhaus building. Spanning 45,000 square meters, it offers flexible work areas with lease terms starting at three months.
A surprising legal development concerns home-office workers. The Hessian State Social Court recently ruled on two cases regarding insurance coverage during remote work (case numbers L 3 U 189/24 and L 3 U 176/25). The verdict: walking to get food during a lunch break can qualify as a work accident. However, purely social trips — such as visiting colleagues — do not receive the same protection. Appeals are pending before the Federal Social Court.
As workplace health and safety regulations evolve, staying compliant across different work settings can be challenging. A free Health & Safety Toolkit provides ready-to-use risk assessments, checklists, and templates that help UK businesses meet their legal duties under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, COSHH, and more. Download the free Health & Safety Toolkit
Community-based exercise is also on the rise. Walking clubs are attracting growing numbers of participants, especially among young adults. According to the Federal Institute for Population Research, one in five people aged 20 to 30 reports feeling lonely. These clubs offer low-commitment social connection.
Falls prevention is becoming more important as well. On July 26, a free program launched in Hamm for seniors, featuring exercises to improve movement safety under certified trainers.
Diet plays a crucial role in dementia prevention, experts emphasize. The MIND diet can reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 percent. For people aged 50 and older, a daily protein intake of 1.0 to 1.2 grams per kilogram of body weight is recommended.
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