People who exercise are more likely to work harder than those who do not and will have a greater level of concentration, a consultancy says.

These employees are also less likely to take sick days because their immune system tends to improve, according to System Concepts.

Recent research by the University of Bristol showed focus groups with people who built exercise into their working day showed positive results at work.

Tom Stewart, joint managing director of System Concepts, said the problem people have is motivating themselves so companies should encourage exercise.

“Just because you are at your desk doesn’t mean you are necessarily being productive, you are perhaps better to be there slightly less and be more productive than sat there looking at Facebook all day,” he added.

According to the British Osteopathic Association, employees who sit at their desk for long periods of time should try to keep moving and carry out stretches.

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