The trend for employees to engage in working while on the move has resulted in a rise in cases of repetitive strain injury (RSI), new research suggests.

According to a study conducted by software and internet giant Microsoft, such injuries have increased by over 30 per cent in the last 12 months, at a cost to business of more than £300 million.

In total, 68 per cent of office workers are said to be suffering from RSI-related discomfort.

Microsoft attributes this increase directly to the rapidly emerging trend of mobile working, with office-based staff members now spending an average of an hour a day more than they used to using laptops and mobile devices.

"We are shocked that this research indicates that the number of office injuries is on the increase due to companies not taking the right actions in investing in their staff’s wellbeing," stated John Allen, managing consultant at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

In related news, the Health and Safety Executive recently stressed that the health and safety of employees is crucial to the success of businesses.