People could improve their health at work by increasing their activity levels during their breaks, those in physiotherapy jobs have said.

The advice comes after the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy noted that the first Monday in February was the day that staff are most likely to call in sick to work. It is thought that around 350,000 Brits took a sickie on 'National Sickie Day,' a result of the post-Christmas blues, cold weather and a long wait until the next holiday, the Daily Mail reports.

In an effort to counter this, physiotherapists are encouraging workers to become more active during the day and have even suggested taking exercise classes during their lunch break.

Employees are also advised to carry out basic stretches at their desks and to ensure they take 'micro-breaks,' where they walk away from their desks on a regular basis.

Research conducted by the society found that 25 per cent of employees regularly work all day without taking a break. What's more, 46 per cent of respondents reported that they often experienced physical pains because they were sat in the same position for too long.

Clare Claridge, chartered physiotherapists told Private Health: "Exercise is an excellent way to improve your health and help your state of mind. There's nothing worse than being cooped up in an office behind a desk all day for your mental and physical well-being."