Straight Up: Our Tips for Good Posture in the Workplace

19 Mar 2020 | blog +

Article

Good posture in the workplace.

The fact that poor posture and hunching over a desk, keyboard or other device all day isn’t good for you shouldn’t come as a surprise.

All too often our desks are too low (or too high), our chairs don’t support good posture, we’re too far away from our computer keyboards, and we end up hunched over with rounded backs, compressed chests, sloped shoulders and a craned neck.

And, given that many of us spend at least 90 minutes a day (and many of us far longer than that!) on our laptops or PCs, the negative impact of bad posture on our health, overall wellbeing and productivity is a serious concern.

Studies have shown that bad posture contributes to reduced energy levels, poor circulation and even depression, all of which result in reduced performance and productivity at work.

How to address this issue

There are, fortunately, a number of simple steps you can take to remedy the situation.

Ensure your body is in alignment to start off with – if you’re feeling strained and sore, particularly in your lower back and shoulders, see a healthcare professional for advice and remedial work.
Assess your equipment – what chair are you using, and what is the optimal height and distance you should use when at your desk? Ideally you should raise your laptop or PC screen to be level with your eye line, and your arms should be near-enough at 90 degrees when your hands are on your keyboard. There are numerous stands and accessories to help you set your desk up properly.
Sit correctly – it sounds simple, but you do need to take a conscious approach to your posture. Remind yourself to straighten your back, push your shoulders back and chest forward as often as it takes for this to become habitual.
Move and stretch – ideally you should get up at least once every 20 minutes for a stretch or walk. Physical breaks also act as mental refreshers which will help with productivity, so there’s a double benefit! Set a timer to remind you to take your break if that helps to establish a routine.
Add stairs to your office routine – climbing or descending stairs is a natural flexor of muscles that can shorten and stiffen from prolonged sitting, so along with getting your blood flowing, doing your stair routine rather than using the lift or escalator can help loosen things up.
Get a standing desk – these adjustable desks allow you to stand and work, and many have simple mechanisms to convert them from traditional seating desks to standing desks and back again quickly so you can alternate between the two.
Get active – if you don’t already, get active. Some form of physical exercise daily has multiple benefits including improved posture, mental health and circulation, to name just a few!

For guidance and advice on designing and setting up the perfect office environment from every aspect, contact one of the friendly staff at Officescape LLP on 01223 581 185 or info@officescapellp.co.uk