The rise of office based jobs and decline in manual employment has led to experts warning of a multitude of new health concerns. These can be relatively minor short term conditions such as back pain, repetitive strain injury or screen glare headaches to problems which may pose more of a concern such as stress or obesity.
However, furniture maker Steelcase (SCS) wishes to draw the attention of the nation’s workers to something which can have a huge effect upon their day to day lives – the way we sit at our desk.
In a study of 2,000 people from 11 countries conducted by the manufacturer, it became clear that hardly anyone attempts to sit up straight any more, with the result that we are leaving ourselves open to aches and pains both in the short term and in later life.
The rise of tablet computers has meant that, rather than hunching over the keyboard, workers may recline back in their chairs in a position SCS refers to as “the Draw.” Sounds relaxing, yet due to a lack of lower back support in office chairs this can lead to back pain if the position becomes a habit.
Then there are those tied to their smartphone for long periods of time. Constantly looking down at the screen will take its toll on your neck unless the device is elevated to your line of sight, not to mention the headaches that come from using a small screen to read important work emails.
As for those who work in modern office settings, where flexible beanbags and low chairs have replaced the formal desks, the relaxed atmosphere may simply be masking a multitude of issues. Sitting low to the ground with bent knees reduces circulation in the lower legs and, as with the Desk position these seating methods are unlikely to provide adequate lower back support.
Finally, SCS identified the position likely to cause the most problems in future – and the bad news is most of us will be guilty of using it. “Strunch-ers” hunch over their laptop screens and stretch their backs too far thanks to the combination of a low desk and small screen, opening themselves up for back, arm, wrist, neck and shoulder injuries in future.
Fortunately, though, there is one relatively comfortable position which will cause few problems and even improve your posture. Those with large screens will often lean back into their chairs and absorb information from their computers this way. However, this is only healthy if your chair provides adequate lumbar support and has a reclining feature.
There are many things which you can do to improve your health in the workplace, from taking regular breaks to sitting up straighter. However, a good chair will always be the starting point for relieving aches and pains in the office – so if you suffer from back pain, perhaps it’s time to start hinting to the boss that a refurbishment may be in order!
No related posts found for this post.
