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As work hours increase, it is reported that back pain in the general population is rising so much so that over 70% suffer at some time during the working life (Source: ONS). Unfortunately is doesn’t end there - without ergonomic and supporting seating systems we can develop long-term bad posture, repetitive strain injury, eyestrain, carpal tunnel syndrome, increased stress, headaches and tension.  It’s enough to send you back to bed – and to the doctor.

When bad seating issues are addressed, we increase productivity by contributing to a healthier, happier working environment and significantly reduce time lost to sickness amongst our workforce

There are several things we can do to achieve this
Firstly, and crucially, we need a chair that allows us to sit in a position that offers the right support for our back, so we can achieve a well-supported and natural balanced position for our spine.

Secondly, we need to sit so that our pelvis is rotated slightly forward and our thighs are angled in a gentle downward direction, encouraging good blood flow to the feet, which should be flat to the floor, or perhaps on a well-adjusted footrest.

Next, we need to sit close to our desks and have our workspace intelligently arranged so that everything we need is within easy reach of both eye and hand.

Computer monitors should be set so that the top of the screen is flat on to our eye-line, computer keyboards should be placed parallel to and at the correct distance from the edge of the desk – about 10cm – so our fingertips rest comfortably on the keys.  Your mouse-wrist should be supported and the mouse should be within easy reach, to avoid stretching for it or twisting at a damaging angle to reach it.

Arrange your work so that you are mostly looking straight ahead.  Sit back in your chair and rest your upper body against the backrest.

Check out our other articles on the site such as:

Good posture is important in any office and good seating helps

Support your staff, support their back