Link between workstation & poor posture revealed

New research by Leeds Metropolitan University reveals a distinct and direct correlation between poorly equipped desks and musculoskeletal disorders, which can lead to serious longer term conditions such as mental health problems.

A recent study highlighted that more than 80% of employees reported suffering from ailments as a direct result of not sitting correctly while working at a computer, with one in five taking time off at an average of 14.5 days per sufferer. Employees’ wellbeing is also being compromised, with 18% having suffered from depression in the last three years as a result of their ailments.

With more days lost in the UK from sickness absence due to musculoskeletal causes than any other condition, it’s of no surprise that the problem is escalating, especially given that office workers now spend a minimum of 6.5 hours a day at their desks. More than half (53%) of sufferers say their private lives have been affected in some way as a result, including a strain on their personal relationships (21%).

Some 13% cannot go out and socialise as much as they used to and where there is long-term absence due to chronic pain and depression in combination, returning to work at all becomes extremely unlikely.

According to the research, more than half of businesses fail to carry out crucial workstation risk assessments, despite it being a legal requirement; this is disappointing, as doing so could easily address health problems from an early stage and thereby prevent injury or sickness.

Increasingly, poor ergonomics and adaptation to nomadic working practices is exacerbating the situation further, as employees take a more flexible approach to their working environment and try to adapt to their settings.

More than two-thirds (68%) use makeshift, DIY comfort supports or purpose-built ergonomic products, of which more than 65% are the personal property of members of staff. More than one in 10 (16%) actively asserts that there is no support from the company to provide a comfortable workspace.

Office specialist Fellowes commissioned Leed’s Faculty of Health and Social Sciences to consider the attitudes of employees towards health and wellbeing.

To find out if you have any potential risk areas at your work place, take the simple workstation risk assessment at ergo.fellowes.com/en/workstation-assessment.