While hybrid remote working has provided many opportunities for employees to improve their work-life balance, such as allowing more flexibility regarding work hours and cutting down work commute times, it’s not all been good.
The shift to remote working has left many people struggling to find space in their home working set up, or not wanting to invest in equipment such as a suitable work chair or desk, which can lead to several different physical issues.
With this in mind, office furniture experts at Slouch surveyed 1,000 Brits to find out how we’re working remotely, and if we’ve been educated on the correct remote working setups from our employers.
The survey revealed that less than half of Brits work from a desk when working remotely, with only 39% claiming to do so.
Popular places to work include the kitchen table – with a quarter stating they do this. While 23% of us admitted to working from the sofa.
With this being the case, it’s no surprise that just over half of Brits (54%) reported seeing a big or slight increase in physical issues, with a whopping 65% of 18-24 year olds seeing the most physical problems, listing poor posture and bad backs as the problem.
While employers should be providing education around the importance of a desk setup at home, 45% of respondents claimed that workplaces hadn’t educated them on how to set up their remote working areas properly.
Slouch have partnered with osteopath James Davies, who shares his insight:
James says:“During my visits to client’s homes, I often observe how they operate and function in their WFH setups. Many people end up working at kitchen tables, sofas, or even beds due to convenience or lack of proper equipment. This trend is especially concerning as these environments are not ergonomically designed for prolonged work, leading to physical discomfort and potential health issues.
“I have seen a significant increase in patients suffering from neck pain, mid-back pain, and lower back pain. Many young individuals lack a solid foundation of regular physical activity and stretching, which exacerbates these issues.
“Proper education on setting up a WFH space is crucial to prevent physical issues. Many employees lack the necessary ergonomic furniture and equipment, leading to poor posture and discomfort.”
James continues to explain how both the physical and psychological effects of poor posture can lead to a decline in productivity: “Muscles and joints can suffer from poor posture, leading to chronic pain in the back, neck, and shoulders. This pain can become a constant distraction, making it difficult to concentrate on work.”
How can you improve both your posture and productivity whilst working remotely?
James recommends: “Slow down and listen to your body. Notice how you feel after sitting for long periods. If something doesn’t feel right, take action by getting up and taking a break. Regular mini breaks are crucial to give your body a chance to recover and maintain productivity.”
His best advice for improving posture and productivity while working remotely include:
Focus on ergonomics: Ensure you’re making ergonomic adjustments to your desk chair and desk setup, including your equipment such as keyboards, and secondary screens if you work from a laptop and mice.
Regular movements: Incorporating regular movements can prevent stiffness and improve circulation, it may also give you some well-needed time away from your screen to relax and reset before returning to work.
Breathing exercises: Exercises such as deep belly breathing can reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being.
Yoga and Pilates: These exercises are great for improving your posture and can make a big difference in your everyday life, even just practising the most simple poses will lead to an improvement.
Chest openers: Exercises that open your chest, such as slightly raising your chin and spreading your arms whilst taking deep breaths without raising your shoulders can help relieve muscle and joint pressure, and improve breathing efficiency.
Neck exercises: Tilting your ear to your shoulder and holding for 10 seconds on each side whilst sitting, or shoulder rolls can help relieve tension whilst working.
“Incorporating these practices into your daily routine can significantly improve your posture, reduce stress, and enhance productivity. As an osteopath, I’ve seen these methods work wonders for many individuals, helping them achieve better physical health and increased workplace efficiency” James explains.
The post Osteopath warns employers on the link between posture and productivity appeared first on HR News.