Posture: basics at work

The best way to understand good posture while working is to stand against the wall so your heels are against it, while your bottom and the back of your head touch the wall. This is not the way we work as most of us are sitting down all day.

However, at the very least, we should be conscious that our heads are not poking forward and our back is well supported against the chair. Standing desks are a step in the right direction but even taking a stretch and walking after every 50 minutes of working at a desk are an improvement.

At work, periodically reset your posture by standing against the wall with heels, bottom and back of the head touching the wall. This is the best posture to work in but of course if the job involves sitting for long periods of time, one needs a break to walk and stretch every 50 minutes or so.

Work stations should be as ergonomic as possible. Set it up for you own comfort - and if you share the workstation with someone else, readg=just for yourself before using it. There are lots of advice websites to help you set up your workstation. Click here to go to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website for initial guidancee.