Postural, joint and muscular problems pinpointed to necks, backs, hips and knees are on the increase amongst the British workforce, according to BT Office Furniture.
These problems could be attributed to poor seating posture, lack of movement in the office and inappropriate or poorly designed office furniture.
A survey recently published by Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) revealed that as many as one in four employees work non-stop throughout the day and many of us work through most of our lunch break.
Furthermore, a Deskbound survey uncovered that 60% of the British workforce work more than their contracted hours, 36% suffer from bad posture and 57% suffer from backache.
In 2008 a joint study between researchers in Southampton and New Zealand provided evidence that long hours at an office desk represents a similar risk of potentially fatal blood clots as long distance travel.
These facts and figures speak for themselves and stress the urgency in employees introducing changes and incentives that could improve staff health. At the end of the day, bad backs and other problems arising from poor posture will decrease productivity.
Interestingly enough the Deskbound survey also reveals that only 36% of employers provide 'comfortable' office chairs for their employees and 70% of office staff would like more say in their office furniture.