How Does Posture Affect Work Performance?

 If you're an office worker, chances are you spend most of your day sitting at your desk. But do you know that sitting in one place for long hours is bad for your health and productivity? Your work performance can plummet if you're not careful about your posture.

But how does posture affect your productivity? Let's have a look!

Does Your Posture Define Your Performance?

Many studies have already proven that posture can significantly impact one's mood, hormones, energy level, and overall productivity. Therefore, it is crucial to sit properly when you want to focus. And remember that in a job that requires dealing with clients, your body language will define your attitude and persona.

Research by Sweene, Van Den Heuvel, and Stefan IJmker in 2007 showed that workers who had developed symptoms in their neck, shoulders, or hands and arms due to poor posture suffered a loss of work productivity.

Another study by Bostrom et al. in 2008 assessed people who presented discomfort or symptoms in their neck or upper extremity musculoskeletal regions. The study participants were young adults who spent more time using computers, whether at school, work, or home. The research concluded that improper posture was the key factor that caused a decrease in productivity.

How to Improve Your Posture for Better Work Performance

Frequent posture breaks during work are crucial to improving your posture, a 2001 study by McLean and Tingley found. The research showed how taking a posture break every 20 minutes can help prevent cumulative trauma disorders in computer workers. It also had a positive impact on improving physical discomfort.

It’s a good idea to maintain a posture that keeps your spine neutral. Doing so improves work performance to a considerable extent. For example, reclining your chair from your desk at a 110-130 degree angle is good for your spine. But that may not be practical for your entire day at work.

Alternatively, you could experiment with different sitting positions and frequently change your posture to avoid slouching, which can otherwise decrease your productivity. Ergonomic chairs and desks are also excellent solutions to improve your posture and work performance.

However, not all ergonomic pieces of furniture are created equal. It is also crucial to choose the right chair and desk, depending on your job type. For example, if you are a radiologist, you could buy an adjustable radiology desk because it allows you to adjust your computer and desk positions. This can help improve your posture and productivity at work.