Sitting is increasingly being referred to as the new smoking of our generation – the list of health dangers and risks are rather exhaustive.

From high blood pressure, obesity, poor nutrition and musculoskeletal disorders like back, neck and shoulder pain just some of the health dangers associated with sedentary work.

Prolonged sitting is not something many people think about, as everyone is doing it. But too much sitting can actually increase your chances of heart disease by as much as 50%.

Following are some tips from Ergomotion about how to adjust sedentary work lifestyles in order to improve health.

7 tips on ergonomic furniture for employers

  1. Raise awareness of the risks of prolonged sitting. People will be reluctant to change work habits unless they know the benefits. This could be done with emails, posters, or team meetings.
  2. Review the current working environment and see if there are ways to incorporate standing and movement in the day-to-day tasks. One possible option is standing meetings.
  3. Find out what employees think and see if they can think of ideas that will get people moving more to break up the sitting routine.
  4. If ergonomic furniture is an option, ensure this kind of environment is promoted and supported. Encourage workers to learn the health benefits and take part in testing new practises and furniture.
  5. Ergonomic office furniture can provide huge health benefits that minimise common workplace injuries and strains.
  6. Sit-stand desks enable users to have ultimate control. They are fully adjustable and can be raised or lowered when required.
  7. Positioning computer monitors correctly can ease back, neck and shoulder tension – monitor arms are ideal to give this complete control.

4 tips for employees to stay mobile

  1. Use the stairs instead of the lift.
  2. Take your lunch break away from your desk – a short walk around the block can help.
  3. Break up your day with short walks around the office, such as to the kitchen or bathroom.
  4. Walk or ride a bike to work. Standing on the train can even help.