Take a Break From Your Office Furniture and Get Healthy!

POOLE, England, July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Postural, joint and muscular problems pinpointed to necks, backs, hips and knees are on the increase amongst the British workforce. 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.

Steps to reduce work related health problems:

Short Breaks

Strain from desk bound work could be easily avoided with frequent short breaks away from the desk. Apart from having a positive impact on your body, shorter breaks also stimulate the brain.

Office Furniture

Osteopaths are urging employers to look over their office furniture and wherever possible invest in appropriate ergonomic office chairs and desks that will protect their workforce against injuries and back problems. BT Office agrees with this and stresses the importance for employees to fully understand how their office chair operates.

Exercise

Office staff needs to make sure to move about frequently during the day; stretch the body, take a detour on the way to the kitchen, meeting room or printer.  With a wireless headset or a portable telephone, employees can walk around the office whilst on the phone; this also burns 5 times more calories than sitting.  Google 'office exercise' for other ideas that can improve body posture and strength, and reduce the daily strain of sitting for long hours. Gentle exercise in the office can also help burning extra calories before the summer holiday.  

BT Office suggests three simple steps that can go a long way in safeguarding good health and wellbeing amongst employees:  1. Look over your office furniture 2. Make your employees posture aware 3. Introduce incentives for daily exercise and/or short breaks. And last, but not least, let your individual employees have a say in selecting their office furniture – after all they are the ones who are going to use them most of the day.  BT Office is always happy to share their knowledge and assist you in selecting the most appropriate office furniture for your office and budget.  

For more information visit: http://www.btoffice.com/blog/2010/07/take-a-break-from-your-office-furniture

About BT Office Furniture

BT Office Furniture is a national, privately owned company founded in 1994 which supplies and installs office furniture in the UK.  BT Office has concentrated on providing great value for money without compromise on quality and service. Their furniture portfolio includes executive ranges that cover both contemporary and classic designs. For orders and queries please call 0800 298 7033 or visit the http://www.btoffice.com to find out more.

Press Information

For further information on BT Office Furniture, its products and services please contact Derek Flood, Unit 9 Benridge Park, Holy Rood Close, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7BD

Tel: + 44 (0)1202 699 900     Email: [email protected]

SOURCE BT Office