Take a look around your office. Do you see anybody sitting straight like how we were told by our grandmas? Apparently not. We no longer sit straight, thanks to our gadgets. A recent study has just identified nine common ways that modern workers are sitting at their desk to work on their various gadgets. The report, based on a survey of 2,000 people in 11 countries, also points out the stresses we impose on our bodies by sitting in unfamiliar postures. Take a look; your posture might be any one of these:
The Multi devicers- An urban office worker, talking over his phone at the same time typing feverishly on this laptop with both eyes squinting at the screen. Sounds familiar? I bet it is. This is one of the most common scenarios in every office.
Problem areas: Well for starters you need to relax for a little while. Next you need additional support for arms that are constantly occupied with all those devices, plus a chance to recline.
The Texters- It’s quite safe to say that of late people are hooked on to their Smart phones like oxygen. They have a need to stay connected all the time-They are endlessly texting, checking their mails, accessing social media etc. This constant use of smart phones also means they’re looking downward for extended periods.
The Problem: There is a significant strain on shoulders without arm. And if the device is not elevated to a natural line of sight, neck pain will follow.
The Leaner’s-You’re in a meeting but you’re totally not paying attention to the presentation. That GIF of Beyoncé on your phone is far more interesting. Even your junk mail seems more interesting. Smart leaners know how to position their bodies so that what’s on the screen will remain private.
The problem: Actually, it’s pretty comfortable to sit like this for a short period, though a little arm and back support would be nice after a while.
Draw-This posture is very common for people who use tablets. The Tablet gives them freedom from using a desk, allowing them to recline.
Problem areas: However along with the freedom from desks, arms are stressed out and fatigued after holding the device for a long period of time. Additionally, reclining can cause back pain when lower back support is inadequate.
The Entranced- Totally encapsulated and unaware of their surrounding, people often sit like this when they’re in “the zone.”
The problem: Leaning toward the screen strains the neck and adds pressure to the thighs. Many people unconsciously place their feet on the chair base for relief.
The cocoon-ers– We love bean bags, don’t we? They are the best place to plunk yourself. They signify the trend of “the most casual generation in the workforce.” Bean bags are great for reading, using your phone or table and at times using your laptops.
The problem: Due to the fact that bean bags are placed on the floor, there is absolutely no leg room. Bending the knee for long period of time can reduce circulation in the legs. Also bean bags do not come with any neck support, hence the neck is angled down to view the screen, and the lower back is probably not getting support.
The Swipers-Tablet users often sit this way when working at a table, and they can often be seen swiping pages as they read—thus, the name.
The problem: Hovering over a screen and leaning forward for a long period causes back pain. Unsupported arms strain the shoulders, while looking down tires the neck.
The Take it in-ers-You will often find people slumping into their chairs if they are frustrated, or tired. Also if anyone working on a large computer screen, they tend to sit in the similar fashion to absorb all the information on the screen.
The problem: Although this posture looks sloppy, this posture is in fact a healthy way to sit, providing the chair offers lumbar support.
The “strunchers”- Even though Laptops are meant for portability and versatility, the design and construction of laptops violates a basic ergonomic requirement. Because the laptop computer screen and keyboard are connected as one unit,it forces the workers to stretch and hunch over.
The Problem: All of it. There’s a high likelihood of discomfort and, over time, injury to the back, arm, wrist, neck, and shoulders.
The way we are using our sole or dual electronic devices, could be the cause of many sore backs, stiff shoulders, and perhaps dampened creativity. Workers are constantly changing tasks, from individual to focused, to collaborative. Every time a worker alters tasks, they adjust their posture too. Although we are constantly upgrading our technology, we aren’t upgrading our office chairs to meet the evolving demands.
To counter these new postures Featherlite has created chairs such as Ergon & Optima keeping such users in mind. Our unique chair designs urge people to move and not stay glued in a single spot. Ergonomic dupont mesh back chairs are designed to provide exceptional back support. Optima comes with maximum adjustability features to customize your chair to perfection. Adjustable lumbar support and headrest, seat sliding feature and 3D armrests are a few of its numerous features to give the new age gadgets users a much more comfortable stance. To know more about Featherlite chairs log into our website or walk into our various locations across India.
In our next blog we’ll explore the pitfalls of prolonged usage and also learn tips laptop users can incorporate for a better ergonomic experience.
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