Working in an office generally requires a lot of sitting at a desk. Whilst those who do more manual-style jobs might think this is a great perk, there is actually a lot of damage which can be done to the human body by sitting down all day long. Your mind is busy, your fingers are probably busy clicking away at the keyboard, and your body is screaming for a change in position, and a better posture!
The truth is, sitting at an office desk all day isn’t harmful, provided you sit correctly, you have adequate and supportive desks and desk chairs, and provided you have regular breaks. It is thought that the average office worker will spend 10 hours on average per day sitting down in front of a computer screen, either desktop or laptop. That’s a lot of time to be in one position.
To highlight the reason why paying more attention to office furniture design in the modern office is so vital, let’s check out a few risks associated with sitting at a desk for a long period of time, be it reception desks, regular workspaces, and everything in-between.
A Higher Risk of Weight Gain
Sitting for too long not only means you’re doing less physical exercise, but it also decreases the body’s general ability to burn fat. This is all down to something called LPL activity, or lipoprotein lipase, to give it its longer name. This means that the body stores more fat, and it actually switches off the fat burning switch, and instead goes to sugars and carbs for fuel. Overall, this means you’re more likely to gain weight, and very unlikely to lose it, even if you’re on a diet.
Encourages Poor Circulation and Increases The Risk of Heart Disease
Sitting for too long causes poor circulation in the legs, which can increase the chances of varicose vein formation, swelling in the ankles (oedema), and can even put you at a higher risk of DVD (deep vein thrombosis). In addition to all of this, poor circulation can give you a higher chance of developing heart disease.
Weakens The Leg And Back Muscles
If you’re not putting your muscles to good use, they become weak. If you continue to be inactive for a long period of time, they will weaken to the point where you may be more prone to injury. The muscles in the back, the abdomen, and legs are particularly at risk from sitting at a desk for a long period of time.
Increases The Chance of Developing Diabetes
Being inactive for long periods of time, e.g. sitting still, can actually increase your chances of developing diabetes. Ironically, weaker muscles can also be a contributory factor here, because your body’s ability to respond to insulin slows down when muscles are weak. This all adds up to a higher risk of diabetes development.
Poor Posture And Pain
Sitting for long periods of time in a slumped or incorrect position is not going to do anything for your posture. Poor posture leads to chronic pain, and over time that can become something which drags you down and causes depression. A rather vicious cycle! A slumped position is the main problem causer here, and this particularly affects the shoulders, neck, hips, and back. Ergonomic office furniture in London is pretty easy to find, and this is something which will certainly help with ensuring you sit in the correct position, with the ability to adjust height and other factors.
Of course, the longer you sit in an incorrect position, the more chance you have of developing pain which becomes chronic and long-lasting. Once you get to this point, it is going to be hard to rid yourself of this pain. Lower back pain, joint pain, sciatica, and neck pain are some of the most common complaints amongst office workers, with lower back pain being one of the most prevalent. Ensuring you can adjust your chair and desk to the correct height and position is therefore vital if you want to avoid living a life of pain.
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It All Leads to Anxiety And Depression
If you’re in pain, you’re going to be feeling pretty down, and in the worst case scenario, this could lead to anxiety and depression. This isn’t a road you want to be going down, of course. In addition, sitting still and not getting the right amount of physical activity is a risk factor for depression too. Exercise is a natural mood booster, and can increase vitamin D flow around the body. When you don’t get enough exercise, your overall health and well-being is damaged. Sitting at a desk can also be a lonely experience, unless you are in a collaborative area; this in itself can be a risk factor for depression.
To Conclude
With all of these risk factors in mind, it is therefore important that employees ensure their staff take regular breaks from their desk, and that they encourage exercise during breaks, as much as possible. Installing the best office furniture for the needs of your staff is also something you need to look at, whether that is a desk with a height adjustment function, a glass desk, an ergonomic chair, or a new reception area completely. All of this will help with the health and well-being of your workforce. Ironically, this will also go a long way to increase the productivity of your business, and help you reach your targets.