The Impact of Remote Work on Posture and How to Improve It

Since the pandemic started, the workplace has undoubtedly faced countless challenges and transformations, changing how the world defines a working environment. With the mandate of lessening in-person interactions, companies have had to tweak their method of operations, letting their teams work within the confines of their home.

Remote work has indeed sparked a revolution in the workplace! Most of everything is done virtually and online, from studying and job searching to connecting with friends and family and shopping for products; it makes sense to move the workplace to the digital world.

Given today’s increasingly digital world, it seems that the rise in remote working has been a long time coming, only accelerated by the global health crisis. However, although remote work has its benefits, it has downsides that affect employees’ health—their bodies, mainly.

Work Environment Troubles at Home

Working at home sounds convenient and comfortable, doesn’t it? For the most part, it is—you get to type and click away in your humble abode, never needing to leave your property. While remote work can be cozy for the most part, not many people realise how their work area isn’t that conducive to sitting around all day.

Having the ideal work-from-home setup isn’t easy—it takes a bit of experimenting with couches, patio tables, and even kitchen tables to find a place that works for you. However, although you think your work area seems fine, an improper desk and chair could affect your posture and cause postural kyphosis!

How to Fix Your Bad Posture

If you keep working in a non-ergonomic environment, you have a chance of getting a hunchback or kyphosis, a condition where your spine curves forward more than it should. When you have kyphosis, your upper back will look overly rounded, making you look permanently hunched or slouching.

Fortunately, kyphosis is preventable! If you’re worried about developing a hunchback while working, there are a few preventative measures you can try so that you can work comfortably while also keeping your back straight and strong.

Add Stretching to Your Daily Routine

Stretching is the best way to prevent neck and back strain and, most significantly, kyphosis! By stretching, you can relieve the tension created by sitting for extended periods and relax your whole body.

We suggest investing in an assisted stretching service if you want to improve your posture further and effectively relieve all of the tension in your joints.

Sit Properly

Your parents were right—proper seating is crucial! When you sit correctly, you’ll have less chance of developing a hunchback, but this is not all that matters. To prevent kyphosis, you must have good sitting hygiene—listen to your body.

Rather than forcing your body into an uncomfortable position, avoid straining it and move around or change positions once your muscles feel stiff, tired or tight. Through these simple practices, you’ll improve your posture and even get some much-deserved break.

Conclusion

Remote work has been beneficial to companies and employees, but it has also caused some troubles, such as poor health. Working from home doesn’t have to be uncomfortable! As long as you invest in professional stretching, listen to your body, and have an ergonomic work setup, you’re sure to perform at your best while working!

If you’re looking for the best one-on-one stretching service in Melbourne, you’ve come to the right place! As Australia’s first one-on-one assisted stretching concept, Stretch Studio ensures that all our flexologists can help educate, guide, and help you achieve greater flexibility with a personalised and safe stretch treatment. Book a stretch today!

Ben Williams