The employer’s guide to reducing back pain in the workplace

Back pain in the workplace is not just a personal health issue; it's a business issue. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), 543,000 UK workers suffered from a work-related musculoskeletal disorder in 2023/24, resulting in 7.8 million working days lost and costing the NHS £500 million a year.

For employers, the costs are vast, from reduced productivity, increased absenteeism, and a growing problem of presenteeism. Productivity loss due to back pain problems is estimated at £3.8 billion a year.

It is not surprising, then, that many employers understand the importance of tackling this issue.

This comprehensive guide is designed for all those health and safety managers, HR professionals, and office managers who are keen to support their employees and are seeking strategies to prevent and manage back pain at work.

We’ll cover everything from prevention and back pain management in the office to ergonomic solutions and professional workplace assessments, as well as tips for employees and resources.

Understanding back pain in the office environment

Back pain casts a long shadow over modern office and home office environments, and desk-based jobs are often cited as a major contributor. ‘Danger at the desk’ headlines one British Safety Council article. The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that some office workers spend hours commuting, in a confined static seated position in their cars.

According to a recent Fellowes survey conducted among 6,334 global respondents, 52% of UK office workers reported experiencing physical pain or discomfort while working at their desks, and 23% said they had taken time off work due to workstation-related discomfort.

Despite the evidence and the recognition of these consequences, as well as increasing efforts by some employers to offer support, the importance of proactive back pain prevention in the workplace is still not universally seen as a major issue or addressed.

The impact of back pain on work

Back pain and other musculoskeletal issues have a deep effect on productivity and wellbeing in the workplace. Back pain is not just about physical comfort. It affects concentration, morale, and performance.

As highlighted by Andrew, a DSE assessor at Posturite:

“People I speak to are often finding it difficult to focus and to concentrate at work because they’ve got this pain that's overshadowing everything. To be in that situation is dreadful, it’s debilitating.”

The very real consequences of back pain at work also include:

• Mental health implications
• Career progression and job satisfaction
• Economic costs to individuals and businesses
• Long-term health consequences

Let’s look at each in more detail.

Mental health implications

Chronic pain, such as neck pain, can be closely linked to mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety and depression. Or vice versa, employees who cope with constant physical discomfort could start experiencing low mood, emotional fatigue and irritability.

This can lead to frustration, reducing employee engagement and morale, which affects productivity and the overall working environment.

Career progression and job satisfaction

Employees experiencing back pain may find career development challenging, avoid applying for leadership roles, feel demotivated, and develop secondary mental health conditions.

Economic costs to individuals and businesses

The financial impact is twofold. For employees, ongoing back pain could mean healthcare costs for therapists such as osteopaths or chiropractors, and stress from taking time off work. On the other hand, for businesses, the economic burden comes in the form of higher absenteeism rates, increased health insurance claims if they are offered, and lower overall productivity.

Long-term health consequences

Chronic back conditions such as sciatica, degenerative disc disease or spinal misalignment not only reduce an individual's quality of life but also their ability to do their work. They can lead to people leaving their jobs or taking early retirement.

Productivity losses and presenteeism

Unlike absenteeism, presenteeism isn’t always easily apparent. Presenteeism is when staff are at work but not fully productive in this case due to pain. People dealing with back pain at work may struggle to focus and tire more quickly.

Presenteeism is a silent productivity killer. Research from Vitality reveals that its impact on productivity is 12 times greater than absenteeism.

As Katharine Metters, Posturite's Head Consultant in Ergonomics, notes:

“Pain is a frequent cause of presenteeism. You’re at your desk, but not actually doing as well as you could.”

If you want to learn more about the hidden toll that musculoskeletal discomfort takes on employees and employers alike, check out It’s time to talk about pain in the workplace.

Common types of back pain experienced by office workers

Office workers tend to spend long periods seated at their desks, often maintaining the same position for hours, despite the health advice to avoid this. That is one reason why back pain is very common and is not a problem exclusive to the UK.

The World Health Organisation highlights that musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to disability globally, with lower back pain being the single biggest cause in 160 countries.

Back pain comes in many different forms, from dull aches to severe and chronic. Understanding the type and location of discomfort is the first step towards effective prevention and relief.

The most common types of back-related pain experienced in office environments include:

• Lower back discomfort
• Upper back and neck pain

Shoulder pain can also occur, sometimes as a result of neck issues.

Let’s take a closer look at each type of back pain commonly experienced in office environments, along with signs to watch for and some initial tips for addressing them.

Lower back discomfort

Low back pain (LBP) is common among office workers and is the most common cause of work-related disability in people under 45 years.

This pain is often first noticed and aggravated by prolonged sitting in unsuitable and poorly adjusted chairs or slumping forward in your seat. Workers may describe it as a dull ache, a feeling of stiffness, or sharp pain that worsens throughout the day.

These symptoms often develop gradually but can have a significant impact on comfort, concentration, and productivity over time. Recognising the early signs is key to preventing long-term issues, and making simple ergonomic changes, like upgrading to a properly supportive office chair, and adjusting your workstation correctly, can make a noticeable difference.

Upper back and neck pain

Staring at the monitor for hours on end, back-to-back meetings… is certainly miserable for your neck and back.

Pain in the upper back and neck is a common issue in office environments. The Fellowes research showed that when working in the office, back pain was the most frequently reported physical discomfort at 53% and sore/stiff neck (42%).

These types of musculoskeletal discomfort typically develop gradually due to sustained tension in the muscles, particularly around the shoulders and cervical spine. They can be triggered by forward head posture, hunching over a keyboard, poor monitor positioning or looking down at laptops. This type of discomfort is often linked to tension and stiffness around the shoulders and cervical spine.

In many cases, pain in these areas is interconnected: tension in the neck can refer pain into the upper back and vice versa, due to shared muscle attachments. Emotional stress can also play a significant role, often manifesting physically as tightness and discomfort.

To support office workers in recognising and managing these issues, the Posturite workplace wellbeing team has developed a practical guide: Neck pain in office workers. It highlights everyday habits that may be contributing to your discomfort and offers actionable tips to prevent neck pain before it starts.

Shoulder and arm pain

Our shoulder joints are more complex than you might think. The shoulder and arm don't operate in isolation, but are intricately connected to the upper back and neck, meaning discomfort here can easily radiate or stem from surrounding areas.

That’s why shoulder pain at work can often be a symptom of wider musculoskeletal strain, linked with poor posture or back problems.

Recognising the signs early, such as tightness, reduced mobility, or tingling sensations, and addressing posture, positioning and movement habits can prevent the problem from escalating.

As highlighted by Posturite experts, small adjustments, ergonomic equipment, and professional ergonomic advice can make a significant difference to workplace wellbeing.

Check out this blog for more information on how to prevent shoulder pain in the office.

Anatomy of the spine and how sitting affects it

The spine is not a single unit but a complex, segmented structure made up of 33 vertebrae that provide both support and flexibility. These are grouped into five main regions:

• Cervical: The top 7 vertebrae in your neck
• Thoracic: The 12 vertebrae in your upper back
• Lumbar: The 5 vertebrae in your lower back
• Sacrum: Fused 5 vertebrae that connect your spine to your pelvis
• Coccyx: 4 very small bones usually fused together

Each section has a distinct role and is susceptible to particular types of stress:

Cervical spine

These top seven vertebrae (C1-C7) support the head and enable neck movement. Poor screen positioning often results in craning or leaning forward, leading to neck strain and tension headaches.

Thoracic spine

The 12 vertebrae in the upper back connect to the rib cage and help protect vital organs. Slouching or rounding the shoulders, a common postural fault, can compress this area and cause mid-back pain.

Lumbar spine

These five vertebrae bear most of the body’s weight. Sitting too low or without proper lumbar support often results in the pelvis tilting backwards, losing the inward lumbar curve and placing undue stress on this region. This is one of the most frequently reported pain sites during Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments.

Sacrum

A fused set of five vertebrae that connects the spine to the pelvis. Poor alignment here can impact core stability and overall posture.

Coccyx

The final four (often fused) vertebrae form the tailbone. Sitting on hard surfaces without adequate cushioning or a fall onto your bottom may aggravate this area, causing discomfort when seated for long durations.

By understanding which part of your spine may be affected, you can start to take targeted steps to alleviate discomfort. For any workplace wellbeing manager aiming to improve workplace ergonomics, check out Posturite’s detailed guide on lumbar support for more information on how to support employees affected by this problem.

The lumbar region and its importance

The lumbar region is arguably one of the most important areas of the body to look after, on par with the neck in terms of its impact on our daily function.

Its centrality to movement and stability means that any discomfort or injury in this area can significantly affect quality of life and productivity.

It's the part of the spine most affected by sitting for prolonged periods, which is why it requires careful attention in the workplace, and is also the reason why we decided to place a spotlight on this section of the spine.

Lumbar spine

Centrally located, the lumbar spine is essential to our ability to walk, balance and move with ease. The lumbar spine has a natural inward curve, known as a lordotic curve, which plays a crucial role in absorbing shock and supporting the weight of the upper body. This curve is normal and essential, but it can become problematic when poor posture exaggerates or flattens it.

When you slouch, lean too far forward, or sit to work without proper support, that natural curve becomes compromised, placing stress on the spine and the muscles around it.

Discs

Between each lumbar vertebra is a disc – think of it as a bit like a “jam doughnut” as it has an outer layer and an inner more flexible centre. These intervertebral discs act like cushions, absorbing shock and allowing movement. But with prolonged sitting, especially in static and unsupported postures, these discs can become compressed and less hydrated, increasing the risk of discomfort and degeneration over time.

Bulging discs

One common back issue is a bulging disc, where the inner gel of the disc pushes against the outer layer, just like a bulge on a weak part of a tyre. Whereas a “slipped disc”, or more accurately a disc herniation or disc prolapse, is where part of the inner gel protrudes through the outer layer and may impact surrounding nerves in your back.

Learn about managing back pain at work with this 30-minute webinar, where the Posturite experts offer some really practical and easy-to-implement strategies:

Causes of back pain in office settings

Businesses that aim to reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and support the wellbeing of their staff must understand the root causes of back pain so that they can implement the right strategies.

From poor workstation design to psychological strain, here are the key contributors to office-related back pain:

• Sedentary behaviour and prolonged sitting
• Poor posture and a lack of good ergonomic setup
• Inadequate workstation design
• Repetitive movements and tasks
• Stress and psychological factors
• Unsuitable remote and home working setups
• Pre-existing conditions and risk factors
• Poor hydration

Sedentary behaviour and prolonged sitting

Your back doesn’t enjoy long periods of sitting still. However, office workers are often rooted to the same spot all day, which places sustained pressure on the spine and intervertebral discs. Over time, this lack of movement can lead to muscle weakening, stiffness, and lower back pain.

Poor posture and lack of good ergonomic setup

Unsuitable posture, such as slouching, craning the neck forward (like in the photo above), or unsupported lumbar positioning, can significantly increase back strain. Failing to provide employees with a suitable ergonomic office setup, like ergonomic chairs and laptop raisers, and failing to train them on adjusting the equipment to suit, can potentially worsen pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions or contribute to long-term discomfort.

Inadequate workstation design

A poorly designed workstation, where the desk height, monitor position, or chair settings are mismatched, contributes directly to physical discomfort in your back. Sitting too low, for example, encourages slouching, shoulder tension and forward shoulder posture, all of which are associated with back issues. Here’s why ergonomic chair adjustments matter and how to make them for optimal posture.

Repetitive movements and tasks

Repetition of certain movements, such as reaching for a mouse or twisting to access equipment, can result in strain and eventually injury. These issues often manifest gradually, making them harder to link to specific causes without a professional DSE assessment.

Stress and psychological factors

Workplace stress doesn’t just affect our minds; it shows up physically, too. Feeling pressured to come in early, stay late, and constantly keep up with demands can take a toll on both mental and physical health. Heightened and constant stress levels can lead to increased muscle tension, particularly in the neck, upper back and shoulders, which can exacerbate discomfort and hinder focus and productivity.

Unsuitable remote and home working setups

Since the shift to hybrid or remote working, many staff are now based at home without appropriate ergonomic furniture or setup. Dining chairs and sofas are no substitute for proper office seating, yet many individuals work far too long on beds or sofas.

Adopting simple steps to tackle back pain while working from home, it’s important to develop healthy habits with posture, positioning and regular movement.

In addition to these steps, a Virtual or in person DSE Workstation Assessment might be the best solution for employers looking to offer support to their employees working from home.

Pre-existing conditions and risk factors

Employees with a history of back problems or musculoskeletal conditions are susceptible to flare-ups when placed in non-supportive work environments.

Poor hydration

Staying properly hydrated benefits many areas of our health — and that includes your back. Experts recommend drinking six to eight glasses of water a day to support:

• Hydration of the discs in your spine
• The overall health and function of your back’s joints and muscles

Keeping your joints well-lubricated can help ease discomfort, reduce back pain, and support long-term joint health — all contributing to better mobility and greater comfort throughout the day.

Smart back pain prevention tactics for health and safety in offices

In a work environment where productivity and employee wellbeing are strictly intertwined, back pain prevention should be a top priority for office managers, health and safety professionals, HR departments and wellbeing teams.

Practical tips and strategies for preventing back pain in the workplace and supporting employees experiencing discomfort include:

• Introducing ergonomics to the office
• Training teams on back care
• DSE assessments: more than a legal tickbox
• The setup of spine-friendly workstations
• Choosing and setting up suitable ergonomic office chairs
• Sitting less, moving more: promoting active working in the office
• Promoting healthy postures
• Considering height-adjustable desks for back health benefits
• Getting the monitor heights right
• Providing ergonomic accessories

Introducing ergonomics to the office

One of the first problems to tackle in an office setting is poor ergonomics, which is one of the primary culprits of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Ergonomics puts human anatomy and behaviour at the heart of design. It’s an applied science to optimise products and environments, aiming to enhance comfort, performance, satisfaction, and health and safety.

An ergonomic design considers the user, environment, and task to ensure the best possible fit. In an office context, this means that every piece of equipment, from chairs to keyboards, should be aligned with the physical needs and tasks of the user to minimise strain and discomfort.

Making ergonomics accessible to your team is a really smart move to care for them, reduce potential problems, and bring more comfort and wellbeing into their daily work lives.

Training teams on back care

Educating employees on back care is critical for preventing musculoskeletal problems in the workplace.

Good DSE online courses with integrated DSE self-assessments feature expert advice on back care and equip your staff with:

• The know-how to self-assess their workstations.
• The ability to identify potential risks.
• Tips to implement best practices in ergonomics.

Share back care resources with your teams such as The 5 best free things you can do for your back article, poster and slide deck. Back Care Awareness Week is also a perfect opportunity to raise awareness of back care and back pain prevention.

DSE Assessments: more than a legal tickbox

Display Screen Equipment assessments are often seen as a legal requirement, but they offer much more than just regulatory compliance.

Under the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, employers are legally obligated to ensure that DSE assessments are carried out for all employees who use screens as a significant part of their work.

However, beyond fulfilling this legal obligation, DSE assessments can also significantly boost employee wellbeing and safety by identifying and addressing ergonomic risks before they become health issues.

“The majority of our clients having DSE assessments mention some form of pain or discomfort, whether it's mild or severe.”

DSE assessor Andrew

The setup of spine-friendly workstations

An ergonomic workstation setup plays a major role in managing and preventing back pain, especially given the significant amount of time spent working at a desk. Back pain is often the result of many things including poor sitting posture, suboptimal workstation setup, and lack of movement gradually taking its toll. But it’s possible to prevent and even relieve discomfort with a well-thought-out ergonomic setup and good work practices. Here are some tips to start creating a workplace set up your spine will thank you for:

Start with the chair

The chair is the foundation of a comfortable and supportive workstation, so ensure to adjust its height first, before arranging other elements like the screen. Good posture includes sitting with the hips slightly above the knees, which can be achieved by raising the chair or tilting the seat forward.

This slight downward slope in your thighs (shown in the photo above) encourages the natural curve of your lower spine (the lumbar curve), which helps support the back. This Art of Sitting Guide will help you.

Pay attention to shoulder and arm position

Maintaining relaxed shoulders is also important, as poor sitting positioning and chair setup can lead to prolonged tension and contribute to upper back pain. If the shoulders are tense or raised while working, it may lead to straining the upper back and neck.

Armrests should be adjusted so that the elbows are at roughly a 90-degree angle and the shoulders can stay relaxed.

Arrange the screen at eye level

Once the chair is set up, ensure the monitor is positioned at about arms distance and so that the top of the screen is roughly at eye level. People shouldn’t have to lean forward or tilt their head to see the screen clearly. This setup can help reduce neck strain and promote a more comfortable posture.

Making these small adjustments based on ergonomic principles can make a significant difference in preventing and managing back pain in the workplace.

Choosing and setting up suitable ergonomic office chairs

Choosing the right office chairs for your staff is a critical decision for maintaining back health. If choosing a chair to be used by different people, you should choose a well-designed good quality ergonomic chair offering adjustments to meet the needs of various body types.

When choosing a chair, lumbar support is important.

Some aspects to pay attention to when selecting an ergonomic office chair are:

Seat height adjustment

This facilitates proper alignment of hips and knees, fundamental to a good set up promoting circulation. Adjust the chair's height so your arms can comfortably use your keyboard and mouse, ideally with your forearms parallel to the desk. This helps prevent strain and joint issues. Once your arm height is right, make sure your feet are flat on the floor or supported by a footrest.

Movement with support

A good chair provides supported movement, which is a vital aspect of back care. A good ergonomic chair allows you to tilt the backrest so that you can adjust it to a suitable angle for you, ensuring your back remains supported. 

Height-adjustable armrests

Although they are optional, armrests are highly desirable. Make sure they are adjustable so they don’t prevent you from getting close to the desk.

Seat depth adjustment

You should ensure that the seat supports the thighs without putting pressure on the back of the knees. To make sure the thighs are properly supported by the ergonomic chair, slide the seat forward or backwards to adjust its depth.

When sitting, the back should rest against the chair's backrest. Sometimes, people with shorter legs might sit too far forward and miss out on the back support. This can lead to tiredness and isn't the best for overall posture.

For those who have longer thighs, it’s recommended to make the chair's seat deeper. If the seat isn't long enough, it can create uneven pressure and put extra strain on the back of the legs.

Backrest recline and tilt mechanism

Allows for movement and reduces pressure on spinal discs - but it should not tilt too far back.

Swivel 5-star base with castors

Enables easy movement, reducing the need for twisting the spine. Ensure to choose the right castors (wheels) for your floor – carpeted or hard – to allow easy repositioning and stability.

Quality materials

Investing in chairs made from durable, breathable materials can enhance comfort and longevity.

Great office chairs worth considering and that tick all the boxes are the RH Logic 220 and the Positiv Plus.

Need help with setting up your office chairs correctly? Book the Posturite Chair Set Up Service and get expert support so that the chair is set up as comfortably and ergonomically as possible for its user.

Sitting less, moving more: promoting active working in the office

Even in a workstation that complies with Display Screen Equipment guidelines, regular movement is essential to reduce your risk of discomfort and injury.

Encouraging employees to move more and sit less is a powerful strategy for maintaining back health in the workplace. Prolonged sitting can lead to muscle stiffness and back pain, but integrating regular movement into the workday can counter these effects. Simple desk exercises, stretching routines and micro breaks, such as standing for 10 to 15 minutes at regular intervals, can significantly improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.

For those who want to take it a step further, short walking breaks can offer significant health benefits beyond physical. According to Ellice Whyte, a business psychologist from Mindset:

“We often talk about the benefits of exercise for our bodies but don’t necessarily consider the benefits to our brains.”

Posturite provides a range of free resources to help employers promote active working, including a guide to 14 Easy Desk Exercises and a downloadable Workstation Exercises PDF.

Promoting healthy postures

Promoting healthy posture in the workplace is essential for preventing back pain and ensuring employee wellbeing. Rather than focusing on maintaining a single, static posture, it's important to remember that “the best posture is the next posture.”

Encouraging and educating employees to regularly adjust their sitting positions, stand, stretch, and engage in dynamic movements can significantly reduce the risk of discomfort and long-term back issues.

“Your back isn’t straight – it has curves to it. And ‘sitting up straight’ generally sounds like hard work and not what you need; you need a good supported position. I’d encourage you to also move frequently when you stand and sit too, because moving is an essential aspect of looking after your back.”

Katharine Metters, Lead Consultant in Ergonomics at Posturite.

Posturite has assembled numerous resources on maintaining good postures in the office. One resource you might find particularly beneficial is this guide on 10 good examples of the tilt in ergonomic design that can transform your working posture.

Sit-stand desks and their back health benefits

Based on research conducted by Vincent Walsh, Professor of Human Brain Research at University College London (UCL) in partnership with Posturite, using sit-stand desks, like the portable Opløft platform below, significantly boosts productivity and happiness in office workers.

The study involving sedentary workers showed that after just one week of using Opløft, they:

• Experienced twice the competence in decision-making
• Achieved a 64% improvement in language-based problem-solving
• Completed concentration and vigilance tasks 10% faster with 45% fewer errors
• Saw a 28% increase in creativity
• Showed signs of improved mood.

"This research shows that enabling your workforce to decide what work to do, where, and when – with maximum flexibility, promoting movement and good postures, produces a significantly happier, healthier and ultimately a more productive workforce."

Chartered physiotherapist, ergonomist and Posturite consultant Katharine Metters

Beyond these mental benefits, regularly switching between sitting and standing encourages better spinal alignment, reduces muscle stiffness, and promotes healthy circulation.

Height-adjustable desks also help to ensure proper desk height and screen positioning at eye level, while supporting a neutral wrist position.

For those looking to invest in ergonomic solutions, Posturite offers a range of high-quality sit-stand desks, including electric sit-stand desks and manual models, tailored to different workspace needs.

Getting the monitor height right

Your monitor position has an effect on your working posture. Proper monitor height is essential for maintaining a healthy posture and avoiding neck and back pain.

An ergonomic monitor setup is featured in the important DSE Regulations, which specifically highlight proper ergonomic monitor setup as an essential component.

Follow these steps to ensure an ergonomic monitor setup in your office:

• Adjust monitor height: Eyes should be level with the top of the screen. Use a monitor riser or adjustable arm for flexibility.
• Maintain the right distance: Keep the monitor an arm’s length away (50-65 cm for most screens).
• Adjust screen angle: Tilt the top of the monitor back slightly (10°-20°) and ensure it’s directly in front of you.
• Minimise glare: Position your monitor at a right angle to natural light, and consider using anti-glare filters, install blinds or use a block like the SuperVisor Clamp Mount Anti-Glare Screen if necessary.
• Optimise display settings: Adjust brightness, contrast, and text size for clear visibility without straining your eyes.

For a more detailed and visual guide on finding the right monitor position, download this factsheet on monitor arms and stands.

An ergonomic monitor arm or stand, like the Premium Monitor Riser, can help achieve the perfect height and angle, providing flexibility for different working positions.

Alternatively, a dual monitor setup is an excellent upgrade to the workstation and a great option to boost productivity and efficiency.

Ergonomic accessories for comfort when working

In addition to adjustable standing desks (aka sit-stand desks) and ergonomic chairs, there are other useful office accessories that can help improve overall posture and comfort, specifically:

• Lumbar support pillow or roll. For example, a lumbar roll provides comfortable, padded support for the lower back and can directly address back pain caused by prolonged sitting and lack of lumbar support.
• Ergonomic keyboard and mouse. Ergonomic keyboards and mice help to keep your wrists and forearms in a neutral position, reducing strain. For example The Penguin Ambidextrous Vertical Mouse is a great option as it helps prevent twisting and strain in the arms and shoulders.
• Laptop stands. A height-adjustable laptop stand offers excellent value as a budget-friendly addition to a laptop workspace. The most significant benefit is the immediate improvement in posture and position when using a laptop and a separate keyboard. The Slim Cool Laptop Stand elevates the laptop screen to eye level, preventing hunching and neck strain, which can often contribute to upper back pain and tension.

• Footrest. If the chair height necessary for the correct hip-to-knee position means the feet cannot rest flat, a footrest, like the brilliant HÅG Quickstep, is essential. Footstools ensure the feet are properly supported, reduce strain on the lower back, and improve overall posture.

Designing offices for movement

Creating an office space and a work culture that encourages movement is another highly effective way to promote back health and overall employee wellbeing.

It includes strategically placing standing desks, installing sit-stand meeting areas, introducing walking meetings or creating a dedicated moving/stretching space at your office.

People often don't move more at work because regular movement isn't always normal office practice. They might feel awkward or fear being teased for standing and stretching or walking around simply to move. Senior leaders can set a good example here, and move during their meetings and everyday working activities.

Final thoughts

In a world where office back pain remains one of the leading causes of discomfort and reduced productivity in the workplace, employers should focus on proactive prevention and early intervention.

If you or your team members are experiencing pain and discomfort, it’s important not to ignore it.

Investing in ergonomic solutions, such as sit-stand desks and ergonomic chairs, together with taking the time to educate staff on healthy working habits, can transform the way your employees work and how they feel about coming to work every day, leading to improved performance.