Sounds silly, but many people sit at the desks incorrectly leading to back problems sight issues its important to know how to sit safely.  


If you work with computers, you’re probably doing it wrong.

Go through the following checklist, and see where you’re letting yourself down.

  • Your eyes should be level with the top of your computer monitor. This is easier with desktop PCs, but a struggle with laptops where the keyboard and screen are fixed close together.
  • Your shoulders should be relaxed and low, not high and hunched up. You should feel like you’re not lifting your shoulders.
  • Your lower arms should be parallel to the floor. They should rest on a support, rather than being held up.
  • You shouldn’t be reaching too far for your keyboard and mouse. You should be able to control them easily with arms bent at the elbow.
  • Your feet should be flat on the floor. Just putting your toes on the floor isn’t enough!
  • Your upper back should be straight. Your lower back has a natural curve that should be supported by your chair.
  • You shouldn’t slouch in your chair. Your hips should be as close to the back of the chair as possible.
  • Your upper legs should be at a 90° angle from your body. If you’re short, this may mean that you need a footrest. If you’re particularly tall, you’ll need a higher chair (and may also require a higher desk).
  • You should be sitting up straight and your screen should be a full arm’s length away from you.
  • You shouldn’t be leaning to one side. It can be tempting to rest on one arm, but this causes your spine to curve.