Ever been told to sit up straight? Keep your joints at a 90-degree angle? You might have followed the instructions, only to end up feeling worse than when you slouch. That’s why Brisbane-based Health and Injury Management Advisor Jarryd Croxford wants to move away from a single, ideal posture and embrace regular movement instead.
With a special interest in occupational health, Jarryd is the chair of the APA Occupational Health Group in Queensland and a health and injury management adviser at Sime Motors. In this Q&A with Buro, he explains why posture isn’t about perfection, how micro-movements help prevent pain, and how office ergonomics in Australia play a vital role in supporting healthy work habits.
Jarryd Croxford, Health and Injury Management Advisor at APA Occupational Health Group, Australia
Jarryd, what do we know about the sitting habits of Australians?
We know that office workers spend around 75% of their working hours being sedentary, and the latest Australian National Health Survey showed that 44% of working adults sit for the majority of their workday.
Are there any issues or injuries linked to sitting at work?
Musculoskeletal disorders account for over half of Australia’s serious workers’ compensation claims, and physiotherapists tend to see a lot of neck and upper back tension, lower back pain, and shoulder discomfort. But while some studies have found a link between sitting at work and musculoskeletal injuries, overall, the evidence is inconsistent.
Discomfort and workplace injuries tend to stem from prolonged static postures, poor desk setup, and a lack of movement. These are preventable problems, related more to how we sit, how long we stay in one position, rather than the act of sitting itself.
What are some common myths about posture and reducing workplace injuries?
There’s an idea that there is a single “perfect posture”, and any deviation from that posture is harmful. In reality, staying rigidly upright all day isn’t helpful. Our bodies are meant to move, and frequently. Relaxed, variable sitting based on your comfort is much better than any textbook upright posture.
Beyond physical health, can prolonged sitting affect energy, focus, or even mood?
Prolonged sitting at work may be linked to poorer mental health, including general wellbeing and burnout. Among Australian office workers, sitting for six or more hours a day has been linked to higher rates of psychological distress.
When compared to prolonged sitting, sit-stand workstations’ benefits include less fatigue and concentration problems, and more motivation. Workers who use a sit-stand station have also reported feeling less tired and sluggish and more energetic.
What are three simple adjustments that will improve posture and comfort?
- Adjust your chair so that your elbows are at the height of the desk, your feet can rest on the ground (use a footrest if you need to), and recline into the backrest with the backrest at 90-110 degrees.
- Make sure the top third of your monitor is at eye level.
- Move regularly. Even standing for a minute or two every half hour can significantly reduce your workplace injury risk.
Want some tips on movements you can incorporate into your day? Read our blog on great desk exercises for workplace wellness.
The Buro Force offers height-adjustable lumbar support.
The Buro Force chair features exclusive Buro Dynamic Intelligence seating technology.
What advice would you give someone before they set up a new workspace?
Start with an adjustable office chair and desk setup that makes those three adjustments I just mentioned possible. If you’re working from home, don’t work from your couch or bed – awful posture! Prioritise natural light, reduce screen glare, and make space for movement. It can be as simple as placing your printer or water bottle further away to encourage breaks.
If you get stuck, consult a physiotherapist for advice.
What are the key features of a good ergonomic office chair?
Adjustable seat height, seat tilt, seat depth, and back tilt are the big ones. A synchronised tilt mechanism that encourages movement is also valuable.
It’s not about forcing one posture, but rather enabling small, frequent adjustments. A good chair should support postural changes and feel comfortable throughout the workday.
What’s the value of investing in APA-endorsed chairs?
To receive an APA endorsement, a chair must be fit for purpose, with any claimed benefits proven. It needs AFRDI certification and must meet relevant Australian Standards.
An APA endorsement gives you peace of mind. It means your chair has been assessed and approved by an experienced occupational health physiotherapist who understands the demands of prolonged sitting. We review the product specifications, then inspect and test the chair, looking at dimensions, lift structure, load, castors, arms (if applicable), tilt, lock adjustment, and the chair’s weight.
Buro Polo Drafting stool.
What type of customers benefit from a physiotherapist-recommended office chair?
Anyone who spends long hours at a desk can benefit from an APA-endorsed ergonomic chair: office workers, students, hybrid workers, or people with existing injuries.
Good seating and workstation design can improve comfort and reduce workplace injury risk, both of which support productivity, morale, and absenteeism. Investing in physiotherapy-approved seating signals a commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
How does the APA aim to shift national attitudes about sitting, movement, and office ergonomics in Australia?
The APA wants to move away from a one-size-fits-all model of posture and movement. We advocate for movement and exercise, and less prolonged sedentary time. Through public campaigns and industry collaboration, the APA promotes the role of physiotherapists in improving work health outcomes
Are there new trends regarding how people think about movement during the workday?
There’s growing awareness that workplace health and safety is about more than targeting individual behaviour. It’s not as simple as, say, massages or fruit bowls. More workplaces are taking a multi-level approach when it comes to reducing sitting time and offering active workstations.
Any exciting innovations in workplace environments to keep an eye on?
The integration of smart technology into seating and workstations. This includes AI-enabled posture monitoring, automated movement reminders, and custom user profiles that adjust furniture settings based on ergonomic data. These innovations support healthier behaviour through real-time feedback, rather than relying solely on user education.
AI and data-driven insights can help us identify patterns and tailor interventions, but the clinical lens is key to making them meaningful. Physiotherapists are well-positioned to guide how automated tools are implemented and interpreted.
The Buro Metro II is endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA).
Rethinking posture after our Q&A with Jarryd?
Investing in adjustable ergonomic chairs is a smart move for any workplace. Explore Buro’s range of physiotherapy-approved seating and discover how better chairs can reduce workplace injuries and transform the way you work.
