Two side by side images of a woman's posture at her desk before and after the addition of Leitz Ergonomic products including a foot rest, laptop stand and padded seat cushion
15.07.2025

Correct Desk Posture: Myths and Facts Every Desk Worker Should Know

Posture advice is everywhere — sit straight, don’t slouch, engage your core! But how much of this guidance is relevant to the modern working day? For hybrid, home, and office workers alike, the reality is that posture is more personal, and far less rigid, than we've long been led to believe. Current evidence suggests that our traditional understanding of posture is not only oversimplified – it may also be counterproductive. In this blog post we’ll unpick three common posture myths, explore what the experts are saying, and share practical tips for creating a healthier desk setup with Leitz Ergo.

Myth 1: There’s One “Correct” Way to Sit at a Desk

Most of us have grown up believing that a single, upright posture — shoulders back, feet flat, elbows at 90 degrees — is the gold standard for sitting correctly. But expecting people to sit like this all day long oversimplifies how human bodies really work.

Research from Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust suggests that staying in any fixed position can lead to discomfort and fatigue. Award winning osteopath Anisha Joshi reiterates this in explaining that ‘our bodies weren’t designed to stay static for long periods, and sitting still for hours can lead to stiffness, poor circulation and increased muscle tension.’

It’s the time spent in posture that’s key. What your body really needs is movement and variation throughout the day. Posture is highly individual and influenced by factors such as mobility, body type, muscle distribution and even former injuries. What feels supportive for one individual may not work for another. Muscoskeletal physiotherapist Aiofe O’Meara explains that ‘since every body is different, there is no true neutral when it comes to posture. Instead, we should prioritise changing posture every 30-40 minutes when seated and encourage mobility in the spine.’

Even slouching isn’t inherently harmful if it’s part of a varied sitting pattern according to Aiofe O’Meara.

Tip:

If you’re partial to slouching or reclining in your chair, adding an ergonomic seat cushion to your setup will improve lumbar and comfort without overcorrecting your posture.

The issue is less about how you sit, and more about how long you are staying in one position for. After all, you’re more likely to be more productive if you’re comfortable and not having to make a conscious effort to constantly correct your posture. Find a posture that feels natural and supported, not forced or constrained. Posture is dynamic and personal, not a fixed shape to replicate.

Leitz Ergo Cosy Seat Cushion
Our recommendation

Leitz Ergo Cosy Seat Cushion

  • Stylish and ergonomically designed seat cushion to maximise comfort at your workspace with any chair
  • Promotes a healthy posture, improves circulation and relieves spinal pressure by minimising contact between your tailbone and the chair
  • Helps reduce discomfort, fatigue and stiffness that can result from extended periods of sitting and health conditions such as sciatica
  • Tested and recommended by the German IGR Institute for Health and Ergonomics, according to DIN 26800 EN ISO 15537

 

Buy this product at
Staples UK Ryman Robert Dyas Currys OfficeMachines.co.uk Office Monster

Myth 2: A Strong Core Prevents Back Pain at Your Desk

There can be a strong misconception that you need to brace your core or build core strength to maintain good posture at work. While core strength is important for overall mobility, evidence shows that constant bracing or tensing while sitting doesn’t prevent discomfort — and may lead to unnecessary fatigue. Movement, not muscle tension, is what supports long-term comfort and wellbeing.

Tip:

Consider seating that supports natural movement without demanding constant effort. The Leitz Ergo Active Sit/Stand Stool and Leitz Active Sitting Ball both feature rounded bases that relieve pressure on the spine and gently encourage posture shifts throughout the day — helping you feel more alert and comfortable as you work. These subtle micro-movements improve posture and reduce fatigue without requiring you to consciously “engage your core.”

“My patients who’ve tried the stool often notice their back feels better within just a few weeks” says award-winning osteopath Anisha Joshi.

Inactivity is more harmful than the wrong position. If it feels comfortable and gets you working better, keep at it, but ensure you build in breaks and variety.

Leitz Ergo Cosy Active Sit Stand Stool 2 in 1
Our recommendation

Leitz Ergo Cosy Active Sit Stand Stool 2 in 1

  • Stylish and ergonomically designed sit standing stool to keep you active all day
  • 2 in 1 as you can adjust the height to a perfect sitting height similar to an office chair but also to a perfect standing support height
  • Tested and recommended by the German IGR Institute for Health and Ergonomics, according to DIN 26800 EN ISO 15537 - also TÜV and GS certified
  • Rounded base encourages you to rock and swivel to strengthen your back

 

Buy this product at
Staples UK Ryman Robert Dyas Currys OfficeMachines.co.uk Office Monster

Myth 3: Standing All Day is the Answer

With standing desks becoming more mainstream, there is a common misconception that standing all day bypasses the negative effects of sitting all day. But standing for hours can be just as harmful. Prolonged standing has been found to be linked to lower limb discomfort, spinal compression, and vascular issues when not balanced with sitting or movement.

In other words, the goal isn’t to replace one static posture with another. It’s to build fluidity into your day. Anisha Joshi credits Leitz’s holistic approach to the work setup, remarking that ‘Leitz ergonomic products are designed not just to be functional, but to work in unison, helping to reduce the risk of injury and discomfort by promoting regular movement.’ See below our tips on which Leitz Ergo products work best in unison for an effective sit-stand work day:

Tip:

Standing desks are most effective when used in moderation and in combination with other supportive tools like anti-fatigue mats, active seating and regular movement breaks. The goal is to keep your body engaged, not static.

For flexibility, a sit-stand desk setup offers the best of both worlds — allowing you to easily switch positions without overhauling your workspace. We recommend the Leitz Electric Sit Standing Desk. This desk has a smooth electric height adjustment feature with a smart stand-up reminder and 4 memory functions allowing you to find the perfect ergonomic position. The Leitz Ergo Cosy Desk Converter is a great alternative to adapt any desk into a sit-stand setup. Effortlessly transition between sitting and standing without disrupting your workflow.

To support both standing and sitting phases, try pairing the electric desk or converter with an active sit-stand stool, an anti-fatigue mat when standing, and a footrest while seated. This kind of setup encourages natural micro-movements and weight shifts, promoting circulation and reducing strain on muscles and joints over time.

A Smarter Way to Work

Design your desk and day around supporting transition and movement. Movement keeps your blood flowing, muscles active, and mind alert, so get up and make that cup of coffee or walk over to your colleague’s desk for a chat. When combined with Leitz ergonomic products, you’ll find greater comfort, productivity and resilience. Anisha Joshi says it best “your best posture is your next posture”.