Better Posture for Better Confidence and Productivity

For administrative professionals, it can be difficult to stay productive and appear confident during long days on the job. One solution, which you can implement immediately, may come as a surprise: posture. Better posture can help you feel more confident and increase your productivity at work—even when you make no other changes.

During the course of a normal day, many administrative professionals spend many hours sitting at their desks. When you're on the phone or staring at your computer, it can be all too easy to slump in your chair. If you find that your posture has deteriorated during the course of your career, making it a point to use better posture can have immediate benefits.

If you spend time observing confident people, you'll notice that they often use excellent posture. A person who is sitting or standing straight, without slumping or slouching, appears to be confident. By making an effort to sit up straight at your desk, you will immediately appear more confident—even when you are not feeling that way. As a result, people are more likely to treat you with more respect and deference, which will increase your confidence. Numerous studies have shown that when you stand or sit with straight posture, you are immediately perceived as more powerful.

Better posture also has an impact on your productivity at work. The simplest explanation is related to health. When you slouch and hunch your shoulders, you are more likely to experience back, neck, or shoulder pain. When you are in pain, it is difficult to complete tasks to the best of your ability. According to a recent story from SimplyHealth, another contributor to muscle pain is the use of handheld electronic devices, which usually require you to keep your neck craned for long periods of time.

When it comes to achieving better posture, many people have a hard time correcting years of bad habits. The first step is awareness. Put a sticky note on your computer that reminds you to sit up straight. Each time you look at it, you'll remember to sit up; over time, it will become second nature.

For many administrative and clerical professionals, equipment position can contribute to poor posture. Move your computer monitor to eye level so you don't need to crane your neck to see it. If you use a laptop, invest in a stand to elevate it to a comfortable position. If possible, replace your chair with one with adjustable height and supports for the lumbar region, arms, and neck. Whether you're working on paperwork or talking on the phone, the right equipment can go a long way toward helping you achieve better posture.

Whether you spend your days at your desk or on the run, better posture can have a significant impact on your professional relationships and your productivity level. By sitting up straight, you can improve your career prospects without any special tools or time-intensive projects.

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)