Irritable desk syndrome

Cluttered desks, poor posture and hours spent in front of a computer are damaging office workers' health, with increasing numbers now suffering from "irritable desk syndrome", according to a new survey.

Of the 2,000 people surveyed by computer equipment manufacturer NEC-Mitsubishi, 67% said they are more tied to their desks than they were two years ago. Around 40% are infuriated by clutter and paper on their desks but could not be bothered to do anything about it, and 35% suffer from back or neck pain because they knowingly sit at their desk in an awkward position.

A "deskology" guide produced by NEC-Mitsubishi and Open Ergonomics, and available from www.tech-plus.co.uk, advises workers to pay more attention to the arrangement of their desks, and to add individual touches as reminders of life outside work. They should also adjust the way they sit to improve their posture, and take regular breaks to aid concentration and health.