As our working lives become increasingly digital, the way we interact with technology in the workplace has changed. One of the most under-recognised yet growing concerns in modern workplaces is Text Neck: a musculoskeletal condition caused by prolonged, poor posture while using smartphones and handheld devices.
While many employers are focusing on traditional desk ergonomics, the rise in mobile device use — for emails, messages, remote meetings, and work apps — means that risks are no longer limited to the desktop. And as screen time continues to rise, so does the potential for pain, poor posture, and long-term health issues.
What Is Text Neck — and Why Should Employers Care?
Text Neck refers to the strain and damage sustained from bending the neck forward for extended periods — most commonly while using a phone or tablet. It’s not just a tech-related buzzword; it's a real and increasingly common cause of pain among desk-based and remote workers alike.
The Anatomy Behind It:
The human head weighs 4.5 to 5.5kg in a neutral position, but tilt it forward:
At 30° it exerts 18kg of force on the neck
At 60° — a typical smartphone viewing angle — the load jumps to 27kg
This strain affects the muscles, discs, ligaments and joints in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Over time, it can lead to:
Chronic neck and shoulder pain
Tension headaches
Reduced mobility and productivity
Poor posture and fatigue
And yet, this is a condition that’s entirely preventable.
Your Responsibility as an Employer
Under health and safety obligations (including Display Screen Equipment regulations), employers have a duty to protect staff from work-related musculoskeletal disorders — and that includes injuries linked to mobile device use.
Smartphone and tablet usage may fall outside the traditional view of desk ergonomics, but in today’s flexible working world, they are essential tools — and equally important risk factors.
Employers have a responsibility not only to assess risks but also to educate and encourage healthier working habits.
Practical Ways Employers Can Reduce the Risk of Text Neck
- Set Clear Expectations Around Smartphone Use
- Promote Awareness and Education
Review Mobile and Remote Work Habits in DSE Assessments
- Ensure Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments cover all device usage — including smartphones and tablets, especially for remote or hybrid workers. Ask how and where they’re using these devices.
Encourage Movement Breaks
- Encourage regular posture resets and breaks from screens. Build a movement-friendly culture by supporting micro-breaks, providing sit-stand desks, stretching, and walking meetings where appropriate.
Promote Ergonomic Tools
- Provide adjustable furniture and equipment
- Provide smartphone/tablet stands
- External keyboards and mice for mobile work
Leading by Example
Forward-thinking employers are already adapting to the demands of the digital workplace by treating mobile device use as a legitimate ergonomic consideration. Doing so reduces absenteeism, improves comfort and productivity, and demonstrates a proactive approach to employee wellbeing.
Text Neck may start with a phone, but it ends with your responsibility. By making small changes to culture, education and equipment, employers can prevent avoidable pain and create a healthier, more resilient workforce.
Contact the DSE Team for further guidance on all DSE concerns. Need DSE Assessor Training? You will get the very best DSE training from us here at DSE Solutions.
