EN 
DE If I were an orthopedic surgeon, I would specialize in software development. I'm sure that profession would offer me a good living.
Thanks to the wonders of electronics, people are starting to bend their spines earlier and earlier. Playing Gameboys, hacking SMS messages, and surfing the internet ensure proper "prevention" in the upper thoracic and cervical spine from a young age. Some people with this slightly stooped posture, further reinforced in school and university, eventually become software developers. One might think that this posture, acquired over many years, is actually the natural posture for software developers. If our nervous system didn't tell us otherwise.
It's usually when the first intervertebral discs start painfully pressing on nerves that it dawns on some people that this posture isn't natural. A few years ago, I myself morphed into a crawling creature because I was no longer able to coax a human-like posture from my spine without feeling like someone was gleefully plunging a knife into my back. I can't even excuse myself by saying I didn't know what poor posture could do. But I, too, often only learn from my mistakes. Didn't you sit up a little straighter while reading these lines? I'd almost bet you did.
I hope you're now motivated to join me in thinking about the topic of "proper posture for software developers." Let's take a look around the office. Since the pain in our backs is still so fresh in our minds, let's start with the chairs. Most office chair users obviously haven't given much thought to why the designers came up with all those levers and adjustment screws. It seems to me that most office chairs are used exactly as they were delivered. The next thing we notice is the chair occupant's humbly bent-over neck. They're aligning their head with the screen, which is positioned too low. With desktop computers, there's a chance to address ergonomic issues. With laptops, this postural problem is practically built in.
As long as the person using the mouse is engaged, they remain in this submissive posture. However, when their hands begin searching over the keys, this transforms into a dull, slow nod. Since the average software developer isn't familiar with touch typing, their eyes constantly shift back and forth between the characters on the keys and their corresponding images on the screen. A superhuman, who wouldn't experience any problems with their musculoskeletal system with such a work style. I can literally feel the pull in my neck as I type this text while nodding.
The constant switching between a dark keyboard and a bright screen also tires our nervous system. This is a good argument for higher levels of abstraction and graphical programming, which uses the mouse more than the keyboard. But those who can indulge in this luxury often find themselves sitting in front of a tiny screen. After all, the software was expensive enough! When scrolling and zooming, the software developer not only loses their temper but also tends to lose track of everything. Programming in this way is somewhat reminiscent of endoscopy.
Which brings us to the eyes, which, as we know, receive visual signals. Our eyes are mercilessly tormented by unfortunate color schemes or incorrectly placed light sources with an unpleasant color spectrum. There is glare, reflections, flickering, and a mixture of daylight and cold fluorescent lighting.
To boost team spirit, everyone ends up crammed into an open-plan office like sardines. A popular argument for this mass-office approach: when the software developer is brooding, he's always grateful for the inspiration provided by colleagues' phone calls and discussions. Do you believe that? I'll refrain, for reasons of space, from criticizing office tower architects who prioritize saving money over people over artistic merit. There are buildings where you actually have to consult the architect if you want to add a friendly touch to the dreary, gray concrete of your meeting corner. Another great idea: rooms with glass walls. Unfortunately, it's often forgotten that most people aren't exhibitionists. Who really enjoys sitting in a glass house, even if it symbolizes the company's power like a phallic emblem?
It's time we took the issue of species-appropriate husbandry for software developers seriously. Just like with free-range chickens, the advantage is obvious: they lay the best eggs. Sometimes even golden ones.
Tips for "species-appropriate husbandry": Request them now!
I look forward to your suggestions below. denkanstoss@microconsult.de.
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Food for thought:
Column by Peter Siwon about the human side of project work
Peter Siwon: Systemic project management
