Ergonomics has become a buzzword when it comes to office furniture, and for a good reason.
Whether you work from home or from the office, the ergonomics in your workspace has a huge impact on your body and day-to-day performance. The signs of poor ergonomics can manifest in many ways. Maybe you’re feeling a dull pain in your lower back, or maybe your neck is constantly sore and achy. In addition to discomfort, you may also be experiencing higher levels of fatigue, leading to a lack of focus and productivity. That’s why ergonomics in the office is important. After all, we spend most of our day at our desks and in front of a computer. It should be a comfortable experience. To help you achieve the most comfortable and ergonomically friendly workspace, here are some tips for creating a setup your body will love.
1) Check Your Monitor Placement
To prevent you from craning your neck up or down, the top of your monitor should be at eye level. This puts your neck in the most neutral position and allows you to view your entire monitor comfortably. Your monitor should also be at least an arm’s length away. Not so close that it strains your eyes, but not too far that it’s hard to see what’s on the screen.
Some monitors come with stands that make it difficult to adjust the height and tilt of your screen. If this is what you’re experiencing, consider getting a monitor arm. Monitor arms are made with multiple pivot points that allow you to achieve the best monitor placement. They also save space on your desk by eliminating the stand, which can take up a lot of valuable space on your desk.
2) Watch Your Head Position
Make sure your head sits directly above the base of your neck. By lining up your head and neck, you achieve the most supported head position, preventing strains to your neck and shoulders that are a result of craning your neck forward.
If you find it difficult to stay in this position, opt for an office chair with a headrest. A headrest can be used as a guide that reminds you where your head should be positioned. It can also reduce strain on your neck by sharing the weight of your head.
3) Make Sure Your Arms are Supported
By providing support for your arms, you relieve stress and tension in your shoulders. When using a keyboard or mouse, your wrists should line up with your elbows, creating a 90-degree angle where your upper arms and lower arms connect. Your arms will feel rested and natural at this position, further preventing strain and fatigue, even if you’re using a standing desk.
You can use your desk or your office chair to achieve this position. When choosing an office chair, adjustable arm rests are an important feature. These adjustment settings cater to your body for a customized fit that is comfortable for you.
Depending on the height of your desk and office chair, this may be hard to accomplish with a desk and chair alone. Luckily,keyboard trays can help you achieve the perfect height and angle. Keyboard trays are mounted on the underside of your desk and slide away or towards you, depending on your needs. Some keyboard trays allow you to play with the angle of your keyboard to get the most comfortable position for your wrist.
4) Position Your Chair in an Upright Position
Every body is different but the best position for your back is typically an upright position where your vertebrae are stacked. Leaning too far back or forward may cause more pressure on your lower back, leading to aches and pains.
Ergonomic office chairs are excellent for supporting your body, especially the length of your back, while you work. They are designed with multiple adjustment settings that help you find the best seat position, tilt angle, height, and more. Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the natural curve of the spine and feature lumbar support that makes your seating experience comfortable.
5) Make Sure Your Feet Don’t Dangle
Finding the right height for an office chair can take some trial and error, but a good determining factor is how your feet are positioned. If your feet dangle from the edge of your chair, you’re probably seated too high.
A great way to prevent your feet from dangling and adding even more pressure on your back is a foot stool. A foot stool can help you achieve the perfect bend at your knees and ankles, creating a seated position that feels natural for your legs.
6) Consider a Height-Adjustable Desk
A height-adjustable desk is great for both tall and vertically challenged users. By being able to adjust your desk height, you gain more control over the height of your monitor, keyboard, and office chair, all of which are elements that contribute to an ergonomic office.
A height-adjustable desk also allows you to stand while you work, breaking up the number of sedentary hours in your day. Standing for 30 minutes every hour promotes blood and oxygen flow in your body, which increases energy levels while you work. Standing also alleviates pressure throughout your back and hips, resulting in happier muscles.
If you’re ready to start working more comfortably in an ergonomic office, our specialists are ready to help. With a wide selection of ergonomic office furniture and accessories, Source has the product range and expertise to create workspaces that put comfort and support first. Contact us today at your nearest Source Office Furniture location.
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