Sitting at a desk for hours each day while staring at a computer is often associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, and poor eyesight, however, these health problems aren’t necessarily something from which every worker will suffer. Creating a wholly ergonomic work environment is essential for productivity and is also vital for good health. Consider the following when designing an ergonomic space:
1. Scoot the monitor back: A monitor that’s too close to the eyes will cause sight damage over time as the eyes are made to focus on an object at an uncomfortable distance. The shape of the eyes will actually change over time to accommodate a close monitor, and this can reduce the ability to see far away objects. A monitor should be at least an arm’s length away from the body.
2. Don’t be a slouch: Everyone is told not to slouch when they’re a kid, but it’s a habit that adults shouldn’t form either. Getting a chair that supports the back properly makes it a lot easier to sit at a desk for hours each day without getting the urge to slump over and type like the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Adjusting the chair so that the feet sit flat on the ground makes it easy to remain sitting up straight.
3. Be smart with the keyboard and mouse: the mouse and keyboard need to sit next to one another on the same surface, and shouldn’t be far apart. Many workers tend to type for a few seconds and may then use the mouse for a few seconds, but reaching across the desk to reach that mouse is the easiest way to spend unnecessary time performing simple computer tasks during the day.
4. Don’t get a huge desk: A giant solid wood computer desk might look amazing and convey importance, but it’s definitely not a convenient piece of furniture for a busy office. Everything on a desk that a person needs during the day on a regular basis (like a phone, a stapler or a cup of pens) should be within arm’s distance. Stretching is best done away from the desk during breaks and not during work when seated in a chair.
5. Form right angles: Sitting up straight definitely makes it easier to create proper angles with the body, but it’s not just the curvature of the spine that’s necessary for a comfortable work day. It’s also important to keep the arms at right angles from the body while typing and to keep the legs bent at the knee at a right angle. Sitting cross-legged on an office chair is a big no-no.
6. Don’t hold the phone: Anyone who spends more than about 15 minutes a day on the phone should use a headset. Leaning the head over to hold a phone between the shoulder and the ear is a terrible way to sit, and long phone calls will cause neck pain and may even cause a worker to slouch uncomfortably without immediately realizing it.
A healthy, productive work environment may be accomplished with these incredibly simple steps in just a few minutes. Each night of restful sleep without back pain, headaches, and carpel tunnel will have a worker grateful for these simple methods for healthy office ergonomics.