Most of us will spend the majority of their life sitting in an office. And although you may feel comfortable at first, over time this can wreak havoc on your body. Back and neck pain, Carpal Tunnel syndrome, tendon strains are just some of the most common muskuloskeletal problems caused by a badly designed office. However, all these issues can be easily prevented if the office is fitted out with the right ergonomics equipment and supplies. With that being said, here are some tips on how to make your office more ergonomically correct.
Chairs
The chair is an especially important element in the office. When you sit down, your whole body weight distributes according to the chair’s design. So, if the chair fails to provide you with proper support or pushes your body in an improper position, you are likely to experience all sorts of musculoskeletal pain. With that being said, it’s important for offices to be equipped with ergonomically correct chairs. Usually, this refers to chairs that have adjustable height, can easily recline and support the neck, upper and middle back. Ideally, the seat should be at least 2.5 cm wider than your hips on either side and so long that its edge is right behind your knees when you sit down. Very few chairs are designed like that, so make sure that your source yours from a store specializing in ergonomics equipment and supplies.
Desks
Although we’re living in a digital age, most desks are built for writing and not typing on a computer. As a result, when you type, your arms are compressed and your shoulders are tense. But since different people have different heights, it’s recommended to fit the office with adjustable desks which can be tweaked according to your employee’s unique needs. What’s more, you can also choose an adjustable desk with a sit-stand option which encourages employees to stand up more often which is good for their bodies.
Computer Equipment
But furniture pieces aren’t the only elements to pay attention to when making your office more ergonomically correct. The computer equipment you use also influences your body’s position. So, it doesn’t matter if you have the most ergonomically correct chair, if your computer monitor pressures you to tilt your head upward or downward, all the beneficial effects of the chair are undone. While most monitors aren’t adjustable on their own, there are monitor stands and risers which can help you arrange your monitor at a proper height and angle so that it’s at your eye level.
Additionally, the standard keyboard and mouse aren’t exactly ergonomic either. A more ergonomic keyboard is slightly curved to support the inward angle of your arms as you type. And in order to reflect the natural position of your arms, a vertical mouse is a more ergonomic option. When using a vertical mouse, your wrists, elbows and lower arm are relaxed and experience less stress.
