Lucy - BQ Magazine EditorIs there anything worse than feeling uncomfortable at your desk? It nags away in the back of your mind and makes it harder to focus on what you’re doing. You can remove this ongoing distraction with an ergonomic workstation. It’s much easier to create one than you think – just follow these four simple steps:
Ensure You Can Adjust The Desk Height
Sitting in one position all day can cause many physical issues – like back and neck pain – so it’s important not to be in one fixed position for hours. An adjustable desk is far more ergonomic because it lets you transition between sitting and standing whenever you need breaks. It also boosts productivity as you’re not as sore, meaning you have fewer distractions.
Whether you want industrial style desks or more modern alternatives, you can get one that’s height-adjustable for better workstation ergonomics. Get into the habit of sitting down for an hour, then standing up, etc.
Keep Your Monitor At Eye Height
As well as adjusting the desk height, you should aim to keep your monitor at eye level, directly in front of you. This reduces the need to twist your neck for a better view of the screen, which puts you at a greater risk of neck pain.
Furthermore, try to position your monitor at arm’s length away from you so it’s easier to read on-screen text. Combine this with adequate lighting, and you’ll prevent eyestrain – which is one of the biggest causes of headaches.
Find An Ergonomic Chair
Having a chair that fits you right can make you more comfortable for hours on end. As noted earlier, reduced discomfort leads to more productivity! There’s no such thing as the “best” ergonomic chair because it depends on the individual. Still, the more adjustable components, the better.
Get a chair that lets you adjust the height so your feet rest on the floor and also comes with adjustable armrests that allow your arms to sit at 90 degrees while typing. Any type of lumbar support is also beneficial to reduce strain on your lower back and lower the chances of musculoskeletal problems. Test as many chairs as you can before settling on the most comfortable one that keeps you as upright as possible.
Use The Right Keyboard & Mouse Setup
Often overlooked by larger office furniture, the importance of having comfortably positioned keyboards and mice can’t be understated. Ergonomic keyboards will improve your typing position – which reduces pain and fatigue, lowering your chances of a repetitive strain injury like carpal tunnel.
Adding accessories like wrist rests can provide your wrists with more support while typing and using your mouse. You also want to position your keyboard/mouse so it’s not too close or far away from your arms.
An ergonomic workstation can transform your work life and make it much easier to get things done. Ergonomics is all about putting your body in more comfortable positions to reduce injuries and soreness. The steps above will let you create the most ergonomically friendly workstation, giving you fewer things to worry about and more focus!