3 Ways to Improve the Ergonomics of Your Workspace
October is National Ergonomic Month!
Do you have a sore neck? A sore back? Or maybe just some general discomfort when you’re working. Your workspace ergonomics may not be right for you at the moment. Here are three things you need to make sure you “get right” in your workspace if you want to increase comfort when working. (Remember to always consult your physician if you are experiencing any pain. Our tips are strictly for informational purposes only.)
1. Get the Right Chair
Where do you spend most of your time? An expensive mattress? Pricey sofa? Driving around? A lot of us actually spend most of our day in an office chair. If this is the case for you, investing in the right chair just makes sense, and there is more to consider beyond just price and color:
- Size & Application: There are chairs designed for the petite, and ones designed for the big & tall and beyond. Some chairs are made for more limited use and some for use around the clock.
- Health concerns: Want an exercise-at-work seating option or a way to dispel excess energy? Have you had a recent surgery or medical condition that limits your movement? There are chairs designed for specifics like this!
- Materials: Fabrics that breathe, mesh that flexes, padding that disperses heat, and antimicrobial surfaces for healthcare applications.
- Height, tilt, seat depth and lumbar adjustments can also be important considerations in choosing your perfect chair.
As you can see, the options are numerous and they can all make a difference in getting the most appropriate chair for YOU. Why not test drive a chair from Perry Office Plus before you buy? Our consultants can help you find what works best for you!
2. Get the Right Tech Accessories
Whether you like to sit or stand, have one computer monitor or eight, there are accessories available to help you work in comfort, including:
- Keyboard/mouse trays to keep your arms and shoulders properly aligned while you work.
- Monitor/Laptop/Tablet arms to get your screen at the right height and angle.
- Adjustable height tables to bring your computer to you.
- Standing height workstations that allows you to work while standing. This has become much more common in current years and is shown to provide some health benefits.
Our Furniture team can help you choose the right accessories to get all your ducks – or vertebrae – in a row.
3. Get the Right Lighting
Lighting is a key component of ergonomics that often gets overlooked. Proper lighting is crucial to how we work – it can affect your vision, mood, productivity, and how you perceive color. Did you know that reading paper documents requires 4-5 times the amount of light compared to reading documents on a monitor? If you do both, consider using a task light while reading paper documents to help reduce eye strain.
Simply adding a task light can have a considerable impact on workplace comfort. Research shows that employees who are able to control the illumination in their workspace report improved mood, visual comfort, and job satisfaction. This may also help maintain eye health.
Desktop or task lighting is available in a variety of styles, so how do you choose?
- Adjustable: The location and angle of the light source, as well as their intensity levels, should be fully adjustable.
- Directional: The light should have a hood or filter to direct or diffuse the light.
- Positionable: The base should be large enough to allow a range of positions or extensions.
The bottom line and the disclaimer: We’re not doctors, and you should always consult yours if you experience any pain, vision strain or other physical issues. But if you are looking to create a workspace that is healthier and more comfortable for you and your employees, our designers are trained in the benefits of ergonomically sound office furniture and accessories and have a plethora of options at their disposal.
Call us for an ergonomic assessment here in Central Texas and to get suggested products to suit your needs: (800) 234-6605.
