Are you sitting comfortably? We hope so, as we’re about to delve into the world of ergonomics. More than fancy desks and adjustable chairs, ergonomics is all about the science of designing the workplace to fit the worker.
At Order Office Furniture, we know that a comfortable and healthy employee is a productive employee. And, with the help of things like an ergonomic office chair, you can create a workspace that supports your body and reduces the risk of pain and injury. In this blog, we’ll explore some practical examples of ergonomics in the workspace, from the equipment you use to the way you set up your workstation.
Let’s get into it and discover how you can make a more comfortable workspace…
What is ergonomic office furniture?
First things first, what exactly do we mean by ergonomic furniture?
Ergonomic office furniture has been designed to improve comfort, posture, and productivity by keeping your body in a safe and upright position to reduce any stress on the spine, neck, and hips. Switching to ergonomic furniture supposedly can reduce fatigue, improve posture, alleviate back pain, and make it easier for office workers to use their keyboards and other office equipment. All of this can promote employee well-being and ensure that workers are feeling comfortable and happy in their work environment!
However, it spans much further than just office desks and office chairs - ergonomic desk setups factor in things like lighting, the office environment, and accessories such as a keyboard and mouse. It also takes into consideration how far your screen is from your eyes, helping to reduce eye strain and other visual problems.
Ergonomics in the workplace is extremely important if you want to feel comfortable and productive, especially if you’re sitting in front of a computer all day.
Discover 7 examples of ergonomics in the workplace
Now that you understand the importance of ergonomics, it’s time to put it into practice! There are many different types of ergonomic furniture and equipment that are available to help improve productivity, comfort, and overall well-being.
Let’s have a look at some examples of ergonomics in a bit more detail…
1. Office chairs with adjustable height
Having an office chair that is at the incorrect height can cause discomfort and pain in the hips, legs, and lower back, causing aches and pains and even cutting off circulation. In the workplace, you should be encouraged to have a proper sitting posture and set up your equipment in a manner that facilitates proper posture.
The ergonomic rules surrounding your executive office chair should be as follows:
- Your chair should be high enough to allow the soles of your feet to rest flat on the floor
- Your thighs should be parallel to the floor at a right angle
- Your hips should be level with your knees
Sitting in this position will help to minimise pressure and strain and allow you to stay comfortable for longer. Remember to take regular breaks and stretch your legs!
2. Office desks with adjustable height
Have you ever considered investing in a standing or electric desk? If you struggle to sit still for long or experience restless legs, then a standing desk could be for you. A standing desk allows you to transition between sitting and standing, offering a best-of-both-worlds approach to working remotely. We recommend adjusting your desk to a height that keeps your forearms parallel to the floor and your wrists in a neutral position.
Helping with your posture and circulation, a standing desk will keep your energy levels high without agitation or leaving you feeling attached to your desk all day. For more information, have a read of our blog: How To Use a Standing Desk Correctly.
3. Keyboard and mouse placement
You might not know it, but the way you use your mouse and keyboard can affect the movement in your wrists, hands, and arms. Avoid placing these items too far away, as it could cause overreaching and shoulder strain. We recommend placing your keyboard and mouse in a position that allows your elbows to be at a 90-degree angle and your wrists to be straight.
If you find that these objects are too close to you, this could mean that you’re working from a cramped space, indicating that your desk is too small and it’s time for an upgrade to a larger, commercial office desk. Being confined in this way can slow down your keyboard work, causing excess pressure in your wrists and leading to aches and fatigue.
4. Natural lighting
Another crucial and maybe surprising example of ergonomics in the workplace is lighting. The flickering of fluorescent office lights can cause eye strain, speed up fatigue, and even trigger headaches or migraine attacks. Investing in good lighting can eliminate glare and harsh shadows, allowing you to work from a more comfortable visual environment.
Lighting can also affect productivity and mood, as well as have significant impacts on your mental health. Natural lighting is best, which many offices lack. Or, you might work from home in a space that has a small window. However, the more natural light you have around your work desk can help you concentrate on your tasks more effectively. Utilise overhead lights and bright desk lights to keep you alert and more focused.
5. A headset for better communication
It’s pretty common for office workers to use the phone regularly. If you have hundreds of phone calls a day, picking up the phone, dialling numbers, and holding the phone to your ear while multitasking can definitely block your productivity. Hands-free communication enables you to multitask better without compromising your posture, minimising the strain on your neck and shoulders.
Top tip: we recommend investing in a headset that has good padding and adjustable features, allowing you to feel much more comfortable for long calls or frequent phone use.
6. Your monitor setup
According to the Health and Safety Executive, office workers must be protected from the health risks of working with display screen equipment (DSE). They advise that the position of your computer monitor should be so that the top of the screen is at or slightly below eye level. In doing this, your neck and head should be in the optimal position to reduce neck and eye strain.
Making your screen easier to see without discomfort is one of the many examples of ergonomics at play in your work environment. Ensure that you don’t end your working day with a banging headache… prevention is better than cure, after all!
7. Implementing work practises
It’s all well and good to invest in ergonomic furniture, but you must ensure that you are using it correctly in order for it to be fully functional and beneficial. By implementing ergonomic work practices, you can create a supportive work environment that promotes employee health, well-being, and productivity!
Here are some ways that you can make a real difference:
- Provide ergonomic awareness - if you work in an office, provide regular training to employees on the correct use of their equipment.
- Encourage early reporting - tell your employees to report any discomfort or pain early on, so that adjustments can be made before issues become serious.
- Take regular breaks - frequent and short breaks are essential to stretch, move around, and remove the strain from your eyes.
- Implement proper lifting techniques - train employees on proper lifting techniques to prevent back injuries. You could also encourage employees to be mindful of their posture and work habits throughout the day.
Invest in ergonomic benefits with Order Office Furniture
Hopefully, this blog has shown you some good examples of ergonomics in the workplace and the benefits that it has not only on your body but your productivity, too. Remember, Order Office Furniture is the place to go for all your office essentials, offering everything you need to create a workspace that you love.
For more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can give us a call on 01484 420 088 or come and see our furniture in person by visiting our showroom in Huddersfield.
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