If you work in an office, chances are you spend seemingly endless hours at a desk, doing work on a computer. Chances are also good that the items filling your workspace—desk, chair, computer and its peripherals—are not designed with ergonomics in mind. Consequently, you may be prone to pain in the muscles of your back, neck, and shoulders. You may also suffer from eyestrain by the time your workday ends. To top it all off, if you are mostly sedentary while you work, your risk of health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart problems goes up as your activity level goes down. Ergonomics provides an antidote for these health concerns. In this article, we’ll explore two types of office products that can help.
Active Sitting Chair
For those who don’t want to either sit or stand at a desk all day, an active sitting chair may be just the answer. If you use a standing desk or an adjustable height desk, a leaning stool may be just what you need. These come in a variety of ergonomic designs, with the purpose of providing a perch where standers can reduce pressure on their feet for a while. The basic design features a wide base for stability, adjustable height, and a seat (with back or without) that is designed for sitting up high. The extra height puts the spine in a neutral posture, opening the leg angle, tilting the pelvis forward, and providing lumbar support. This position actively engages major muscle groups, which in turn raises your energy level.
For the ultimate in active seating, look for a stool with a weighted, rounded base that allows for a rocking or swaying motion. These stools provide an excellent opportunity for active muscle engagement, especially of the energy- and strength-providing core muscles. The ability to rotate, rock, and lean directionally gives you a variety of movement options while you work at your desk.
Adjustable Height Computer Monitor Stand
Like every element of your workspace setup, computer monitors have ergonomic standards for optimal positioning. These standards are intended to reduce the strain on your eyes, neck, and upper back that are the result of an improperly placed monitor. Your monitor should be at arm’s length, directly in front of you and behind your keyboard, and with the top of the screen at or just below eye level. (For those who wear bifocals, it may or may not be advantageous to lower the monitor an additional inch or two; a quick test view will help you find the right height.) If you are not fortunate enough to have a desk setup that perfectly positions your screen, an adjustable height computer monitor stand can help you find the right spot. The adjustable height feature will also allow you to use the monitor stand on either a sitting or a standing desk.
If you have questions about ergonomic products that can help you and your employees, please call or chat with us for assistance.