Around 86% of Americans sit down all day at work.
Not only is sitting all the time bad for your health but doing so with improper posture can lead to a long list of physical ailments.
Since it's probably not an option for most of us to retire tomorrow for the sake of our posture, what can we do to create a healthier workplace?
By practicing office ergonomics, many companies and remote workers are creating healthy workspaces using ergonomic office furniture. What are the basics of setting up an ergonomic office? Come with me and I'll show you!
Office Ergonomics 101
Having an ergonomic workplace can improve productivity and provides a healthier environment for you or your employees. Here we'll dive into the essential factors to consider when considering setting up ergonomic office furniture.
Desk Height
The ideal desk height for an ergonomic workstation should allow you to be able to sit with your feet flat on the floor with enough room to cross your legs. You should be able to have your arms and hands parallel to the floor while typing.
If your desk is the wrong height than you could use a footrest, keyboard tray, adjust your seat height, or put your desk on risers.
The other option is getting an ergonomic desk that allows you to adjust the height whenever you choose.
Chair
Your chair should allow you to sit with your feet flat on the floor or flat on a footrest. The armrests should allow you to sit with your shoulders not hunched and resting your arms parallel to the floor.
One of the most important things to look for in an ergonomic chair is that it provides proper lumbar support, meaning that the curve in the lower back of the chair will follow the natural curve of your lower back.
Monitor
The ideal monitor placement in an ergonomic office is between 20 and 40 inches away from your face. You want to make sure the screen is neither too high nor too low, so you don't strain your neck. The top line of the screen should be below eye level, but the viewing angle to see the whole screen looking downward should be no more than 60 degrees.
Keyboard
Your keyboard should be positioned low enough that your arms are parallel to the floor and close enough to the body so that your elbows rest at your side without straining your shoulders. You'll want your wrists either flat or angled downward. If your keyboard is not set up in an ergonomic fashion, a wrist rest can help.
If you use a laptop at your desk, you might consider purchasing a laptop stand to use with an external keyboard. Otherwise, it's difficult to work ergonomically, with either your screen to low, straining your neck, or your keyboard too high, straining your shoulders, arms, and wrists.
Use Ergonomics To Your Advantage and Create a Better Work Environment
Practicing office ergonomics can increase both the productivity and wellbeing of yourself or your team. It's worth it to spend the time to set up an ergonomic workplace to promote happiness and health!
Don't forget to check out the rest of our blog, and feel to browse our selection of ergonomic office furniture!