Ergonomic Office Furniture Improves Productivity
Your legs are cramped, your neck hurts and your arms are tingling. Why? The answer lies in your office furniture. No doubt you are spending long hou...
Your legs are cramped, your neck hurts and your arms are tingling. Why? The answer lies in your office furniture. No doubt you are spending long hours in front of your computer screen, furiously typing, never taking a break. All of this, coupled with your badly designed furniture, is heading you straight for a work-related injury. Your body will definitely appreciate ergonomically-designed office furniture.
Ergonomics Explained
The dictionary says that ergonomics consists of designing furniture, usually found in an office setting, so that it fits the human body better, reduces worker fatigue and helps to prevent painful injuries and other discomfort. Using this type of furniture will boost a worker’s production because energy is not being diverted into his or her aching back and tired fingers.
Your Office Chair
This is the piece of office furniture that you do not want to scrimp on. The office chair should be comfortable and fit your proportions. The chair’s seat must allow your knees to naturally bend, so it cannot be too long. Back support should be good, including good lumbar support. Adjustable seat height is important, as well. Any arm rests should be adjustable, if possible. The base of the chair, if it is on wheels, should be a 5-star pedestal.
The Desk And Computer Set Up
Setting your work space up in such a way as to keep all of your most used items at your finger tips is essential. A U-shape or right angle shape are both popular configurations. Your computer monitor should be at eye level, while the keyboard should be at the same height as your hands when your arm is bent at the elbow, hands parallel to the floor. Most desks have a slide-out tray to accommodate the keyboard.
Your mouse should move freely and be placed on the side which feels the most comfortable for you. Work the mouse with your hand level, not tightly grasping the mouse, keeping your hand relaxed.
Your keyboard should be sloped, with the top row of keys higher than the bottom row of keys. Use the legs on the back of the keyboard to raise it. Make sure that your keyboard is at the correct height. Sit in your chair with your upper arms close to your body and lower arms extended into a right angle, parallel to the floor. Your keyboard should be at the level of your hands.
Ergonomic Exercises
Every 30-60 minutes you should take a break from your task. Get up and stretch. Squeeze a ball, look around the room to move your eyes in different directions. Roll your neck. There are applications that you can use to remind you when it is time to take a break.
A Must Have
Ergonomic office furniture is essential for anyone that spends a great deal of time sitting at a desk or using a computer. Worker productivity will improve, injuries may be prevented and people will be able to work without pain.
When you are furnishing your office, a is an important piece of furniture. Take advantage of the many styles and designs to make your job of hunting for a area simple.