Improving office ergonomics; Keeping your staff healthy and happy
We all want our workspaces to be comfortable and perfect for productivity, and most importantly businesses need to have office spaces that are designed ergonomically. So, here are our top tips for bettering your business’s workspace ergonomics to help improve productivity and decrease the risk of injury.
Adjustable desks and chairs
The notion that one size fits all does not apply to ergonomics. It is important for companies to purchase high-quality adjustable chairs, furniture, and equipment in order to encourage good posture and neutral body position. The more positions that a chair and a desk can adjust to, the more they can cater to each user’s needs.
Display height and distance
The monitor or other display device should be set at eye level so that users can view them without straining their necks or squinting their eyes. This principle applies to both those using a single monitor and power users using multiple displays. The ergonomic principle does not require individuals to turn their heads to the left, right, up, or down in order to view a display.
Good posture
No matter where employees work, establishing a good working posture at their workstation is the number one ergonomic priority. To complete tasks, they should be able to sit or stand in a neutral body position, with a relaxed posture that does not require excessive reaching or stressful angles.
Frequent movement
This is perhaps the most important tip in the list for office workers – get up and move around. It is just that easy. Taking a break at least every hour will get workers moving. They can walk down the hall, get a drink, look out the window, or do anything that will make them get out of their chairs.
Keyboard, mice, and other equipment
Although often an afterthought when it comes to ergonomics, the right keyboard and mouse configuration are just as crucial as posture when it comes to maintaining neutral body alignment. Reaching for input devices at a bad angle or if elbows and wrists are not parallel to the line of sight, people will lose neutral positioning. Reaching for input devices can lead to excessive fatigue and, after a while, to injury.
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Ergonomic accessories
The office equipment industry has developed ergonomic accessories to help enterprises and individuals improve their workspaces. Smaller individuals may benefit from footrests when workstation desks are not adjustable. If employees are required to talk on the phone all day they will need a headset to reduce the strain on their necks. People who are required to read printed documents need a document holder, preferably adjustable, and perhaps task lighting as well.
Workstations should be as healthy and ergonomic as possible when it comes to office equipment. For more information and guidance on ergonomic equipment, DSE assessments or disability awareness training contact us today!
