Are you comfortable at your workstation? You aren’t always able to pick out your own furniture or workstation set up at a standard 9-to-5 job, but there are several small things you can do to create a better ergonomic work space. Here are some easy fixes for a more comfortable, productive workstation.

• Adjust your monitor height. Too often computer users spend hours each day looking down (or up, or to the side) at a computer screen that was never properly adjusted to their height. The ideal setup for your monitor is directly in front of you, at eye level, about your arm’s length away. A monitor riser is simple to install and can provide the height you need for a more comfortable view.

• Utilize a document holder. If you frequently read from a paper or notepad when typing, this one item can eliminate the neck and shoulder pain that quickly results from constantly looking down at a text. Incredibly, this little tool can also significantly increase your productivity. You no longer have to continuously look back and forth from your monitor, losing your place and slowing down your typing.

• Put on a phone headset. Frequent phone calls can decrease productivity and increase physical discomfort. Many people find it frustrating to sit with idle hands, while holding a phone receiver. But if you cradle the phone between your shoulder and ear in an attempt to write or type while on the phone, this will very quickly stain your shoulders and neck. A headset will easily free your hands for other tasks and make your workstation more comfortable.

• Move your keyboard. This might be the most important adjustment you can make to any work space. Your keyboard should rest just below the height of your elbow, sloping slightly downward, away from your body. In this position, your hands can remain in a relaxed even when reaching for the top keys.  An adjustable keyboard tray allows the user to customize the keyboard height and angle. This can maximize your comfort and extend your productivity over a full day’s work.

Although you rarely have the opportunity to choose all the details of your work environment, there are a few important adjustments you can make to almost any work space. Taking the time to customize your desk into an ergonomic workstation can help you create a more productive and comfortable work experience.

Filed under: Category Uncategorized | Tags: document holder,ergonomic desk,ergonomic workstation,keyboard tray,monitor riser,productivity by emily