When you think of bad work habits, you may immediately think of pungent food items, popping gum, overly-loud sales guys, pointless conversations, and slacking in general.  Annoying as they are, those habits usually don’t affect your body in a physical way (well, nausea from poorly chosen take-out might…).  The main work habits to be concerned about are those that do affect you ergonomically.

• Problem: Cluttered desks are a problem for several reasons.  They often hide important things they keep oft-used items too far away, and they look unprofessional.  Your back, shoulders, and arms pay the price when you strain for them.
• Solution: Tidy it up, and get organized.  Pitch unnecessary trash and take home your knick knacks, especially if you have limited space.  Re-organize your desk top so that all key items are in an easy arm’s reach.

2.  Poor keyboard/mouse alignment.

• Problem: Quite unintentionally, most people put their mouse too far away from their keyboard (or even on a separate surface), which can cause strain on your wrist and fingers.
• Solution: Tuck you mouse in right next to your keyboard and definitely keep them on the same surface.  If space is an issue, consider a mini keyboard for a smaller footprint.

3.  Low monitor height.

• Problem: Usually, a work-issued monitor is kept on a work-issued desktop and is simply too low, thus requiring him to bend his neck to look down to actually see it.  This can lead to headaches and neck pain.
• Solution: Raise your monitor.  You can invest in a desktop lift like Hercules, or you can raise it inexpensively with rysers.  Another way to keep from straining your neck is to use a document holder.  It’s so much nicer to have your notes right in front of you while you type from them.

4.  Too few ergonomic breaks.

• Problem: When you think of a break, you usually think of coffee and a quick jog to the bathroom, rather than a chance to stretch your muscles and rest your eyes.
• Solution: Enjoy your coffee and empty your bladder, but you also need to take periodic breaks at your desk to stretch and to rest your eyes.  To avoid eye strain, take time every day, every few hours, or more often, to blink your eyes so they can rest and re-moisturize.  Also, as you’re working, take your eyes off your screen and focus on something farther away to allow your eyes to recalibrate and focus.

• Problem: Do you adjust your work environment as your needs change?  Not adjusting your desk, chair, and equipment keep you from maximizing your work space and therefore your time.
• Solution: Adjust your desk and chair if possible so that you fit under the desk comfortably with your feet flat on the floor and your elbows and forearms rest comfortably to type without any awkward bending or cocking.  Additionally, try some white noise, like this free generator, for noise control.