If you are like most office workers, you experience frustration at work because of poor ergonomic conditions. While you may not be able to control your entire office set up, here are some easy fixes to help you create 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.

• Use a document holder. A document holder can relieve neck and shoulder aches and pains, ease eye strain and increase your productivity. You no longer have to continuously look back and forth from your monitor, losing your place, slowing down your typing, overworking your neck and straining your eyes. Place the document holder as close as you can to your monitor,  make sure it is approximately the same distance from your eyes.

• 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, these tips will help you find easy adjustments that can be made to almost any workspace. Adding an adjustable keyboard tray or a simple document holder can improve your comfort and productivity.

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