Tips for Setting Up an Ergonomic Work Station {even if you’re in a cubicle!}
Too many workers dislike their work space and dread going to work. It may be that they hate their jobs, but it could also be that poor work station design has contributed to strain, injury, and even loss of productivity. Getting to achey or sore during the day does not exactly lead to brilliant moods or lots of checked off tasks. Rather, it leads to frustration and distraction. If you’d like to up your game at work, or if you’re setting up a new space, check out the following tips for better, more ergonomic work station design. Your body and your boss will thank you.
Ergonomic Work Station Set-Up Principles
All of the following tips are principles that are always true, such as raising your monitor to reduce eye strain. Some are suggested tools for helping reduce strain and distraction. It’s up to you what products you want to acquire- keep in my mind that many offices have HR reps who will do an ergonomic assessment of your space. Chances are, they may foot the bill for some of the ergonomic products listed below.
Raise your monitor. Bending your neck to see your too-low screen hurts your neck and your eyes because you’re straining both. An easy and cheap solution is to use a monitor lift. Your goal is to get your screen at eye level and about 20 inches from your torso.- Try an adjustable, ergonomic chair. This can be quite an investment, but your back is worth it. Even if you keep your current chair or already have an adjustable one, make sure to actually adjust it {the height, back support, and arm rests}! Your feet should rest flat on the floor, your back should be well-supported {you can even try portable lumbar support}, and your arms should be able to slope slightly downward to reach your keyboard without cocking your wrists.
- Ask for a wrist rest. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common office injury and be easily avoided by practicing good wrist positioning. However, a wrist rest is poorly named- it’s really meant to rest the palms of your hands in between periods of typing.
- Try an ergonomic keyboard. There are more options out there than you can imagine, so finding a good fit is just a matter of preference and trying out a couple. Ergonomic keyboards can be especially helpful as an add-on to your docked lap top. They are much more comfortable for long periods of typing and can be moved closer to the body while your screen is elevated.
- Request a document holder. It’s such an easy fix, but elevating notes or documents that you frequently reference truly keeps you from straining your eyes and your neck. Who likes to go home with a crick in their neck?
- Lastly, try a sound machine, or even this free online generator, for fewer distractions.
When you spend a lot of time in an office, it’s crucial that you find the right ergonomic fit- that’s why we have a great return policy- you can order any number of products, try them out, then return what you don’t like as much. Thus, whether you’re a 9-5 cubicle worker, a teacher/professor/lecturer, or a grad student, making ergonomic adjustments can only help you keep your focus and stay productive.