Most people are so focused on how their office looks that they never take factors like ergonomics into account. But if you want increased productivity, it starts with optimizing your workspace to fit your personal needs.
Why Workspace Ergonomics Matter
Workspace ergonomics is best described as the scientific practice of optimizing your office setup to increase proper support, maximize comfort, and prevent chronic health issues (particularly musculoskeletal ones). Here’s why it matters:
- Improved focus. It’s hard to focus when your back is throbbing, your neck is aching, and your head is hurting. By addressing the source of these causes (poor ergonomics) rather than masking the symptoms (popping NSAIDs), you’re able to alleviate the underlying issue and shift focus from pain to productivity. Greater focus ensues.
- Less pain. Did you know that ergonomic disorders are the fastest-growing category of work-related illness in the United States? (They account for somewhere between 56 to 63 percent of illnesses reported by OSHA.) Proper musculoskeletal support is one of the top methods of preventing ergonomic disorders. This makes an ergonomically-friendly workspace a key ingredient.
- Greater satisfaction. When people are comfortable and focused, they’re much more likely to enjoy the work they’re doing. This leads to an increase in satisfaction, which can be contagious.
- Better productivity. When you account for each of the aforementioned factors, including increased focus and creativity, it should come as no surprise that a properly optimized workspace dramatically increases productivity through better posture.
- Lower costs. For business owners, proper ergonomics can reduce both direct and indirect costs associated with related health issues. This includes a 59 percent reduction in musculoskeletal disorders, 75 percent reduction in lost workdays, 68 percent reduction in worker’s compensation costs, and a 39 percent reduction in the average cost per claim.
Proper ergonomics won’t solve every problem or instantly turn you into a highly-sought-after professional. It will, however, set you up for success by improving focus, reducing pain, enhancing satisfaction, promoting productivity, and lowering health-related costs and consequences. That makes it a worthwhile investment.
3 Tips for Better Workspace Ergonomics
The benefits of proper ergonomics are clear. The question is, how do you achieve the right setup? Here are some suggestions:
- Choose the Right Furniture
The process starts with buying the right furniture. And while you can find options at Walmart or the local discount furniture store, we recommend shopping from a company that understands and prioritizes ergonomics. (BTOD is one of the top-rated options. You can check out their Facebook page for videos and ergonomically-sound tips for various products, including office chairs and standing desks.)
Good office furniture is able to be adjusted. In other words, you can tailor it to your needs after purchase. Be sure to look for features that empower you to optimize after purchase.
- Optimize Your Setup
Speaking of optimizing after purchase, it’s imperative that you take the time to put every element of your workspace into proper alignment. Recommendations include:
- The weight of your arms should be supported at all times. Otherwise, your neck and shoulders will be forced to carry the burden.
- Avoid slouching. Your back should be in full contact with the lumbar support of your office chair at all times (when sitting).
- Place your monitor directly in front of you. The top of the screen should be at eye level.
- Feet should never be dangling when sitting. You should be able to comfortably place your feet on the floor. (If using an elevated chair, a proper footrest is necessary.)
- Use a standing desk and spend at least 25 percent of your day standing. (If possible, aim for a 50-50 split between sitting and standing by alternating each hour.)
- Account for Proper Lighting
Don’t forget about lighting! Lighting that’s too harsh can hurt your eyes and cause you to squint. Lighting that’s too dim forces you to crane your neck, which can negatively impact your spine and throw your entire setup off.
For best results, use layered lighting. This includes a triple-play combo of ambient lighting (general illumination), task lighting (specialized lighting for specific tasks, like working at your desk or reading in a chair), and accent lighting (decorative lighting that creates a particular ambiance).
Optimize Your Workspace
It doesn’t matter if you work out of the house or go into the office, a properly optimized workspace is vitally important to your overall health and well-being.
