Author: Phil Domenico, Co-founder of Assemble
Keeping your team physically comfortable has consistently proven to be one of the most effective ways at maximizing productivity, attracting top talent, and minimizing costs. Ergonomic offices are one of the best ways to accomplish that. Even better, in most cases a smart ergonomic office solution is easy to implement, with many aspects of it actually requiring no cost to implement.
But first, let’s take a step back to understand why ergonomic workstations are so important. Sitting for long periods of time, especially in a restricted pose at desks, causes neck, back, wrist, and finger pain. Body ache and pain contribute to repetitive strain injury (RSI), which can mean long-term health issues that no amount of chair yoga can erase. “Having ergonomically-correct furniture in your office can increase productivity, cut back on eye and muscle strain, and allow you to work longer hours,” says Shanna C. Fritsch, D.C. of Two Hands Chiropractic & Acupuncture, LLC.
Forward-thinking companies can create proactive strategies to promote ergonomics. Some of it comes from workstation hardware options, some of it is ergonomic education, but it all starts from the top: a CEO must recognize the importance of ergonomics to the company.
From there, creating an ergonomic office is all about specifics. The main throughline with all ergonomics? Customization. “When creating an ergonomic office it is important to use furniture that is customizable,” explains Fritsch. “A chair, for example, should be able to change according to the employees body size and particular needs.“
With that in mind, here are the main components for creating an ergonomic office:
Desk Options
A standing desk can burn more calories and promote better posture. Active employees may prefer standing to sitting all day. The cons to standing can be foot pain, and it can be expensive and time consuming to convert or build a standing desk. However, shoes with good support and a soft mat can help with foot strain. Convertible (sit/stand) desks provide the best of both worlds.
Device Options
A variety of device options should be made available to available to staff to minimize RSI. Ergonomic keyboards include two-piece keyboards, natural layout keyboards, and even ball-shaped keyboards. Mice options range from trackballs and touchpads to ergonomic mice with different grips.
Monitor Height
Monitors can be better adjusted with stands, but in general they should be placed directly in front of the user-- not to the side or raised on a shelf or pile of books. Place the monitor about 18-28 inches away from the user. The top of the screen should be slightly below eye level. Light sources should be to the side and not overhead to avoid glare.
Sitting Options
If your desk is a sitting affair, then the best bet is to make sure the body is centered in front of the monitor and keyboard. Chairs should ideally include armrests to encourage the shoulders to relax when not typing. Adjustable chairs ensure people of different sizes can stay level with monitors and desk height, and feet should be able to stay flat on the floor. Chair backs should be able to adjust too, both up and down and back. Keep it angled forward to aid posture. Footrests can assist smaller users to maintain proper monitor and desk alignment.
Posture & Position
In addition to using keyboard/mouse trays, proper personal ergonomics can be taught to all employees. If you’re stretching your arm to reach your mouse, move the mouse so it’s within easy reach of your keyboard (which should be positioned so that the “B” key is centered for the user). Arm placement should be natural so wrists aren’t bent or extended. Wrist rests can also help maintain a straight, natural position. Be aware of slouching—sitting up straight and keeping legs at about the same level as the hips will reduce back and neck muscle strain. Keep the back straight and consider lumbar support on your chair.
Why Companies Need Office Ergonomic Policies
There are many advantages for management to encourage ergonomic offices -- and even make it a policy. On-site injuries go down with proper working-day positioning, and therefore legal costs are lower. On-site injuries also slow down projects and could delay company milestones. A healthier worker is also a happier one, which keeps turnover rate down. In addition, promoting an ergonomic office policy shows that the company cares about its workers and understands innovation, which makes it an attraction place to work.
An ergonomic office isn’t expensive to implement -- and the benefits are wide-ranging and long-term. Go further than simply recommending good ergonomics; by instituting an office policy in language that supports employee health, you’re leading the way for healthier, happier, and more productive employees. Your working bodies will thank you.
