Spending the majority of the day sitting at a desk - as many of us do - can lead to a number of health issues, from back problems to neck pain. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to set up an ergonomic workspace and avoid these issues.
An ergonomic workspace is one that is set up to minimize the risk of injury and maximise comfort and productivity. The good news is that you can set up an ergonomic workspace whether you work remotely or in the office.
To help you to stay healthy and productive at work, we will share tips on how to use a standing desk, what to look for in an ergonomic chair, and the importance of taking breaks and looking after your health.
#1 Standing desk
Standing desks have become increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more people are becoming aware of the health benefits of standing while working.
The ergonomic benefits of a standing desk are well-documented. In addition to improving your posture and energy levels, standing while you work can also reduce your risk of developing back or neck pain.
If you're interested in using a standing desk, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Make sure that your desk is the right height for you - it should be at a level where your elbows are at a 90-degree angle when typing.
- Invest in a good pair of shoes - standing in heels or flats all day can lead to discomfort. Or try FlexiSpot’s Standing Desk Anti-fatigue Mat MT1B to increase your comfort while standing.
- Take breaks regularly as standing for long periods of time can be tiring. Make sure to rotate between sitting and standing throughout your day.
FlexiSpot’s Home Office Standing Desk EG1
#2 Ergonomic chair
If you're not able to use a standing desk, there are still things that you can do to create an ergonomic workspace. One of the best investments that you can make to improve the comfort of your workspace is a good ergonomic chair.
An ergonomic desk chair is one that supports your back and is adjustable to different heights. Having a chair that fits your body and meets your individual needs will increase your comfort, reduce aches and pains, and boost your productivity.
When choosing an ergonomic chair, you should particularly look out for:
- A chair with good lumbar support - effective back support is essential for helping you to avoid back pain.
- Make sure that the chair is at the right height for your desk - again, your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle when typing.
- Finally, choose a chair with adjustable armrests - this will allow you to rest your arms at the appropriate height and avoid neck pain.
FlexiSpot’s FlexiChair BackSupport Office Chair BS8
#3 Setting up your desk space
Once you have a standing desk or ergonomic chair, it's important to make sure that your desk is set up correctly. Investing in well-designed ergonomic office furniture will have only limited benefits if your workspace is not set up effectively.
Here are some simple tips for arranging your workspace to support your health and increase your productivity:
- Firstly, your monitor should be at eye level - this will help to avoid neck pain. Use a monitor mount - such as FlexiSpot’s Aluminum Monitor Mount D7 - or a pile of books to adjust the height of your monitor.
- Secondly, your keyboard and mouse (and any other items that you regularly use) should be within easy reach - this will help to avoid back and shoulder pain, and will help to improve your productivity too!
- And finally, make sure that you have enough space on your desk - clutter can lead to distraction and discomfort.
#4 Take a break
In addition to using a standing desk and investing in an ergonomic chair, there are a few other things that you can do to create an ergonomic workspace. One of the most important things is to take regular breaks. Sitting at a desk for long periods of time can lead to discomfort and a decline in productivity, so make sure to get up and move around every twenty minutes or so. Stretch out your muscles by performing some simple stretches or by going for a short walk.
Another important thing to do is to stay hydrated - drink plenty of water throughout the day to avoid headaches and fatigue. Eating healthily and staying hydrated will give your health, mood and productivity a much-needed boost.
Following these simple tips when setting up your ergonomic workspace will help you to avoid the common health problems associated with sitting at a desk all day. And remember, if you start to experience any pain or discomfort, make sure to see a doctor or physiotherapist. They will be able to help you identify the cause of the problem and provide advice on how to fix it. Investing a little time and money on your health will bring you huge productivity, health and mood benefits.
