An ergonomic office is created using furniture and supplies designed with health benefits in mind. Ergonomically efficient offices became popular as many traditional styles of office furniture and equipment were shown to contribute to poor posture, damage to the wrists and back, along with other health problems. To create an ergonomic office, thought must be given to overall good health when choosing each piece of equipment.
Work stations that allow a user to alternate between sitting and standing are a great consideration when it is time to create an ergonomic office. Studies have shown that either sitting or standing for long periods of time can cause back problems, while alternating positions can help prevent them. Versatile workstations allow for workers to stand to make phone calls or staple papers and then sit for working at the computer.
To create an ergonomic office, the computer monitor should be centered and about an arm's length away from the seated worker. The upper part of the screen should be at eye level, and the monitor should be slightly tilted to help prevent glare. The keyboard should also be centered on the desk. When you create an ergonomic office, following certain rules for using the equipment is also important. For example, when using a computer keyboard, the wrists should be straight and lifted off of the desk to help avoid injury.
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to keep the wrists in a natural position to reduce the risks of developing carpal tunnel syndrome or other wrist problems. Some ergonomic keyboards have stands to raise them up more vertically for easier access. Keyboards that are able to be used in different positions allow the user to change positions to reduce stress on the fingers, hands and wrists. Ergonomic computer mice are shaped to fit the hand naturally and may be taller in design than non-ergonomic computer mice. The wrists should be kept straight when using a computer mouse, and neither the palm nor the fingers should be overstretched.
If you want to create an ergonomic office, keep in mind that a good desk chair is essential. It should be ergonomically designed to support healthy posture. Adjustable features are important since everyone's body is different. Ideally, the desk chair should adjust in the lumbar, or lower back, area as well as be able to recline slightly. The worker's feet should be able to rest comfortably on the floor and the chair should support the back by limiting the amount of pressure put on the spine.