The Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace

Many people today have a desk job that requires them to be seated behind a computer for 8 or 10 hours. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but being in the same position for a longer period of time, day after day, for years has a detrimental effect on the human body. In order to offer a solution to this problem, manufacturers are trying to produce furniture and office accessories that are designed for comfort in the first place. The point is to minimise the harmful effects of being in the same position all the time. Ergonomic furniture is becoming essential for everyday living and here’s why. 

Why Is Office Ergonomics Important?

Ergonomic is an applied science concerned with the design and arrangement of objects commonly used by people in order to make the interactions safe, efficient and comfortable. Ergonomic furniture is becoming more popular in recent years and can be seen in modern office design concepts.

The use of ergonomic furniture is found to have a positive effect on the health of office workers. It’s designed in a way to promote good posture and provide utmost comfort while working. Meaning, it helps reduce the risk of common office-related health problems and injuries such as back pain, neck pain, eye strain, bad circulation, tiredness, stress and blood pressure variations.

Ergonomic Additions That Can Benefit Your Workplace

To make the whole working experience more pleasant, try incorporating a variety of ergonomic furniture pieces into your office. Here are some of the most effective ergonomic additions to put on your shopping list.

Sit-Stand Workstations

The sit and stand workstation is a real revelation when it comes to office furniture. It goes on top of a traditional desk to transform your workstation so that you can easily switch between sitting and also while standing. Its height is adjustable, meaning you don’t have to be in the same position for the whole working day, plus you can adjust the angle and avoid back pain or other discomforts all thanks to the desk riser. In other words, with a versatile sit and stand workstation you can adjust your working position to however suits you best. 

For instance, you can place the workstation on any surface, like a dining room table or a kitchen countertop and instantly convert it into an ergonomic desk. This makes it perfect for use around the home. And the best thing is it comes fully assembled. You only need to place it wherever you need it and you’re ready to go. You can further adjust it according to your needs.

Some of the sit-stand workstations even come with a remote control to change the height. This is a combination of functionality and elegance alongside exceptional build quality. The elevation is motorised and can feature several memory heights and a whisper-quiet adjustment. 

With this accessory, you won’t only improve your posture, but you also save up space and convert the whole desk into a more organised place. A quality sit-stand workstation is very sturdy, allowing you to place one or 2 monitors on top of the unit on their stand. Some sit-stand workstations also come with monitor arms. But you also have the option to purchase a separate monitor arm accessory. These arms are clamped to the back of the unit and let you adjust the height and position of the monitor. Studies have found that 33% fewer errors are being reported when using quality multi-screen configurations and 24% of workers feel more comfortable when using multiple monitors that are at a suitable height.

Ergonomic Chairs

The main purpose of the ergonomic chair is to prevent back pain, that’s why many of the chair designs offer lumbar support to encourage proper posture. Furthermore, ergonomic chairs are adjustable. They allow you to adjust the seat’s height to achieve the recommended 90-degree angle between your knees and the floor.

In order to provide comfort, ergonomic chairs have ample seat cushioning, soft layers, neck support, armrest and headrest. They also usually come with a 360-degree swivel mechanism which is great for mobility and reaching out for things. And in addition to offering great comfort, ergonomic chairs also have great looks. An ergonomic chair can be made from a wide variety of materials such as leather, vinyl and fabric, in many different colours and match any style. 

Footrests

But if your feet are still tired despite using an ergonomic chair and having a sit-stand workstation, consider getting a footrest too. It offers support to your feet while maximising comfort and preventing fatigue. The fact that it tilts from 0 to 20 degrees means that it’s suitable for anybody no matter the height. 

Additionally, footrests can also help relieve some of the pressure from your back, neck, shoulders and legs and improve circulation. This type of office furniture is especially recommended for people that have the habit of sitting with their legs crossed. Basically, the footrest reduces some of the strain on the body by allowing the person to switch between different positions by shifting their weight. 

Design-wise footrests can be made out of different types of materials like wood, plastic or foam. You can choose according to your liking and the environment. They’re usually very durable, meaning once you purchase one you can use it for years.

Ergonomic Keyboards

The standard keyboard may seem harmless but the long term consequences can be serious. An ergonomic keyboard mitigates the harmful effects of prolonged keyboard use. It differs a lot from the standard keyboard and in addition to making typing easier, it’s designed in a way that minimises the possibility of getting injured while working.  It also reduces discomfort and fatigue, thus maximising productivity.

With the ergonomic keyboard, your hands and arms will be positioned properly at a natural angle, meaning that you’ll avoid wrist strains and similar discomforts. Ergonomic keyboards also provide more space and have the keys positioned in the most efficient way that helps speed up your work. With the help of an ergonomic keyboard, you can reduce the risk of getting a carpal tunnel syndrome. It’s easy to use and helps maintain a healthy sitting posture.