Did you know? Poor working conditions cannot only reduce your productivity but can also damage your health permanently.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ergonomically unfit working conditions can lead to several musculoskeletal disorders, such as:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lower back pain
- Tendinitis
- Hernia
- Epicondylitis
- Rotary cuff injuries
- Trigger finger
- Joints Pain
- Muscle pain, strain, and tears.
You may be able to handle it all, while you’re young but as you age, these MSDs will rob you of all your stamina.
So, you should take charge of the situation as early as you can. Below, we’ve listed six essentials that you can immediately add to your workplace and make it more ergonomic.
Office Chair
Sitting in inappropriate positions happens to be the biggest cause of lower back pain and elbow injuries. So, it’s a good idea to begin with replacing your office chair.
Ergonomic experts recommend that you should have a seating position wherein the chair supports your lower at an angle of 100 or 110 degrees. The knees should be in level with your hips or at a slightly lower angle, and your feet should be flat on the ground.
So, choose an adjustable office chair with lumbar support. It’s great if it comes with a lumbar support cushion and adjustable headrest. Some expensive ergonomic chairs also offer adjustable armrests. Invest in one wisely.
Wall Mount Monitor
A wall mount monitor places your computer screen at eye levels and consequently saves you from lots of eye strain and headaches. When you have your screen right in front of you, you don’t have to bend your neck at awkward angles and stay in uncomfortable positions for long.
Plus, it saves you lots of desk space too. Instead of having your monitor on the desk, you can have it mounted neatly on the wall and use the desk space for a keyboard, monitor, and stationery goods. If you’re into security or web development, you can also install multiple monitors with ease.
An Adjustable Desk
After getting a proper office chair and a decent wall mount monitor, you should invest in an adjustable desk. Ergonomic experts suggest that the working desk should be such that the elbows should be bent at 90 degrees, and the desk should only be an arm’s length away from you. So, opt for an adjustable office desk that fits you in the mentioned ways.
Since constantly sitting can lead to diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and even hypertension, we recommend settling for a sit and stand desk. These desks allow you to switch your working positions now and then. You can sit for half of your work and stand for half of your working day. Standing upright also makes us more alert and improves focus, so it’s a good way of performing better too.
Ergonomic Keyword
When you tap on the keyboard with your wrists bent at awkward angles, you are causing extra stress on your hand joints and muscles. This, in turn, could numb the nerves and develop recurring pain in the muscles. To avoid this, you ought to use an ergonomic keyboard. It usually features a V-shaped construction. Moreover, there are split ergonomic keyboards that straighten the wrist, and there are curved keyboards that allow a relaxed posture. What’s more, tented ergonomic keyboards reduce forearm rotation, and palm rests prevent hand bending. There are lots of kinds to explore!
A Mouse that Fits
This may come as a surprise to you, but no you don’t have to put up with any and every mouse. Instead, you ought to choose a mouse that fits your hand perfectly. These come in several sizes, including big and small. Plus, they come in different shapes too. You can choose from:
- Vertical mouse
- Trackball mouse
- Optical mouse
- Magic mouse
- USB mouse
- Gaming mouse
- Laser mouse
Evident from the names, they don’t only differ in shapes but also in functionality. So, choose one that fits your hand and corresponds to your usage needs. If you’re shopping online, read reviews before making any decisions.
Proper Light
Proper lighting is just as important as all of your home office furniture. It’s a part of your ambiance and so it has an impact on your productivity on the whole. Experts suggest installing blue and white lights as they maintain an alert working environment. They help in focusing. Plus, the light intensity should be 500 lumens per square meter.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your workplace with the six essentials mentioned above will not only bring you comfort but also great profits. Remember, a physically fit body can be 10x more productive and sync perfectly with your brilliant idea.