5 Simple Fixes for Bad Office Ergonomics

Ergonomics pertain to convenience, which plays a key role in any office setting. Office ergonomics encompass both the aspects of physical and psychological

Ergonomics pertain to convenience, which plays a key role in any office setting. Office ergonomics encompass both the aspects of physical and psychological wellness. After all, employees cannot function properly in a workplace without these factors. When your team is equipped with the right tools, you can expect an increase in productivity. Good office ergonomics serve as the groundwork for a healthy office environment. To sync with that notion, we're going to help you make your business run like a well-oiled machine with these simple solutions for bad office ergonomics. Let's change your office ergonomics from subpar to strong with these five simple adjustments. Because sometimes, the solution to a complicated problem is simpler than it seems!

1. Desks and Chairs

Let's take a look at the desks and chairs that you have in your office. Are they built to accommodate hours and hours of work? Either way, standing or sitting down for prolonged periods of time is a sure-fire way to trigger a variety of health conditions.

What to Look for in an Ergonomic Office Chair

Make sure your team members have chairs that adjust to their needs, not the other way around. For example, office chairs with adjustable neck rests and arm rests can work wonders for one's work station. On top of that, chairs need to have proper lumbar support to prevent lower back pain.Most importantly, find chairs that are designed to accommodate a wide range of body types.

What to Look for in an Ergonomic Office Desk

As we all know, sitting for short periods of time is great, but sitting for too long is a no-no. Invest in adjustable and standing desks with wide surface areas. This way, people can sit or stand as they please while they work. Also, your employees will have more than enough room for their files and office supplies that they’d need to finish their tasks.

People working on their computers at a standing desk in an office

2. Computers

There's rarely an office job that doesn't require people to use computers. To that end, every component of your office computer needs to be configured ergonomically. For instance, aside from placing the desktop computer or laptop at eye level (which is great for posture, among other reasons), it is important that the keyboard is placed in a way that does not cause shoulder strain. The computer user's wrists need to maintain neutral alignment and distance from the keyboard and mouse.  Moreover, it's always a good idea to invest in blue light screen protectors. Eyes are precious and they need to be shielded from the harmful effects of blue light. Finally, encourage your employees to take a minute every 20 minutes to look away from their screens. This will help them reduce the risk of eye strain.

A person wearing a black rib knit sweater using a black computer keyboard

3. Phones

Professionals who need to answer calls on a daily basis, while using a computer no less, can benefit from using headsets. This contributes to office ergonomics by eliminating the need to operate a phone manually or having to reach for one on the other side of the desk.

4. Office Equipment

A slow printer, a lagging computer, or any piece of office equipment that doesn't meet the demands of your bustling workplace can pose a negative impact on your company’s productivity. The same rings true for your digital business processes.Streamlining your workflow by integrating state-of-the-art printers, copiers, scanners, and digital document services in your office also serves as good office ergonomics.

5. Snack Station

Another element you can incorporate into your office ergonomics master plan is a snack station. Most businesses only have a half-full pantry, but having a stocked snack station is bound to give your employees a place to socialize during break periods, all while reducing the risk of corporate burnout. A well-stocked snack station may be a simple initiative, but it can work wonders for a healthy office culture.

Integrate Good Office Ergonomics for a World of Difference

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