Ergonomics focuses on designing products that are meant to be used comfortably and safely by people's bodies in terms of supporting a healthy posture and lowering pains.
Folks who work at a desk all day often complain about back pain, neck pain, headaches, muscle tension, and many more issues related to the negative effects of sitting and working. Not to mention issues of the wrist and hands related to typing and writing.
Being hunched over and looking down are two of the biggest problems that workers have, and it is hard to avoid unless they have the right ergonomic equipment.
Whether you work from home, or in an office, it is essential to incorporate and invest in ergonomic office furniture. If you work at home, make the investment, and if you work in the office talk to human resources about making ergonomic changes.
Preventing injury and pain is much more effective than treating it. Here is why ergonomic furniture is so important and some essential ergonomic pieces for any office worker
Why is Ergonomic Furniture Important
It is vital that workers have access to ergonomic means, and if you work from home it is likely that you need to make the investment yourself, instead of sitting hunched over the kitchen table, or even from your couch.
Investing in ergonomic furniture for your home office, or asking your HR to get in on it for the workplace, is standing up for workers well being. The CDC says that Americans spend too much time sitting, mostly pertaining to desk workers sitting for 8 hours or more per day. Sitting for long periods of time reduces metabolism and can put workers at risk of developing heart disease, and issues related to circulation.
Ergonomic furniture is also more comfortable, which allows you and your colleagues to work with more ease, and even be more productive. When a person is uncomfortable, it affects their ability to work.
If you are convinced that your home office needs an ergonomic makeover, here are some recommendations for changing up your space. Start with investing in an ergonomic desk and chair.
The Right Desk
Typical desk sitting creates a C curve of the spine, whereas an ergonomic setup supports the natural S shape.
As mentioned, sitting for long periods of time has negative effects on health. A current trend in many office spaces is desks that can go from sitting to standing. Having the option to stand allows workers to give their back and neck a break, in addition, to stimulating their metabolism and improving circulation.
If you don't feel like buying a whole new desk, there are extensions that you can buy. It kind of looks like a TV tray with legs, but the legs can be expanded to reach your preferred standing height. In terms of typing, it is also good to support your wrists with devices that help decrease the risk of carpal tunnel and muscle tension in your hands.
It is okay to sit sometimes, but creating more of a balance between sitting and standing will eliminate many issues related to ergonomics and unnatural body positions. Either way, it is important to have an ergonomic chair for working in.
The Right Chair And Accessories
Think about furniture that allows your body to move naturally, such as adjustable features for chairs such as height and also arm movement, which allows the body to move more naturally. Having a chair with good back support is always a given, but selecting the right one is a point of preference.
There are the typical styles of office chairs but made more ergonomically to support the back, neck and even with temperature-friendly materials for comfortable working. A new trend is kneeling chairs, such as the one pictured above.
These chairs are designed for optimal posture and reducing points of tension around the body, which is essential for folks who are stationary frequently. Although, with a kneeling chair be prepared to get used to it for a few days before you start to feel the effects.
Finally, there are many accessories that are readily accessible in addition to your new economical furniture. As mentioned support for your wrists is essential, and also you can buy foot stands that elevate your feet to a more natural position when sitting.
You can purchase ergonomic keyboards and mouse devices, a computer monitor stand for a more natural neck position, and light blocking glasses to protect your eyes.
Having an ergonomic office set up at home or at work is important for work longevity. You spend at least 40 hours a week working, that is a lot of time for potential injury or health risk to develop over a lifetime if preventative measures are not taken.
For at-home workers, take this matter into your own hands by investing in essential ergonomic furniture. Your posture and lower back will thank you.
