If you’ve been feeling stressed out lately, or find yourself productivity dipping in the afternoon, it might be time to take a look at your office ergonomics. Many people don’t realise that poor workplace setup can lead to all sorts of health problems, including stress, tension headaches, and even carpal tunnel syndrome.
Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do to adjust your environment and improve your productivity. In this blog post, we will discuss some office ergonomic tips that can help reduce stress and increase productivity. If you work in an open plan office, perhaps an office refurbishment can bring new life to the workspace.
1. Make sure your chair is adjustable and has good back support
If you’re constantly slouching or hunching over, it’s going to put a lot of strain on your back and neck. Invest in a good quality chair that can be adjusted to your height and has built-in lumbar support.
If possible, try to find a chair with armrests so you can take some of the strain off your shoulders and neck. If you don’t have adjustable armrests, you can improvise by using a pillow or rolled-up towel.
Finally, make sure your chair has good back support. If it doesn’t, you can use a small pillow or lumbar roll to help support your lower back.
If you don’t have an adjustable chair, there are still some things you can do to improve your posture. Try to sit up straight and avoid slouching, or use a footrest to keep your feet elevated and in line with your hips. This will help take some of the strain off your lower back.
2. Place your computer monitor at eye level to avoid straining your neck
If you’re constantly looking down at your computer screen, it’s going to put a lot of strain on your neck and shoulders. To avoid this, try to position your monitor so that it’s at eye level. If you can’t adjust the height of your monitor, you can use a stack of books or a box to prop it up. If you wear glasses, it’s especially important to position your monitor at the correct height, as this will help reduce eye strain and fatigue.
3. Use a document holder to keep papers within reach
A document holder allows you to keep all of your materials within easy reach, so you don’t have to strain your neck or shoulders. There are a variety of different document holders available, so choose one that best fits your needs.
4. Invest in a good quality keyboard and mouse to reduce hand strain
If you’re using an old, outdated keyboard or mouse, it’s time for an upgrade. Newer keyboards and mice are designed to reduce hand strain, so they can help improve your productivity and comfort levels. When choosing a new keyboard or mouse, look for one that is ergonomically designed, as this will help reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries.
By following these simple office ergonomic tips, you can reduce stress, improve your productivity, and avoid health problems. So take a few minutes to adjust your workspace and start feeling better today!
