It’s in your office, lurking in the shadows, shamelessly depleting your employees’ happiness, productivity, and spinal alignment. It inflicts discomfort without bias, and it’s waiting for everyone.
Office furniture has the power to transform workplace ergonomics. Be proactive in your fight against poor workplace ergonomics with these four fast and effective strategies.
There may be more to your office furniture than meets the eye.
1. Know the Angles
The best way to enhance poor workplace ergonomics is by knowing and using the angles of good ergonomics. Since Americans spend an average of 12 hours each day sitting down, there’s always time to practice good body positioning.
When employees are sitting at a cubicle, desk, or workspace, they should maintain the following body positions:
- Feet are flat on the ground
- Knees are bent at a 90-degree angle (and not bumping into desks)
- Hips are bent at a 90-degree angle (with thighs parallel to the floor)
- Backs are straight and close to the chair’s back
- Lumbar support is optional but useful and should rest at the small of the back
- Arms are flat at rest with elbows bent at a 90-degree angle
- Wrists are neutral
Keeping these angles of proper ergonomics in mind will help reduce strain, fatigue, and stress on muscles and nerves.
2. Make the Adjustments
Everybody benefits from reducing their risk of work-related musculoskeletal diseases, but not every body is built the same.
Keep your diverse workforce happier and healthier by offering standing workstations with height-adjustable tables. This employee-favorite option increases circulation and productivity and decreases stagnation, stiffness, and employee turnover.
Other examples of ergonomically beneficial workplace adjustments include offering movement breaks, providing adjustable chairs, encouraging different “reach zones” on top of desks, keeping monitors at arm’s length and eye level, and implementing work-wide wellness programs and training.
Making necessary adjustments can help your workplace exhibit good ergonomics, better safety culture, and heightened employee engagement.
3. Find the Accessories
Another simple but savvy strategy to enhance ergonomic alignment is through the curation of workstation accessories.
Workstation accessories are sensible and often satisfying ways to integrate better ergonomics. Options like better lighting, desk modifications, dividers, drawers, and keyboard trays can provide ergonomic solutions that are quick, convenient, and customizable.
4. Schedule an Appointment
From creative solutions to comfortable creations, our team at Office Furniture Direct understands workplace ergonomics. If you’re ready to transform your workplace, schedule an appointment with us today