A lot of ergonomics experts have shared their knowledge through the years on how to properly set up office workstation desks for maximum comfort and productivity. That means there are so many resources to get through, which is why we thought we would make things easier for you.
We’ve compiled some of the best recommendations in this article so you can learn how to set up your desk like an ergonomics professional! You can thank us later.
Setup Your Office Chair
The first thing you should do is set up your chair. On average, office desks are 29 to 30 inches tall. Depending on your height, that may be either too tall or too short. That’s why it’s so important to adjust your chair until your elbows bend at a 90-degree angle.
If that means you have to raise your office chair quite a bit so your feet are no longer touching the ground, you need to get a footrest to keep the hips and knees bent at 90 degrees as well. This will reduce strain on your arms, wrists, spine, and lower back.
Setup Your Monitor
The way your screen is set up will make a big difference in your posture. If you have a monitor, make sure you keep it at eye level and arm’s length. This will allow you to maintain a natural posture instead of hunching forward all the time.
If you use a laptop, you need to get a stand to raise to eye level. You will also need a keyboard and mouse. If you have dual monitors, make sure you’re positioned in between so you don’t have to constantly turn your head. All this will reduce strain on your spine and neck, thus helping you avoid nerve irritation, pain, numbing, and headaches.
Position Your Keyboard and Mouse
Your keyboard should be positioned right where your hands naturally rest on the desk. To increase comfort, consider getting a wrist rest to prevent strain on your wrists and arms.
Your mouse should be placed right next to the keyboard so you can easily move your elbow to use it. The idea is not to constantly reach for your keyboard or mouse, which leads you to overuse your shoulder and arm, which can cause strain and pain.
Setup Your Phone
If constant use of your phone or smartphone is a big part of your work, you should get a high-quality headset. This way, you don’t have to cradle the phone between your ear and shoulder, which will cause pain after a while.
Having a headset will make things a lot more comfortable for you, especially if you have to spend a big portion of your day on calls. Additionally, they allow you to avoid distractions and listen to music for increased focus.
A proper office desk setup will have a huge impact on your comfort and, therefore, your mood, productivity, and motivation at work. Follow these tips to enjoy the benefits of ergonomics!
Consider Getting a Standing Desk
Standing desks have become very popular and for good reason. They offer many great benefits because they are designed to fight the negative effects of sitting for hours on end. Such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and increased risk of heart disease.
The good news is there are many ways you can avoid sedentarism at work. Getting a height-adjustable desk is one of the best options currently available. Studies focused on the impact of height-adjustable desks have shown that people who use them report much more energy during the day, better mood, and less feelings of fatigue.
