Supporting Good Ergonomics with Modern Height Adjustable Office Furniture
4 Min Read
Offices have changed a lot over the years, and furniture has changed as well. As technology evolves, the importance of maintaining proper ergonomics and posture is increasingly critical. Learn more about how adjustable office furniture can help you achieve a healthy work environment.
Common Workplace Injuries
Most people view office jobs as low impact and low risk. In reality, some of the most common workplace injuries can be attributed to long hours spent sitting at a desk. The majority of desk job-related injuries are musculoskeletal, such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, or vision problems, such as eyestrain, headaches, and blurred vision. Both of these types of injuries are primarily caused by poor ergonomics.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2013, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases. This number has been steadily declining, as more and more offices provide ergonomic furniture.
Ergonomics Basics
Choosing the right office furniture and accessories is one of the most important steps in avoiding work-related health issues and improving workplace morale overall. No matter the style of desk or chair used, the goal should be for neutral posture throughout a workday.
A neutral posture consists of:
- Shoulders relaxed with arms near the side, elbows bent comfortably.
- Head straight
- Wrists straight
- Balanced weight
- Feet flat on the floor
- Back anchored against the back of the chair
This neutral posture can be best achieved by choosing furniture that promotes ergonomics for all aspects of your workstation. Since people are unique, high quality adjustable desks and chairs ensure that work spaces are ergonomically suited to individuals that use them.
Ergonomic Adjustable Height Desks
The desk is the centerpiece of any workspace. No matter if you use cubicles, workstations, or any other type of office setup, it is important to offer desks that meet the needs of your workers.
Traditional fixed-height desks don’t provide the flexibility many offices need. If multiple people use the same desk, height adjustments are needed to ensure good ergonomics for all users. And even if the desk is only used by one person it is essential that you use an adjustable height desk to allow for transition between sitting and standing. This Varying posture prevents injury and improves overall health.
Ergonomic Chairs and Beyond
Just like a high-quality desk, a good ergonomic chair is all about adjustability. Having adjustable height, armrests, headrest, and seat pan are all critical features, while being able to roll freely to eliminate reaching and overexertion. The correct chair will provide complete lower back support and fit the curvature of your spine.
By combining your adjustable chair with an adjustable height desk, you tackle the two most important ingredients in achieving better ergonomics. Want to learn more about how your office can create a healthier environment? Check out our blog “8 ways organizations can create healthier more active workspaces.”
Accessorizing for the Modern Office
Finding the right ergonomic computer accessories is the last step in creating a neutral work posture. Even with the proper chair and desk, proper ergonomics can be hampered by simple things like improper computer monitor positioning.
Monitor mounts provide a variety of adjustments for your screen, allowing for correct viewing angles. Stock monitors rarely offer the proper level of adjustability needed to ensure you aren’t straining your neck throughout the day.
Adjustable keyboards and ergonomic mice will allow for your wrists to be straight and hands to rest in a relaxed, neutral position. Having the wrong mouse can lead to long-term issues like carpal tunnel.
Achieving Ergonomics Through Awareness
The final step in fostering an ergonomically healthy work environment goes beyond equipment and involves education. Companies can provide the knowledge and training necessary to perform worksite assessments, identify early symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders, and voice concerns of workplace hazards.
At Watson Furniture, we offer a variety of adjustable height desks, for both individual or group work needs. Our Bahn and Seven desks are designed to adjust to individual needs, organizational demands, and can be used when sitting or standing. Adjustable height desks that allow employees to go from sitting to standing with ease, not only allow for better ergonomics but also reduce sedentary behavior, which is linked to medical problems. By introducing adjustable height desks, an office can be a healthier, more comfortable environment.
