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Tips for Setting Up an Ergonomic Work Space {even in a small spaces}

Thursday November 10, 2011

One of the most exciting, and admittedly most challenging and even stressful, parts of a new job is getting a new work space. Granted most of us aren't given the luxury of a corner office, or even an office with a door. But regardless of what space we have to work with, it's important to set it up as ergonomically as possible so we can decrease possible strain and injuries, while increasing productivity. There are some basic work station set-up principles that are always true. That said, here is a list you can check out as you set up your space or as you re-work the space you already have. Next time, we'll look at an example of a small office and what this worker has done well and what he could improve!

Ergonomic Work Station Set-Up Principles

Raise your monitor. This is an oft-overlooked tip. Regardless of what kind of computer you're using, be sure the screen is at eye level and roughly 20 inches from your body. To achieve this, try a monitor lift as a very cheap and easy fix. Your neck and eyes will thank you as experience less neck pain and strain.
Try an adjustable, ergonomic chair. While it may be quite pricey to buy one, many offices have them if you just ask. Plus, it may be that your current chair is adjustable. Be sure to adjust the height, back support, and arm rests. Your feet should rest flat on the floor, your back should be well-supported {you can even try portable lumbar support}, and your arms should be able to slope slightly downward to reach your keyboard without cocking your wrists.
Ask for a wrist rest. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common office injury and be easily avoided by practicing good wrist positioning. However, a wrist rest is poorly named- it's really meant to rest the palms of your hands in between periods of typing.
Try an ergonomic keyboard. There are more options out there than you can imagine, so finding a good fit is just a matter of preference and trying out a couple. Ergonomic keyboards can be especially helpful as an add-on to your docked lap top. They are much more comfortable for long periods of typing and can be moved closer to the body while your screen is elevated.
Request a document holder. It's such an easy fix, but elevating notes or documents that you frequently reference truly keeps you from straining your eyes and your neck. Who likes to go home with a crick in their neck?
Lastly, try a sound machine, or even this free online generator, for fewer distractions.

When you spend a lot of time in an office, it's crucial that you find the right ergonomic fit- that's why we have a great return policy- you can order any number of products, try them out, then return what you don't like as much. Thus, whether you're a 9-5 cubicle worker, a teacher/professor/lecturer, or a grad student, making ergonomic adjustments can only help you keep your focus and stay productive.

Posted in adjustability , back support , carpal tunnel syndrome , document holder , ergonomic chair , eyestrain , productivity , Small Spaces , sound machines , Uncategorized , wrist rest | Make a Comment

Are You Enjoying the Benefits of a Sit ‘n Stand Ergonomic Desk?

Thursday September 15, 2011

Sitting at your computer all day can place significant strain on your back, shoulders and neck. Taking frequent breaks to stand up can help, but these short breaks are normally not often enough or long enough. Maybe it is time for a compete change of position with an adjustable height ergonomic desk These Sit ‘n Stand Desks that allows you to easily and comfortably sit or stand at work.

As with all ergonomic desks, adjustable height desks provide some of the basic benefits of ergonomic desk design:

Clever designs for small spaces: These desks are often designed with small spaces in mind. There are great desks that can be used in tight quarters at home, or in a small office.
Ergonomic placement for keyboards and monitors: While you can always add keyboard tray or a monitor lift to any work surface, ergonomic desks normally have these conveniences built in, helping you optimize the ergonomic placement of your computer.
Flexible, adjustable, convenient: Best of all, ergonomic desks can be found to meet most ay need. These desks are frequently flexible in their setup and use, providing for unique work situations, such as standing while working, or taking your ergonomics with you on the road.

The Hercules Desk is a great example of a Sit ‘n Stand Ergonomic Desk. This is a great adjustable height desk unit that holds your monitor, keyboard and mouse in perfect ergonomic position while sitting or standing. In one swift move you can raise your monitor, your keyboard and your mouse to the perfect height for ergonomic typing at your computer while standing up.

Standing at work has also been shown to increase your productivity. A study at USC discovered that the standing can increase brain function by 5% to 20%. As you get your blood flowing by standing up, you can effectively increase your concentration and energy, boosting your productivity. If your muscles feel stiff or you are struggling to solve a problem, standing up can relieve muscle strain and increase blood circulation to the brain.

Most people also find a decrease in back and shoulder pain when they stand for part of their work day. Cornell University’s Ergonomics Research Lab conducted a recent study with adjustable height desks found that reported a 20% reduction in general musculoskeletal strain when the participants rotated between sitting and standing at their desks.

Isn’t it about time you try an adjustable height ergonomic desk to find if you, too, can enjoy these benefits? Ergonomic desks come in several different sizes, providing a variety of options for each individual’s needs. Whether you want to decrease back pain, work more comfortably or find greater productivity, an ergonomic work space can help you succeed.

Posted in adjustability , back pain , Ergonomic Desks , health , productivity , Small Spaces | Make a Comment

Designing an Ergonomic Work Station: Part 1

Tuesday April 26, 2011

Designing Your Dream Ergonomic Space

People often go to Home Depot, Lowe's, or even IKEA to get creative, practical ideas and tips for their dream kitchens, bathrooms, and house projects. I frequently find myself dreaming about my ideal ergonomic set-up in the space I currently have. You see, I wasn't always a stay-at-home online writer- in fact, I used to teach high school Spanish. In those days, I would have designed a completely different work space because I had more space and different needs. For example, I would have loved a wireless presentation keyboard or even a mobile stand for my laptop as I presented new concepts and vocabulary.

However, now that I now that I work from home 7 days a week, my needs and wants are quite different. I don't have a classroom I cna leave behind at the end of the day- I have to live with my choices 24/7. So, if I could pick anything, here is what I would choose after a year+ of researching and writing about ergonomic products.

My Desk & Chair

Isn't this a great, compact, flexible design that would work almost anywhere?
Sit-or-Stand Work Station- Having the option to stand is essential for those of us who struggle with back aches and pains. Plus, I just love options and the ability to change. I guess that's why I am a fan of ergonomic products- they are built around the idea of adjustability. Thus, I would choose the sit or stand work station. It has a small footprint and would easily fit in my living room corner where I currently "office." Plus as I grow larger with child #3 and want to stretch my back, I like the idea that I could just pop my laptop on the higher platform and keep working or emailing. Lastly, I mentioned it's compact- I have plenty of wall space vertically, so I appreciate that this ergonomic desk takes advantage of height instead of width.
Body Bilt Ergonomic Chair- I usually dislike office chairs because they're so large and, well, officey. I work from home and I want my home to still feel like home. I like that this Body Bilt chair has all the adjustable accoutrements while still maintaining a relatively small footprint, and a red footprint at that. I don't think this chair would overwhelm a room and it would match my red accents. When you get style and ergonomic comfort, win-win, I say.

What would you do if you could design your own ergonomic work station? I'd choose the Sit-or-Stand Work Station and the Body Bilt Ergonomic Chair as a base for my hub- be sure to check back next time for more of my dream ergonomic set-up.

Posted in adjustability , back pain , ergonomic chair , Ergonomic Desks , Small Spaces | Make a Comment

Why & How to Choose an Ergonomic Desk

Thursday March 3, 2011

Why You Need an Ergonomic Desk

We all do some sort of "work" at a desk- whether we're cubicle-dwellers, corner office execs, work-from-homers, bloggers, scrapbookers, or gamers, we spend a lot of our business and pleasure time behind a desk. I'm not going to rant and rave about how we should re-prioritize our time and spend less time sitting at a desk {tho I could}...what I am going to do is lay out why we need to make that desk as ergonomic and comfortable as possible.

First, as previously mentioned, most of us spend at least a third of our day desked-in. As a result, said desk should be as comfortable, convenient, and smart as possible. Second, an ergonomic desk by its very design has a spot for everything we need: our computer, keyboard, mouse, files, printer, phone, etc. Third, ergo desks have sleek designs that often cater to small spaces, as well as corners, maximizing height as well as width. Finally, a well-designed ergo desk keeps us from injuring ourselves as a result of allowing for proper placement of equipment, thus eliminating the need to reach.

Which Ergo Desk to Choose

When looking for the right ergonomic desk for you, you have to factor in how you use your desk and for what. For instance, you may sit all day, with few breaks and work from a computer...or you may be off and on your feet, switching tasks frequently...or you may collaborate on work often with others. Whatever your use is, it's important to think how you physically use your desk, including what equipment you need access to. Also, consider if you work alone or with others. When working alone, you only need space for you and your things, whereas collaborative work requires extra space and creative use of space, such as sit or stand (many workers prefer to stand when collaborating so that everyone is face-to-face). Finally, consider exactly how much space you have, and be realistic about what you can fit. There are plenty of options for small spaces, many of which go higher vertically to compensate for horizontal space.

HiLo Ergo Work Station- ideal for a small office or home office and for housing the basics. Comes with a keyboard tray for ergonomic typing.
The Smart Desk- better if you have a little more horizontal space, houses computer, monitor, and keyboard all in easy reach and also has 2 work surfaces, one of which is adjustable.
1StepOne Desk- This has all the bells and whistles adjustment-wise and even has a model for corner tables. Great for variational needs.
Sit or Stand- This is a great deal for such an adjustable desk! The option to sit or stand in a compact package! Ideal for any location and for those who prefer change, or to stretch their backs but keep working.
Z Ergonomic Work Center- another compact design with an adjustable keyboard tray. Great for small areas.

With so many ergonomic desks available, it's easy to find one that suits your specific work needs, whether you have a lot or a little space!

Posted in adjustability , back pain , Ergonomic Desks , keyboard tray , Small Spaces , Uncategorized | Make a Comment

Tips for Making Your Office More Ergonomic

Tuesday March 1, 2011

Tips for Making Your Office More Ergonomic

If you are like many and have been assigned a small office or cubicle, there might be a few things you wish you had. It's easy to assume that there's little you can do about it, except spend a small fortune to re-work your space. Fortunately,that assumption is not necessarily true. Here are some tips for making your office more ergonomically friendly and therefore more comfortable and less likely to causer you work-related strain or injuries. {As an added bonus, many offices have a human relations coordinator who can either do an ergonomic assessment or refer you to someone who can. In many situations, your office can and will foot the bill to protect you from injury and to enable you to be more productive.}

Raise your monitor. It should be at eye level and about 20 inches from your torso. A monitor lift is a very cheap and easy fix.
Adjust your chair. In fact, if you don't have an adjustable, ergonomic chair, ask for one! This is especially true if you have had back problems. Every worker needs good back support, as well as the ability to raise and lower the seat pan so that their feet are flat on the floor.
Ask for a wrist rest. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common office injury and be easily avoided by practicing good wrist positioning. It's important to know how to use a wrist rest though: wrist rests are actually meant to provide a resting spot in between periods of typing and for the palms of your hands, not your actual wrists!
Try an ergonomic keyboard. There are more options out there than you can imagine, so finding a good fit is just a matter of preference and trying out a couple. Ergonomic keyboards can be especially helpful as an add-on to your docked lap top. They are much more comfortable for long periods of typing and can be moved closer to the body while your screen is elevated.
Request a document holder. It's such an easy fix, but elevating notes or documents that you frequently reference truly keeps you from straining your eyes and your neck. Who likes to go home with a crick in their neck?
Lastly, try a sound machine, or even this free online generator, for fewer distractions.