Ergonomics In The Workplace: Tips For Better Comfort

Key Takeaways:

• Ergonomic Principles To Uphold: Embracing ergonomic principles in the workplace enhances comfort and productivity while reducing the risk of injury.
• Innovative Products For Health: FluidStance offers innovative products that promote movement and sustainable workplace wellness, aligning with ergonomics to foster health and productivity.
• Ergonomic Tools And Workstations: Implementing ergonomic and adjustable workstations can significantly improve posture, screen positioning, and overall workspace ergonomics.

It’s crucial.

Ergonomics, the study of people's efficiency in their working environment, focuses on designing workplace settings to fit the user's needs, enhancing comfort and productivity while minimizing the risk of injury. As we spend a significant portion of our days at our desks, the ergonomics of our workspaces can significantly influence our health. 

At FluidStance, we’re committed to enhancing workplace wellness. We champion the cause of integrating movement and ergonomic design into the daily routine of office workers, students, and professionals from all walks of life. With an impressive line-up of products ranging from balance boards to on-desk organizers, we’re making strides towards transforming workspaces into places where health and productivity flourish together.

In this article, we’ll examine insightful tips for incorporating better ergonomics into your workplace so that you can achieve a workspace that not only moves you but also contributes to your overall well-being and that of the planet.

 

Assessing Your Work Environment For Ergonomic Risks

Assessing areas in your daily work routine that may contribute to discomfort or health issues down the line can be beneficial. Whether you're an athlete, a student, or an office worker, understanding and modifying your workspace can significantly improve comfort, productivity, and overall well-being.

• Identify Potential Risk Factors: Begin by examining your workstation as it stands. Are your monitor and keyboard positioned in a way that causes you to strain your neck or shoulders? Are you slouching or remaining in a static position for prolonged periods? These are cues that your setup may need adjustments.
• Adjust Your Furniture: Ensure that your chair, desk, and computer monitor are at appropriate heights to support a neutral body posture. Your feet should be flat on the ground, with your knees at a 90-degree angle. Your monitor should be at eye level, eliminating the need to tilt your head up or down constantly.
• Integrate Movement Into Your Routine: The human body isn't designed for prolonged periods of inactivity. Incorporate tools that encourage movement, such as FluidStance’s range of balance boards and active standing mats. The Original and Plane® Cloud Balance Boards, supported by research from Heeluxe Lab, elicit subtle, constant movement, increasing heart rate by 15% above resting levels while maintaining a natural range of motion. This promotes better posture and core strength, prevents muscle stiffness, and enhances circulation. Additionally, these boards were shown to increase energy expenditure by over 10% compared to sitting, as certified by the Mayo Clinic.
• Evaluate And Optimize Lighting: Proper lighting reduces eye strain and maintains focus. If your workspace lacks optimal lighting, consider FluidStance's Illum Light, which provides gentle, adjustable illumination to minimize glare and support long hours of concentration.
• Maintain Air Quality And Comfort: Environmental factors like air quality, temperature, and noise levels significantly impact your ability to remain focused and comfortable. If possible, introduce plants to improve air quality, adjust the thermostat to maintain a comfortable working temperature, and use headphones or white noise machines to manage distracting sounds.

The Science Of Sitting: Optimizing Chair And Desk Height

Chair Height

• Adjustability is Critical: Ensure your chair height can be adjusted so your feet rest flat on the floor or on a footrest, with your thighs parallel to the floor. This position helps reduce pressure on your lower back.
• Support Your Lumbar Region: An ergonomic chair should support the natural curve of your spine, particularly the lumbar area. This can prevent slouching and reduce the risk of back pain.
• Consider Seat Depth: Your chair should allow you to sit with your back against the backrest, leaving about 2 to 4 inches between the seat and the back of your knees.

Desk Height

• Eye Level With Your Monitor: The top of your computer screen should be at or slightly below eye level. This positioning helps you maintain a neutral neck posture and reduces the risk of strain.
• Keyboard And Mouse Placement: Your arms should form an angle of about 90 degrees at the elbow, with your wrists in a neutral position while typing or using the mouse. An adjustable keyboard tray might be beneficial if your desk is too high.
• Standing Desk Option: The same principles apply to those who use a standing desk. Your screen should be at eye level, and your elbows should be at a 90-degree angle. Incorporating a balance board like FluidStance’s Level Balance Board or Plane® Cloud Balance Board can add subtle, dynamic movement to your standing routine, further improving posture and reducing stiffness. Standing mats like the Springboard and the B+Ground™ Anti-Fatigue Mat can also provide comfort and reduce fatigue while standing, and are great alternatives for those seeking something a little less active than balance boards.

 

The Role Of Posture In Workplace Ergonomics

The Impact Of Improper Posture

Improper posture can have many negative effects on the body and mind. Physically, it can lead to aches and pains, particularly in the back, neck, and shoulders, reduce lung capacity, and contribute to the development of carpel tunnel syndrome, among other conditions. From a mental perspective, discomfort can severely hamper focus and productivity, leading to a less efficient work process and, potentially, increased stress levels.

In an office setting, something as simple as a monitor's placement or a chair's height can significantly influence posture. An awkwardly positioned monitor, for instance, can force the neck into unnatural angles, leading to strain. At the same time, a chair that does not adequately support the spine or allow feet to rest flat on the floor can cause lower back pain.

Aligning The Workplace With Ergonomic Principles

To align the workplace with ergonomic principles aimed at optimizing posture, several strategies can be employed, including: 

• Introducing Stand-Up Desks: One such approach is the introduction of stand-up desks or adjustable-height desks. These provide flexibility and encourage movement, crucial for preventing stiffness and promoting circulation.
• Balance Boards And Anti-Fatigue Mats: Innovative products designed by FluidStance, such as our range of balance boards and anti-fatigue mats, are critical in enhancing workplace ergonomics by encouraging subtle movements and supporting the body's natural alignment. Integrating such tools into the workspace allows individuals to maintain an active stance while performing stationary tasks, thus improving posture and reducing the risk of strain.
• Ergonomic Seating: Using ergonomic seating that supports the spine curve or opting for active seating options like balance boards can significantly improve posture throughout the day.

Implementing Adjustable Workstations

Here’s how to implement adjustable workstations effectively:

Start With The Right Equipment

Choosing the right equipment is essential for creating an ergonomic workstation. FluidStance offers innovative solutions such as the Level Balance Board, which introduces subtle movement to your standing routine, helping to alleviate stiffness from static positions. The Raise™ Monitor Riser ensures your screen is positioned at eye level, reducing neck strain whether sitting or standing. For laptop users, the Lift Whiteboard Laptop Stand elevates your screen to the perfect ergonomic height while featuring an integrated whiteboard, providing a convenient space for jotting down notes or tasks to stay organized throughout the day.

Encourage Regular Movement

Static positions, whether sitting or standing, can lead to discomfort and health issues over time. Encourage employees to adjust their workstations throughout the day. This includes transitioning between sitting and standing and making minor adjustments, such as changing the monitor's angle or the desk's height. FluidStance’s Balance Boards and Springboard act as an active standing mat that encourages gentle, subconscious movements to keep the blood flowing.

Integrate Flexibility Into Workflows

Flexibility should be integrated into the daily workflow to benefit from adjustable workstations. Encourage employees to listen to their bodies and adjust their workstations as needed. Standing meetings or mobile tasks can further vary one’s posture and position throughout the day.

Provide Ergonomic Accessories

Provide ergonomic accessories that enhance comfort and efficiency to supplement adjustable desks. FluidStance’s Lift Whiteboard Laptop Stand can raise laptops to an ergonomic height, complementing the flexibility of an adjustable desk. For those who prefer writing notes or jotting down ideas, the Slope™ Desk Whiteboard serves as an ergonomic, accessible surface that can fit into any adjustable workstation setup.

Educate On Proper Use

Lastly, employees should understand the benefits and proper use of adjustable workstations and ergonomic accessories. Education can include best practices for alternating between sitting and standing, adjusting equipment to suit individual needs, and using balance boards or anti-fatigue mats to maximize comfort and productivity.

The Impact Of Screen Position On Neck And Eye Strain

Neck Strain 

Neck strain often results from screens that are too low, causing users to bend their necks unnaturally for prolonged periods. This misalignment not only puts unnecessary pressure on the cervical spine but also leads to chronic pain and discomfort.

Eye Strain 

Similarly, eye strain can occur when screens are positioned too far away, too close, or at an improper angle, forcing the eyes to work harder to focus on text and images. This can lead to dry eyes, blurred vision, and headaches, significantly impacting productivity and overall workplace wellness.

Products To Help Prevent These Issues

To combat these issues, FluidStance offers innovative solutions designed with ergonomics in mind. The Raise™ Monitor Riser is a prime example, engineered to elevate your screen to an optimal eye level, thereby reducing neck strain and aligning the spine in a more natural position. Additionally, its thoughtful design provides extra desk space for better organization, enhancing overall workspace ergonomics.

For laptop users, the Lift Whiteboard Laptop Stand is an ergonomic intervention to elevate screens, bringing them closer to eye level. This stand optimizes the screen position to reduce neck and eye strain and incorporates a whiteboard for note-taking, merging functionality with wellness.

Ergonomic Tools And Accessories To Enhance Your Work Area

Balance Boards For Dynamic Standing

Incorporating movement into your standing routine can reduce fatigue and improve focus. FluidStance's range of balance boards — including The Original, Level Balance Board, and Plane® Cloud Balance Board — encourages subtle, continuous motion. Research shows these boards replicate the natural ankle range of motion experienced during walking (23.98 degrees), promoting circulation and improving balance.

On-Desk Organizers For A Clutter-Free Workspace

For added productivity, integrate FluidStance’s Flow Cards into your workspace. These reusable, eco-friendly cards are perfect for jotting down quick tasks or brainstorming ideas. Designed to work seamlessly with the Slope™ Desk Whiteboard and Bloc™ Desk Organizer, Flow Cards keep your workspace organized and visually focused. Use them as a visual planning tool to prioritize and track daily progress.

Anti-Fatigue Mats For Enhanced Comfort

Standing for extended periods can lead to fatigue and discomfort. The B+Ground™ Anti-Fatigue Mat, UPmat, and Springboard are engineered to alleviate joint pressure and promote micro-movements that keep blood circulating. These mats complement FluidStance’s balance boards – providing additional support and cushioning, allowing for a more comfortable and health-conscious standing experience.

Bringing Movement And Sustainability Together

Every FluidStance product is engineered to promote ergonomic wellness and environmental sustainability. Choosing eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes helps ensure that workplace ergonomics can be enhanced without compromising environmental values.

Final Thoughts

Integrating ergonomics into the workplace is not just about preventing discomfort or injury; it's about enhancing overall well-being and productivity. 

Adopting efficiency principles means creating a workspace that supports health, focus, and creativity. FluidStance's products combine science with sustainable design, from eco-conscious balance boards to innovative organizational tools like the Flow™ Cards and Illum Light. Integrating movement, comfort, and organization into your routine will help you transform your workspace into an environment that promotes well-being and productivity.

Read Also:

• Organization Tips For Work: Boost Productivity And Focus
• How High Should Your Monitor Be? Tips For Proper Ergonomics
• Benefits Of A Standing Desk: Improve Health And Productivity

Frequently Asked Questions About Ergonomics In The Workplace

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging workplaces, products, and systems so that they fit the people who use them. It aims to enhance efficiency and productivity while reducing discomfort and the risk of injury from strain or repetitive movements.

How can ergonomics improve workplace comfort?

Enhancing ergonomics in the workplace can improve comfort by ensuring that furniture, equipment, and work tasks promote good posture and natural movements. This can reduce muscle strain, lower the risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, and increase comfort, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction.

What are some common ergonomic issues in the office?

Common ergonomic issues in the office include poor posture due to inadequately adjusted chairs and desks, repetitive strain injuries from tasks such as typing or mouse use, eye strain from improper monitor positioning, and back and neck pain from long periods of sitting without adequate support or movement.

How can I adjust my chair for better ergonomics?

To adjust your chair for better ergonomics, ensure your feet are flat on the floor or on a footrest, with your thighs parallel to the ground. Adjust the chair height so your arms are at a 90-degree angle when typing and your eyes level with the top of your computer monitor. The backrest should support the natural curve of your spine.

What is the proper way to sit at a desk?

The proper way to sit at a desk involves keeping your back straight with support from the chair, shoulders relaxed but not slouched, wrists not bent while typing, and thighs at a 90-degree angle to your body. Your monitor should be an arm's length away, with the top of the screen at or just below eye level.

How often should I take breaks from sitting?

It's recommended to take breaks from sitting every 30 to 60 minutes. These breaks don't need to be long; even a few minutes of standing, stretching, or walking can help reduce the risks associated with prolonged sitting, such as musculoskeletal discomfort and decreased circulation.