Creating an Ergonomic Home Office
With more people working from home than ever before, some may have noticed new aches and pains springing up. The truth is, a sore back or stiff neck could be the result of your makeshift home office and poor desk posture. It’s important to have a dedicated work space where you feel comfortable enough to spend hours working without harsh effects on your body. Ergonomics, or the study of human interaction with a system, has many great principles you can apply to your home office space to create a workspace that’s comfortable yet functional.
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Proper Desk Posture
The first step to creating an ergonomic workspace is knowing what proper desk posture looks like. Check in with these key areas to make sure your body is aligned while you work:
- Knees should be level with hips
- Feet should be on the floor
- Arms should be held at elbow level
- Eyes should be pointed forward with head level
- Head should be centered over the spine, not jutted forward or off to one side
Now that you know how your posture should look while working at your desk, it’s time to find the right ergonomic home office furniture pieces to allow you to work comfortably.
Ergonomic Desk Chairs
One of the most crucial parts of an ergonomic home office setup is your desk chair. You should look for an office chair with an adjustable seat height. Being able to raise or lower your desk chair can help make any desk more comfortable to work at. If you sit for long periods of time, you’ll probably want a chair with a good amount of padding on the seat.
The backrest of your chair is also important. If it is too short, it might feel awkward to sit in for a long time. For extra support, look for a backrest with support for the lumbar curve of your spine. Finally, office chairs that roll or swivel can give you some mobility to access items in your workspace without getting out of your chair.
Ergonomic Desk Setup
You’ll also need the right home office desk to complement your ergonomic chair. There are some key features to look for to make sure your desk fits your body and your space. First, the desk height should have plenty of room for your legs underneath so that you don’t feel cramped. The desk height should also allow your computer keyboard to be easily reachable right at elbow level so that your hands and arms won’t be uncomfortable while typing.
Your desktop will probably be home to at least one or more computer monitors. Make sure the top of the computer screen is eye level to avoid neck strain. You might need to add a raiser for your monitor or laptop to sit on to bring it to the right height. Your monitor should also be around an arm’s length away from your eyes.
Customize Your Workspace
Adjustable height desks are a great option to customize your desk to your needs. They allow you to raise or lower the desktop so it’s at the perfect height for sitting or can be used as a standing desk. Using a standing desk can relieve back pain and other health issues that can occur from sitting all day while you work. They’re also linked to improved mood and energy levels, so they’re a great addition to any work from home setup.
To complete your desk area, look for a desk with drawers or shelving. These features can be helpful for keeping important documents or office supplies within reach while still keeping your main work surface clear. Add a desk lamp to avoid straining your eyes in dim light and keep your workspace bright and happy.
Work From Home
If you’re working from home, you might as well take advantage of other spaces. It’s beneficial to take breaks from your desk to move your body or get a change of scenery. Why not take a phone call from your living room sofa or work from your outdoor patio set for a bit to switch it up? This can be a great option whenever you’re feeling stiff or stagnant at your regular desk. Just don’t make a habit of working while lying on the sofa, your back will not thank you for that!
It’s important to create a home office where you feel comfortable and happy to spend time working, especially if you’re working remotely. Incorporating ergonomics into your space to align your body properly can also help eliminate aches and pains that come from sitting at an uncomfortable desk for too long.
