Top tips to create an ergonomic workstation

When it comes to creating a working environment that won’t impact your health, it’s essential that you have an ergonomic workstation. This type of desk is designed to be extremely comfortable to work at, therefore reducing the chances of its user suffering health issues derived from sitting or working uncomfortably.

It has been reported that almost 75% of working people in the UK suffer with aches and pains each day after working in an office. These conditions are mainly down to an uncomfortable workspace, but it’s your employer’s duty to provide desks that don’t pose a risk to your health and adhere to HSE standards, ensuring safety in the office.

In this article, we’ve shared three top tips that you can use to create an ergonomic desk, as well as an insight into the health conditions that you may suffer if you’re working in an uncomfortable environment:

Why do I need an ergonomic desk?

One of the most notable benefits of working at an ergonomic adjustable office desk is that you’ll be more focused throughout your time in the office. This is because you’ll spend less time re-adjusting your chair or computer equipment, allowing you to be more productive and focus on your most important tasks.

Working comfortably helps reduce the amount of down-time you have when you’re out of work, allowing you to spend more quality time with your family.

Impacts on your health

Health conditions, such as the following, are likely to be caused by working within an uncomfortable space:

• Repetitive Strain Injury: Commonly known as RSI, this type of injury is caused when you spend long periods of time in uncomfortable positions. This is likely to happen within your wrists if your keyboard isn’t placed properly.
• Head and back aches: If you’re constantly straining your eyes or neck to focus on a screen situated in an awkward position, you may develop either of these aches.

How to create a comfortable workspace

The first things you should look at when creating an ergonomic workspace are the keyboard and mouse. These two items should be placed as close together as possible and in a reachable position to prevent your wrists becoming strained.

You should also look at your chair and back support as incorrectly setting these up could cause back pain. Your chair should be high enough for you to comfortably place both feet flat on the floor and if possible, should have an adjusting backrest that tilts as you move. The arm supports of your office chair should support your own arms when they’re relaxed.

After checking these pieces of equipment, it’s essential to set up your computer screen to prevent the lights straining your eyes. Place the monitor directly in front of your chair and at least an arm’s length away from your body to prevent this.

As you can see, making sure that your workspace is set up correctly, is a vital part of safety in the office. It is key to eliminating the chances of staff suffering with aches and pains once the working day is over. As soon as you’ve created an ergonomic desk, you can expect to see a surge in your ability to focus and the volume of work you get done, in no time at all!