Tips for a Healthier Workplace in the Office
Are you currently seated at your desk? Right now, don’t move a muscle or check your position. You’re either slouching with your hips at the edge of the chair or hunching over because you’re too close to your laptop or phone. You may do these things unconsciously and never consider the consequences, but research shows that poor posture at a desk can have long-term health consequences, including energy slumps and back pain.
Over the last decade, ergonomics has become a buzzword in workplace design, and businesses are paying attention to the impact of poor ergonomics on employee productivity, health, and mood. Ergonomic challenges have caused the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) to skyrocket in recent years. However, regardless of how well a company designs a workspace, each employee must ensure that good ergonomics are used at their own workstation.
You can make a few changes to make your desk life safer. Here are nine suggestions for employers and employees to foster a healthy, productive, and ergonomic workplace:
1. Continue to Move
Hold a different posture or position for long periods. Stand up, walk around, or do light stretches every hour or so for a few minutes. If you notice yourself slouching, stop and return to a straight spine position. Consider working part of the day while sitting and part of the day while standing.
2. Select ergonomically adjustable chairs.
Choose an ergonomic chair with lumbar support that fits your back and supports your spinal curves. The more positions a chair can be adjusted to, the more it can be tailored to the user. When it comes to ergonomics, one size sometimes fits all.
3. Maintain proper posture
Whether you work from home or in an office, the most necessary ergonomic priority is establishing a better working posture at your workstation. Always sit in a neutral posture, as this is the natural posture of the spine. Instead of hunching, slouching, or slumping, sit completely straight from head to toe, with your feet on the floor and your knees/elbows bent at 90 degrees.
4. The Monitor’s Proper Position
Position your monitor directly in front of you, with the center of the screen at eye level. Keep your neck and shoulders relaxed and neutral when working in front of a computer monitor. It keeps your head and neck from frequently tilting, preventing headaches and neck problems. It also aids in the prevention of eye strain.
5. Take frequent short breaks
Even with ergonomics and good posture, prolonged sitting can stress your body. The body can typically tolerate being in one position for about 20 minutes before needing to be readjusted. Allow your body to recover from repetitive stress by taking two or three 30- to 60-second breaks every hour. It can aid in the reduction of fatigue, the reduction of work-related MSDs, the creation of a healthier workplace, and the increase of productivity.
