Small Adjustments to Make For a More Ergonomic Desk

The most basic definition of ergonomics is, “the study of work.”

But a better way to look at it is, “the study of how work is done.” Ergonomics is all about the way individuals perform their tasks and how all the people on a team work together.

This research looks into both physical working conditions and psychological effects of the working environment and professional relationships. It notices everything from the position of your feet when you’re sitting down to the effects that certain colors on the walls of your office have on your mood. 

Many people have built an entire career on improving the ergonomics of others. But, making your job more comfortable to do and more efficient doesn’t necessarily require a professional’s help. 

There are plenty of things you can do right now to improve your working conditions – like switching to a standing desk or making your traditional desk more ergonomic.

Here are 7 things you can do to create an ergonomic desk space. 

1. Adjust Your Mouse and Keyboard Placement 

You shouldn’t have to reach for your mouse and keyboard. If you can’t use them while your elbows are relaxed at your side, then you need to move them closer. 

Reaching forward with your arms causes your whole upper body to lean forward. This leads to hunching in the shoulders and it puts a strain on the neck. If you sit like this for an extended period of time, you can also cause strain on your lower back.

2. Raise Your Screen 

Moving your mouse and keyboard is a simple action that makes a huge difference. Adjusting the position of your screen one or two inches works in the same way. In fact, you may be wondering why it took you so long to notice how the position of your screen affects the way you work! 

When you raise your screen, you’re making the work you do much easier on your neck. You’re relieving this sensitive body part of all the tension and stress it has built up because of poor workplace ergonomics. 

You’re also improving your focus and efficiency. By looking straight ahead of you instead of slightly down, you’re creating a better blood flow in your head. This raises your energy levels enough to make you work a little harder and possibly produce better results than normal.

3. Turn on a Light 

Another way to make your work conditions better is to place a reading light on your desk. Unless you’re working in a super bright office space, you need a reading light. This extra bit of brightness will keep you alert and it will ease the strain on your eyes.

Eye strain occurs in the workplace either because your screen is too bright or because you’re reading documents all day long. When your screen is bright, having a reading light balances out the glare from the computer so that your eyes aren’t as affected. When you spend all day reading small writing, a reading light reduces how hard your eyes have to work to read everything.

4. Lower Your Chair 

The next thing you can do to make your desk more ergonomic is lower your chair. Your feet should be able to comfortably sit flat on the floor. It’s not good for your lower back if you’re dangling your feet, but it can also be uncomfortable to sit too low to the ground.

So, how can you determine the best position? 

By noticing where your knees are! Ideally, you want your feet to be planted flat on the ground and the back of your knees to be leaning off the edge of your chair.  

Or, you may consider getting rid of your chair altogether and transitioning to a standing desk. This can do wonders for your lower back and for your performance at work, too. To make this kind of desk even more ergonomic, consider some of the suggestions on this website.

5. Uncross Your Legs 

Not a fan of the whole standing desk idea? If you’re sticking to your desk chair, it’s time to break the habit of crossing your legs.

Sitting in this position hurts your back. It also causes tightness in your hips and it can make your leg fall asleep if you sit this way too long. 

Even crossing your ankles can cause lower back complications. 

To keep yourself comfortable, just put your feet down. Your body will thank you! 

6. Use a Cushion for Back Support 

In a perfect world, you wouldn’t have any more back trouble or physical pain after using the ergonomic tips above. But unfortunately, you may have to do a little more to make sure you’re fully comfortable at work. 

If you’re still having back trouble when you get home or wake up in the morning, bring a cushion to work and place it between your back and your chair. This will provide you with additional support than what’s already available to you. It will help ease any ongoing pain you’ve been experiencing and improve your mood at work, too.

7. Make Sure You’re Not Sitting Down All Day Long

Even if you have the most comfortable working chair in the world or if you use a standing desk, you need to make a habit of moving around throughout the day. 

Stretch your neck and shoulders out a few times a day. Get up and get some blood flowing in your legs and do a lap around the office to rejuvenate yourself. If you’re feeling particularly tense, do some forward folds and twisting stretches.

Discover All the Benefits of Having an Ergonomic Desk

It’s one thing to read about what makes an ergonomic desk space and another to feel the all the benefits of workplace ergonomics. It’s amazing to realize what these simple adjustments can do for your body, mind, and workplace performance.  

To learn more about how to improve your work life, click here.  

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