Ergonomic Office Design: Make Your Office Ergonomic
Among the ways to increase productivity and employee morale while reducing absenteeism and health problems, ergonomic office design is often overlooked. However, this aspect of an office is especially useful and can improve many areas of your business. Having an ergonomic office design not only improves the overall aesthetics of your office, but it also improves productivity and can even reduce the incidence of health issues in employees.
Ergonomic office design encompasses three main areas: the workstation itself, lighting, and seating. The workstation includes the computer, the desk, and everything else the worker uses while doing his or her job. For example, an ergonomic office design would include a workstation that has a computer at the proper height, a mouse within easy reach, and a desk that is aligned properly with the body of the user. Further aspects of a workstation in an ergonomic office design are the phone, which may be outfitted with a cradle to make it more comfortable to use.
The lighting of an office is another important aspect of ergonomic office design. The lighting of an office should not be too harsh or too dim. Further, outside light should be monitored and controlled with blinds. Although many people don’t consider it, light from a computer monitor is also a variable, and it is recommended that the user take advantage of the brightness setting to adjust it to a comfortable level.
Last but not least, the seating of an office is a large part of ergonomic office design. Because most office workers spend the majority of their time in their chair, making sure it is comfortable and fit for their bodies is especially important. A properly designed and outfitted chair can reduce back problems, muscle ache, and even headaches. A rule of thumb is that a chair in an ergonomic office design should be as adjustable as possible to accommodate for the different needs of different people. This includes adjustable seat height. It should also have lumbar support, and arm rests are also suggested.
For more information on ergonomic office design and to find out about ergonomic furniture for your office, call or e-mail ROF today.
