A five-step guide to workspace ergonomics
Maybe you’ve embraced the WFH-life, or perhaps you’re setting up your startup. Either way, you need a space where you can, well, get down to business. The good news? Contemporary office furniture is both beautiful and functional. Read on for tips for setting up a healthy, stylish office.
1. Make your workspace work for you.
Begin by concepting your space. Would you like a roomy desk to spread out and get creative? Or, would you prefer a sit-stand desk or a stool that helps you stay mobile? Aim to design your office in a way that supports both your work habits and your body’s unique shape and size.
2. 90 is the magic number.
When shopping for furniture, prioritize pieces that let you sit with your ankles, knees, hips and elbows at 90-degree angles. “Screens should be at eye level, elbows and knees at 90 degrees, lower back snuggly against your chair’s back support,” says Kevin Butler, certified professional ergonomist at Steelcase. Desks like the Steelcase Migration SE or the Height Adjustable Table Desk from Quint let you comfortably rest your hands on your keyboard while maintaining good posture. Likewise, choose a customizable chair, like the Steelcase Series 1 or the Think Office Chair, with built-in lumbar support and adjustable armrests.
3. Eyes ahead, chair on a swivel.
Position your screen at eye level, about one arm’s length away. Accessories like the Steelcase Active Lift Riser boost the height of your monitor; the SOTO® Freestanding Laptop Shelf and the Collapsible Laptop Support do the same for your laptop. A swiveling chair lets you turn your whole body (rather than craning your neck) when switching between tasks.
4. Sit or stand—just don’t slouch.
“Ergonomics is a proactive discipline that first starts with a user adopting a neutral posture. A position of strength, if you will,” Kevin says. Choose a sit-stand desk that lets you keep your screen at eye level and your elbows at 90 degrees, whether sitting or standing. You want to feel as though you’re standing tall and evenly through both feet.
5. Give yourself a break.
Alternate your position throughout the day. If you’re spending a lot of time sitting, make it a goal to stand up to stretch or march in place for a few minutes every hour. And resist the urge to eat at your desk. Your body (and crumb-free keyboard) will thank you.