An ergonomic computer desk and accessories are essential
An ergonomic computer desk and other accessories are essential if you will be spending a lot of time in your home office.
Ergonomics is the use of information from scientific sources in order to design environments, systems and objects for the use of human beings whether for work or for play. This definition was adopted in 2007 by the International Ergonomics Association or the IEA.
The term ergonomics is taken from two Greek words; the Greek word ergon, which means work, and the word nomos, which means natural laws. This science is more complex than the average person realizes and comes into play in everyone’s daily life.
Most people don’t realize
Most people don’t realize that an ergonomic computer desk or chair they are working at is a product of the science of ergonomics.
There are a lot of ergonomic home computer desks and accessory choices out there, but you will not necessarily need every item.
If you are like most people in the workaday world who must use a computer and related equipment with regularity, you will want to make certain that you are considering ergonomics in both the design and utilization of your workstation, equipment and related items.
Your present productivity and your future health will depend on properly implementing concepts associated with computer ergonomics. You will be well served both in the short term and well into the future.
The following is a breakdown of some of the most common forms of ergonomic home office computer furniture and other accessories.
Ergonomic computer desk makes it easier and more efficient to type.
Should come with lowering keyboard holders for those who type a lot. This can help ease issues with wrists and frankly just make it easier and more efficient to type. The more natural the hands lie on the keyboard, the better.
There are a number of other things you should consider when buying a home office computer desk with comfort and ease of use being just two.
First of all, take some measurements so you’ll know how much space you have available for the home office computer desk.
Make sure there’s enough clearance space for drawers if that’s what’s needed as well as space for holding your computer monitor – which should be a minimum of 20 inches away from your eyes and CPU etc.
Other things to consider is the work area of your ergonomic computer desk.
For instance, does it provide enough clearance for the feet, knees, and legs relative to the edge of the work surface. Also, does it provide sufficient space for the thighs between the work surface and the seat.
You’ll find a wide variety of stylish and affordable home office furniture desks such as, corner computer desks, glass computer desks, computer carts, modern computer desks, and ergonomic computer desks that are suitable for your home office.
A footrest
You will find a footrest incredibly valuable if you sit a great deal of your day in front of your home office desk. A properly aligned, ergonomic footrest will ease leg problems and lessen lower back issues. However, most ergonomic chairs do not require a foot rest.
If the height of the chair can be adjusted easily and allow you to plant your feet firmly on the ground while you are seated, then a foot rest is not necessary.
However, if your computer desk is too high in relation to your chair and if having your feet flat on the floor means you have to strain your arms, then a foot rest is needed so you could rest your feet comfortably and without added strain to your legs.
The fact is that the back is one of the main reasons for most days of work lost each year in America alone, so looking into a footrest is not a bad idea.
It should be included in your ergonomic furniture budget. Here are the most popular footrests
Adjustable chairs
Remember, one size does not fit all when it comes to chairs. The smartest purchases are those with proper armrests, adjustable heights and those with good back support.
Since an adjustable chair is essential ensure that the purchase of one is at the top of your office furniture shopping list. If your knees are level and your feet are planted firmly on the floor without the use of a foot rest while you are sitting on the ergonomic chair, it means that its height is right for you.
Also, you should be able to reach the adjusting mechanism of the seat and operate it even if you are sitting on it.
Seat cushioning
The cushioning of an ergonomic chair should be sufficient for it not to be deformed after you have been using it for a while. If the cushioning is not enough, the seat of the chair can get deformed permanently and it would become uncomfortable for you to sit on
after a while.
Later on, it will just lead you to experience pain on your back and thighs. In addition, you should choose seat covers that breathe freely and are easy to clean. Such seat covers will not feel hot and uncomfortable against your thighs after sitting on the chair for so
long. Easy to clean seat covers also mean that it will not be breeding ground for dust mites.
Wrist guards for keyboards
If height can’t be adjusted correctly between the chair and desk, these can work well to avoid issues with carpal tunnel. Any small gesture you can make to lessen or eliminate problems before they start just makes good common sense.
A document holder
Can be placed between the keyboard and monitor to reduce stress on the neck when working from paper documents. Check out Amazon’s document holders.
Glare reducers for computer screens
Consider relatively inexpensive screens that make working on the computer easier on the eyes if you can’t afford eye-friendly flat screen monitors. Headaches, eyestrain and more can be caused by computer screens. A computer screen is a small investment that can save you money in the long run. Range of anti-glare filters
There are a number of ergonomic tools you can employ to improve your productivity and comfort. They make good business sense.
Your Posture at your ergonomic computer desk
Your hips should be slightly higher than your knees. Don’t keep your feet flat on the floor when sitting at your ergonomic computer desk but move them around often. In fact, you should occasionally use a footrest but do not cross your ankles.
In addition, you should change your position as frequently as possible by adjusting your hips, moving your feet, lifting your arms and just slightly altering your posture continuously during your work day.
You should also take frequent breaks – say for 10 minutes every hour – and have a good stretch.
Lean back slightly and hold your head up slightly as well so that it’s as close as possibly to being perpendicular to the floor.
Your upper arms should just hang naturally from your shoulders and let your lower arms rest on the arm rests of the chair and parallel or slightly below to the floor. Try and keep your wrists straight.
Finally and very importantly remember to take regular breaks from your ergonomic computer desk preferably every 45 minutes to an hour for 1 or 2 minutes.
About the Author:
Ken MacKenzie, a seasoned professional with over 40 years of experience in marketing and public relations, has spent the majority of his career working from his home office. Having recently retired, Ken brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field of home office furniture and accessories.
Before establishing Ken MacKenzie Communications in September 1993, Ken served as a Senior Consultant for over five years with International Public Relations Pty Ltd. His extensive career also includes a pivotal role as the Marketing Manager for the United States Department of Commerce, where he contributed his expertise for a period of six years.
In his capacity as Marketing Manager he served as principal adviser to the U.S. Trade Center Director on major U.S. trade event planning and promotion. He was totally responsible for the organization, advertising, promotion and implementation of numerous U.S. Government sposored trade exhibitions and other events covering many different industry groups.
As a Senior Public Relations Consultant, Ken has provided his insights and services to a diverse range of companies. He has successfully managed major projects and worked with renowned clients, including Boral, Monier Roofing, NUS International, MasterFoods, the Jakarta Promotion Board, and the Australian Made Campaign.
Ken’s rich experience equips him with the skills to thoroughly research, strategize, budget, and coordinate cost-effective media marketing and public relations programs for clients. His approach emphasizes the use of appropriate and efficient media channels to reach specific target markets.
Ken has also assembled a dedicated team of professionals, each with their own extensive experience in remote work. This team, under Ken’s guidance, is committed to providing reliable, well-researched information, ensuring that you receive the highest quality insights and recommendations. You can trust Ken MacKenzie and his team to be your go-to source for home office advice and expertise.
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Links on this ergonomic computer desk page are sponsored affiliate links and the owner makes commission if you buy after clicking these links. The owner is not a bona-fide user of this product. However, he has thoroughly researched this ergonomic computer desk and provided a personal opinion only. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”