Barrie Smith, our Workstation Ergonomics Assessor, has put together five important tips to help you kickstart your 2025 back in the office.
1. Do you know the correct chair height?
- Feet should be fully supported, including your heels, on the floor or a footrest.
- Hips need to be slightly higher than your knees to help align the natural ‘S’ shape of your spine.
- Elbows and forearms should be parallel to the work surface, ensuring your upper limbs are relaxed.
2. Improve your keyboard & mouse placement
- Keyboard and mouse should be within approximately 10 cm from the front desk edge to avoid unnatural postures.
- Ergonomic input devices promote a neutral working posture during mouse use and typing, helping minimise risks to musculoskeletal health.
3. Correct your screen position
- Ensure screens are centrally placed on the desk at arm's length.
- Adjust the height so your natural eye line aligns with the top of the screen.
- A monitor/tablet arm enables you to optimise screen positioning for comfort and improved posture.
4. Optimise desk size and organisation
- Ensure your desk is an adequate size to accommodate all equipment.
- The work surface should be clear from obstructions and well organised.
- Investing in a sit-stand desk can have many benefits, like improved circulation, relieved muscle aches, and increased productivity.
5. Rearrange your working environment
- The workstation environment should allow for movement and postural changes.
- Light levels should be controlled via adjustable window blinds or light switches.
- Plants, or the addition of a humidifier, can help circulate fresh air as does more ventilation or air-conditioning.
- Consider moving sources of noises away from you.
Still curious about improving your workstation? Please contact us via our website to learn more, or book a workplace assessment from our team of experts.