What Is Ergonomic Office Furniture?
Ergonomics is the science of designing specific items, such as furniture, to comfortably conform to the body and reduce the risk of injury from stress and strain. If you spend long hours at the computer and use ergonomic furniture in your office, you will find that it will provide a greater amount of comfort than traditional office furniture and will enable you to accomplish more throughout your workday. More offices are being equipped with ergonomic furniture to enable employees to work comfortably and effectively, with less risk of injury to the body.
How does ergonomic office furniture benefit your body and health?
Since ergonomic furniture can be adjusted in numerous ways, it will greatly reduce the amount of strain on the body. Repetitive motions can create medical conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Knees, shoulders and backs can be greatly fatigued throughout the day due to office furniture that does not adequately accommodate the body. With ergonomic office furniture, there is less risk of injury due to more conformity to the body.
Ergonomic chairs and desks can be adjusted in a number of ways, with different models available for use in a variety of fields.
Ergonomic Chairs
Height
Chairs that consist of an ergonomic design come in a variety of types to fit a variety of needs. One thing you will want to look for in a comfortable chair is the ability to adjust the height. Seat height may range from 16 to 24 inches from the floor. The majority of workers will be able to do their jobs comfortably in this range. To avoid stress on the legs, especially the knees, your feet should be able to rest completely on the floor.
Width and Depth
The width of the chair should be enough to provide a comfortable seat, which usually falls anywhere from 17 to 20 inches. The depth of your chair is also important. From the front of the seat to the back, there should be enough room for you to position your back against the chair back. There should be from 2 to 4 inches between the backs of your knees and the front of the seat.
Armrests
A quality ergonomic chair will always have adjustable armrests. You should be able to sit at your desk with arms resting comfortably on the armrests of the chair. Your shoulders should also be comfortable, otherwise, neck strain may be the result.
Back of Chair
The back of your chair should have adequate width to offer complete support to your back, usually from 12 to 19 inches. A backrest that is not connected to the seat should be adjustable in tilt and height. If the backrest and the seat are one continuous piece, the backrest should be adjustable in tilt, either forward or backward to a certain degree in order to provide maximum comfort.
Lumbar Support
Lumbar support in an ergonomic chair can lessen the amount of strain that will be felt on your lower back. You will definitely appreciate this option at the end of a long, busy day. A lumbar support feature that is adjustable is important for providing the maximum amount of comfort to your back. The lower back has a natural curvature, and a chair that can be adjusted to best fit this curvature will provide the most comfort for long periods of sitting.
Ergonomic Desks
Sit and Stand Desk
A desk that is adjustable in height is crucial in certain jobs, especially if sitting and standing will be involved. Certain models may have two separate components, one higher and the other lower. Each separate piece can be adjusted individually so that work may be accomplished in a sitting or standing position. An adjustable workstation may be the best choice for you if you work at the computer extensively or have employment in the medical field.
Portable Desk
Offices can benefit from a desk that not only adjusts but can also be closed up and moved to another location. If you have a small home office, you may want a desk that can be opened for use and closed for storage when your work for the day is finished, providing additional space. This type of desk is portable and can be taken from one location to another, which is an asset if you work out of more than one office.
Medical Workstations
If you work in the medical field and handle imaging equipment, you will reap many benefits from an imaging workstation that is designed for comfort with adjustable tilt and height features. Desks come in a variety of sizes so that a compact unit can even be found for smaller work areas.
How does ergonomic furniture increase productivity in the office?
This type of furniture increases productivity greatly by decreasing the amount of stress the body experiences. When you feel comfortable and can work with less strain on your body, you will do a better and more productive job. The designing of ergonomic furniture incorporates technology that cuts down on body strain and provides comfort during those times when hours are spent sitting at a computer or standing at a desk.
Ergonomic furniture is a step up from ordinary office furniture. Whether your office is in a business complex or in the home, ergonomic furniture may be the answer to the aches and pains that result from using traditional furniture.