Over the years I’ve been a practicing
chiropractor, I’ve heard the same story consistently from my patients:
they’re trying to fit their bodies to their workspaces — and they’re not
succeeding. They’re having to twist to see their monitors; sitting in
chairs that don’t fit correctly so they’re leaning forward all day;
using laptops because their companies never got around to buying them
desktops; and typing on keyboards that sit on their desks rather than on
keyboard trays under them.
Unfortunately, proper ergonomics in the workplace is typically looked at as an add-on rather than an investment. But in reality, workspace comfort — or lack thereof — has a major effect on productivity and performance. It’s estimated that there are a billion people per week who are uncomfortable at work. Why is that acceptable? If I were to offer you $150,000 a year to run a marathon every day, five days a week, in cowboy boots two sizes too small, you wouldn’t do it. When something doesn’t fit right — whether shoes or your workspace — it’s going to hurt
It’s crucial to create a workspace that consists of three very important criteria:
1. The ability to have a neutral posture, so that you’re able to reduce stress and tension on the joints and spine.
2. Tools that fit to the body, rather than the body to the tools.
3. A dynamic — not static — environment.
There are many simple solutions that are inexpensive or free. The first and most important thing you can do is get up more. Even if you have a terribly designed work environment and your company is not willing to change it, start to make a conscious effort to get up for 30 seconds every 30 minutes.
In terms of creating that dynamic work environment, start by buying a $5 plant and sticking it on your desk. NASA has determined that there are a lot of plants that help combat what’s known as sick building syndrome. Having a plant on your desk breathes a little life into your workspace. And clean up the clutter: spend an hour one day moving the stuff under your desk that’s blocking your knees.
If your company is willing to invest in you — which is ultimately investing in the company — the first purchase should be a height-adjustable desk. These desks give you the ability to sit for a little bit, then stand for a little bit. I love the desk that’s put out by NextDesk, as well as the Herman Miller Envelop desk. The Humanscale Float desk is also an excellent product — it has no electrical parts so it doesn’t pull from the grid.
Once you have the desk, then you can think about the other elements, like the chair, the task lamp, and the keyboard tray. But the most critical component is the desk.
Want to learn more about creating a better workspace and how Sit2Stand can help? Get in touch at sit2stand@gmail.com.
Unfortunately, proper ergonomics in the workplace is typically looked at as an add-on rather than an investment. But in reality, workspace comfort — or lack thereof — has a major effect on productivity and performance. It’s estimated that there are a billion people per week who are uncomfortable at work. Why is that acceptable? If I were to offer you $150,000 a year to run a marathon every day, five days a week, in cowboy boots two sizes too small, you wouldn’t do it. When something doesn’t fit right — whether shoes or your workspace — it’s going to hurt
It’s crucial to create a workspace that consists of three very important criteria:
1. The ability to have a neutral posture, so that you’re able to reduce stress and tension on the joints and spine.
2. Tools that fit to the body, rather than the body to the tools.
3. A dynamic — not static — environment.
There are many simple solutions that are inexpensive or free. The first and most important thing you can do is get up more. Even if you have a terribly designed work environment and your company is not willing to change it, start to make a conscious effort to get up for 30 seconds every 30 minutes.
In terms of creating that dynamic work environment, start by buying a $5 plant and sticking it on your desk. NASA has determined that there are a lot of plants that help combat what’s known as sick building syndrome. Having a plant on your desk breathes a little life into your workspace. And clean up the clutter: spend an hour one day moving the stuff under your desk that’s blocking your knees.
If your company is willing to invest in you — which is ultimately investing in the company — the first purchase should be a height-adjustable desk. These desks give you the ability to sit for a little bit, then stand for a little bit. I love the desk that’s put out by NextDesk, as well as the Herman Miller Envelop desk. The Humanscale Float desk is also an excellent product — it has no electrical parts so it doesn’t pull from the grid.
Once you have the desk, then you can think about the other elements, like the chair, the task lamp, and the keyboard tray. But the most critical component is the desk.
Want to learn more about creating a better workspace and how Sit2Stand can help? Get in touch at sit2stand@gmail.com.
Chiropractic health care focuses on the nervous system. A chiropractic member must be certified and should have experience.
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