3 tips for creating an ergonomic workspace

The wellbeing of your employees is incredibly important – a healthy workplace is a happy workplace, and that includes taking care of their muscles. Here are three tips for an ergonomic workspace.

What is an ergonomic workspace?

An ergonomic workspace focuses on avoiding injury or employee discomfort by maintaining a natural, neutral working position to minimise muscle stress, unusual neck strain or joint fatigue. This is incredibly important for office workers who spend hours sat at a computer. Prolonged computer use isn't healthy for anyone, so taking extra steps to ensure the health and safety of your employees will not only benefit them, but boost productivity and reduce workplace-related injuries occurring at your commercial property, according to Business.com. This doesn't necessarily mean splashing out on fancy chairs and arm rests – educating your employees about correct computer posture and display heights can be enough to improve their physical health.

1. Maintain proper posture

The top priority for any ergonomic workspace should be a proper working posture, according to Tech Republic. Employees who work at a computer should sit with their arms and head straight at their desk. The edge of a chair should touch the inner pit of the knee, and feet should stay flat on the floor. Leaning back in your chair is okay, provided the chair is offering support and isn't causing undue strain. For any turning, make sure your employees make use of swivel chairs to put less pressure on their necks and torsos – they spin for a reason. 

2. Arrange your desk and screens appropriately

The objects most used in a day should be at arms reach. If a keyboard is too far forward or a mouse at an awkward angle, the body will feel it and over time, the muscles will become strained. A good tip is having the B and H keys on the keyboard lined up with the middle of the body, according to Thrive Global. Having a flat keyboard can prevent wrist strain as users won't need to curve them upwards in order to type. Even with multi-monitor displays, employees shouldn't have to turn their necks too far to complete work – having them in a close proximity to each other can reduce the need to turn.

3. Reduce repeated activities

In an environment where hours of typing is to be expected, reducing repeated activities seems counter-productive to maximising productivity – however, prolonged execution of the same motions can lead to repetitive strain injury. Taking regular breaks or swapping tasks, even for a brief period of time allows muscles to relax. Adjusting your position, like taking a walk around the office, or working standing up at higher tables can help reduce stress on muscle tissue.

Looking for a new Gold Coast commercial property for your business? Get in touch with the team at Ray White Surfers Paradise for a consultation.