Creating A Better Business

Posted on: 25 October 2017

Productivity, safety, and comfort come together to make a powerful workstation. You need to be able to do your job without distractions, and regardless of other people's mindsets about working through different problems, you can produce more when you're not distracted. Pain and discomfort and distractions, and you can clear up many of your office pain woes with ergonomics. Here is an explanation of how ergonomic office chairs, desks, keyboards, and other office items can help you boost productivity:

What Is Ergonomics, And Why Does It Matter?

Ergonomics is a study of how the body interacts with objects. It's a science and art of not only finding the most comfortable way to design a tool that works with the human body but how to make tool use intuitive and more productive.

Contrary to vocal--but not necessarily popular--belief, it's not about getting cozy at work. Comfort is important, but there's a big difference between making a nice recliner for relaxation and a productive chair for work. 

For the sake of ergonomic productivity, the main goal is to avoid aches and pains caused by bad posture and strain. Straightening the back, bringing the arms and wrists to comfortable positions, and avoiding constant, prolonged neck contortion are the major goals. 

Sure, you could force yourself to just work through the pain and discomfort, but the products are getting cheaper. Avoid giving yourself more reasons to buy painkillers and heating pads by investing in a good chair. It's better saving to buy now than pay for many other problems later--and far sooner than becoming elderly.

Ergonomic Product Choices

Not all products are ergonomic just because it's on the label. There is no regulatory authority that can stop products from using ergonomics as a marketing term yet, just suggestions on how to apply ergonomics from organizations such as the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

One particular trick to avoid is assuming that curvy products are necessarily ergonomic. Here are a few products that have curved shapes, along with their reasons:

Office chairs have an S-curl shape to better accommodate the spine without making forced adjustments. Instead of jamming every person who sits in the chair into a set posture--an issue that is different for every person and body type--the S-curl simply increases the chances of having a better default sitting position. It won't be perfect, but it creates a higher level of "good enough" for sitters.

Computer keyboards often have curved, raised bump areas for typists to rest their wrists. This cuts down on the need to curve your hands like claws while typing, which is usually done to avoid letting your wrist sink uncomfortably low or touch the edge of a desk--issues that can cut off circulation.

Computer mice have the same issue and often have a larger rear handling area to stop people from "pinching" the mouse to maintain control. This is a grey area of ergonomics, as even the average American hand type differs enough for the rear lump to be too big or in the wrong direction.

Some products randomly throw in curvy or lumped designs while pretending to be ergonomic. Do not take the product label's word for ergonomic success. If you want to buy and use a product, make sure that you can feel the comfort. Don't assume that you're making life better for yourself passively; if you can't feel the difference, the technique isn't working.

Contact an office chairs, tables, and general office furniture professional to discuss available products.