In the last few years, ergonomics has become a hot topic within office furniture and design conversations. Increasingly, employers are beginning to understand that workplace comfort makes a difference, not only in employees’ happiness and comfort, but in their overall productivity. That’s right. A happy worker is an efficient worker, and offices that are still waiting to embrace ergonomic furniture and accessories are likely falling farther and farther behind in today’s busy workplace. If you’re new to ergonomics, give some consideration to starting with two basic areas in the office: the monitor and chair.

Ergonomics for the Head and Neck: Perhaps the most common areas in which workers experience pain are the neck and back. Whether the purpose is for emailing, typing documents, videoconferencing, or one of the many online tasks workers complete each day, the business world requires employees to spend the majority of their time on the computer. All too often, workers don’t properly position themselves and their monitors which results in exhaustion, eyestrain, and neck and back pain. However, ergonomic monitors and monitor accessories can help ease the strain on workers. Gadgets such as a monitor arm, lift mechanism, or wall mount allow employees to move their monitors to the height and distance that works for them. Adjusting the viewing distance and angle will not only ease much of the neck pain, but it will also help improve clarity. When designing your ergonomic monitor station, keep a few key tips in mind:

• The goal is for the head and neck to be positioned upright, in line with the torso. Workers should never slouch or bend down while seated in front of their monitor.
• Always keep the monitor at a distance of 20 to 40 inches away.
• The top line of the monitor screen should always be positioned below eye level.
• Keep the monitor perpendicular to any office windows.

Ergonomics for the Torso: While the position of the monitor is integral to a healthy work environment, the office chair also plays an integral role in the office’s ergonomic success. The goal for all workers is to face their workstation straight on without twisting, bending, or straining. While an ergonomic desk is a key component to creating a healthy workstation, the first piece of furniture that needs analysis is the office chair. The office chair should support the back, legs, buttocks, and arms. To truly meet ergonomic standards, however, offices should look for adjustable chairs that will not only raise and lower depending on the worker’s height, but that are also equipped with a tilting back and moveable arm rests. Additionally, look for a sturdy frame with ample padding, and avoid chairs made of plastic. Remember, the goal is to find a chair that adjusts with the worker depending on the task at hand rather than workers having to reposition themselves to align with their office. When choosing the right ergonomic chair, a few additional tips need to be considered:

• The chair’s backrest should correspond to the natural curve of the worker’s spine.
• A chair should first and foremost feel comfortable when an employee is properly seated with his or her feet flat on the floor.
• Choosing a chair with soft armrests will help keep the shoulders relaxed while elbows remain close to the body.
• Chairs with five leg bases are most effective, and chairs with rollers should always be chosen to allow employees the freedom to move with ease.

While the monitor and chair are only two of the many pieces of office accessories that focus on ergonomics, they will certainly go a long way in an office’s health and productivity. The results, however, will speak for themselves.