H and L Office Furniture on creating a healthy workspace

The office chair

Have you adjusted the chair back? It should be flush against your back, in order to offer support.

Can you feel the lumbar support? The curved area of your lower back should be well supported by the lumbar cushion. If it is not, make any adjustments you can. If it is still not enough, consider using an independent lumbar support cushion.

Are your knees comfortably bent off the end of the chair? The edge of the seat should not be pushing against the back of your knees or legs.

Is your armrest supporting your arms while you work? They should be able to hold your forearms up, but not get in the way as you type.

The office desk workspace:

When seated do you have ample leg room? Your legs should not be rubbing against the underside of the desk, nor should they be crowded by drawers and other parts of the desk.

Are the items on your desk set up where they are all accessible? Repeated reaching for items can lead to muscle strain.

Does your phone have a long enough cord that you can speak while sitting upright? Having to crane your neck to speak on the phone can lead to stress in neck and shoulder muscles.

Computer setup:

Is the monitor situated directly in front of you as you work? If not, and you are forced to turn your head back and forth, you risk neck strain.

Is there a glare on the screen? If the lighting in your office causes a glare on the computer screen, that glare is causing your eyes to work harder to adjust around it. That can lead to sore, dry or irritated eyes and headaches.

Where is your keyboard? It should be placed directly between you and your monitor in a position where it is comfortable to use, without your arm or hand having to lean on a sharp desk edge

Are your mouse and trackball convenient? These computer devices should be beside your keyboard so you don’t have to keep reaching long distances to use them.

Desk accessories:

If you use a document holder, where is it located? The best location would attached to the side of the monitor, so it is at the same height and depth as the monitor, and your eyes and neck don’t have to constantly adjust from one to the other.

Does your desk have squared edges? If so, your wrists and arms may be suffering contact stress from this impact, and you should consider a wrist or palm rest.

Posture:

Are you slouching? Your body is not ideally supported unless you are sitting upright, with your spine forming a vertical bar.

Are you facing forward? You should sit squarely facing your office desk. Keeping your shoulders squared up with the rest of your body.

Are your feet dangling? Your feet should be flat on the ground while you are working. If they’ are not, you should invest in a footrest.