This article has been kindly shared by Alison Richmond of Provention.
The comfort of our office environment often takes a backseat to productivity. However, the reality is that comfort and productivity go hand-in-hand. If you’ve been feeling uncomfortable at your workstation, it’s time to address those concerns. This guide will explore the three key contributors to office comfort, ensuring a more pleasant and productive work experience.
Understanding the Importance of Office Comfort
Office comfort is pivotal not just for your physical well-being but also for mental clarity and efficiency. When we focus solely on tasks, neglecting our posture or surroundings, it can lead to discomfort or even long-term health issues. By understanding the primary contributors to a comfortable office environment, you can significantly enhance your workday experience.
1. The Physical Environment encompasses everything from your chair to the room’s lighting and temperature. Each element plays a crucial role in defining your comfort level. Let’s break down some of the core components:
Finding the Right Chair
Your chair is more than just a seat; it’s a foundation for your entire posture throughout the day. A chair that supports your spine, offers adjustable height, and provides adequate cushioning can make a world of difference. Having your feet on an angled footstool will ensure you utilise the back support of your chair and remove any pressure under your thighs.
The Desk is the Foundation of your Workspace
Your desk needs to be large enough, both in terms of depth and width, to comfortably fit the equipment you need. This can include:
- width and depth for the number of screens you use
- separate space for paperwork and reading as required
- depth to stretch your legs out
Ideally your desk should be adjustable in height and allow you to alternate easily between sitting and standing postures.
Choosing the Right Mouse
Repetitive mouse use is a common contributor to wrist, arm and shoulder discomfort. We have previously posted about what to look for in a mouse, and how to ensure it is safe and comfortable for extended periods of use. Please read Provention’s post on the different types of mouse, which covers all you need to know.
2. Individual Set-Up – Even the best equipment falls short if your individual set-up isn’t tailored to your needs. If you spend long periods of time at your workstation, small changes in your posture and equipment set-up make a big difference to your comfort.
Take a look at Provention’s other posts, ‘Is Sitting Up Good Posture’, and ‘Rethinking the Golden Rule of Sitting Posture.’ These articles will help you find a comfortable and supported posture and show you how to position your equipment to suit your needs.
3. Stretching and Moving – Our bodies aren’t designed to stay static for extended periods. Incorporating movement into your day is essential to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting and stationary postures. Moving between standing and sitting to work is a great advantage, however prolonged periods of standing in one position are not ideal and movement is essential to ensure blood flow and joint movement.
Regular Movement Breaks
Set reminders to move, stretch, or take a short walk throughout the day. Walking to a colleague’s desk instead of sending an email or taking the stairs instead of the lift are simple ways to integrate more movement.
Desk Exercises and Stretches
Doing regular movements and stretches while at your desk will improve your physical comfort. Moving your body will help increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension and improve energy levels. The aim is to move all the large muscle groups including hips, upper and lower back, neck, shoulders and arms.
Change postures often
Investing in a convertible standing desk will allow you to change your postures often. Changing between sitting and standing postures on a regular basis will reduce the load on your joints and muscles. If you do not have a standing desk, then incorporate standing as often as possible. For instance, stand up when making phone calls or have standing meetings.
AIM can come to you and complete a WorkStation Assessment, and provide immediate advice on the correct setup for you or your team to help prevent or alleviate existing strain & injuries.
For more information on WorkStation Assessments click here
