Mamas On The Web

Ergonomically Correct Desk Area = Get More Work Done

September 17th, 2006

Never underestimate the importance of an ergonomically correct desk area. Having a comfortable chair at the right height can mean you spend more time working and less time rubbing your sore neck and back.
I know from experience that a poorly setup work station can greatly hinder your performance. That’s why I’ve come up with these tips to help you stay comfortable while you’re working at your computer.

• If you’re looking to buy a new desk, look for one with an adjustable keyboard and mouse tray. This way you can adjust it to suit you perfectly and reduce your risk of getting Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which can be very painful and sometimes irreversible. The tray should be large enough to accommodate both your keyboard and mouse. Having your mouse close to the keyboard will prevent your arm from having to be extended to reach for it.

• Most keyboards have ‘legs’ attached to the top part so you can tilt your keyboard up. You shouldn’t actually use these legs because a tilted keyboard will create an improper wrist positioning. If possible, you should tilt the bottom of your keyboard to help lift your wrists up to a better position.

• When using your keyboard, your wrists should be in a straight position. If they are bent up or down, you need to change your chair height or keyboard angle. Your keyboard should be low enough that your elbows are not bent more than 90 degrees. If not, you could develop sore arms, wrists and shoulders.

• For those of you who have a larger frame, you might consider an ergonomic keyboard with the ’split’ in the middle. Because each half of the keyboard is angled away from each other, your arms and elbows will naturally have better form.

• If you use an armrest or wrist rest, only use it when you aren’t typing. A wrist pad should actually be used to rest your palm on, not your wrist.

• Use keyboard shortcuts whenever possible to reduce time spent with the mouse and clicking all over the place.

• Reduce eye-strain by eliminating as much glare on your monitor as possible. A glare-reducing screen can be purchased at most office supply stores.

If you’re really serious about changing your work area to a more ergomically correct one, you can have an occupational or physical therapist come in and inspect your workspace. They can recommend you the right equipment for your needs. I will warn you though, this can end up being very costly. But then, that begs the question, “How much is your comfort worth?”

Mine obviously isn’t worth very much at the moment, but by making a few inexpensive changes like the ones I’ve mentioned above, the time I spend working at my computer has drastically increased. Now I urge you to take a look at your own workspace and see what changes you can make.

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Entry Filed under: working efficiently