When people think about workplace injuries, the first thing that comes to mind is likely accidents involving construction or factory workers, or first responders getting hurt in the line of duty. While serious injuries are an unfortunate part of the job in those industries, it is also common for more “under the radar” injuries to take place in the office sitting at your desk.
According to WebMD, the goal of office ergonomics is to set up your office work space so that it fits you and the job you are doing. How you sit, how long you stay in one position, and whether you do repetitive motions over and over are major aspects of office ergonomics. There are effective ways to maximize the safety of your work space and prevent injuries. Be sure to always place your work directly in front of you and avoid having to turn or tilt your head to work, use a chair that fits well and supports your back, and sit tall with a good posture. Your computer monitor should be directly in front of you at an arm’s length away, with your wrists straight and your hands at or below elbow level. It is also important to change your sitting position often, and to avoid putting too much stress on one area of your body. One of the ways to manage this is to try to stretch or at least get out of your chair a couple of times an hour.
Some of these tips may sound like a hassle that will hinder your productivity, but if you do not pay attention to office ergonomics, you will be more likely to experience headaches, back and neck pain, and even bursitis or tendon problems. Here at Sitflow, we completely understand that for many people the idea of office ergonomics is great in theory but maybe not so great in practice, especially if you work in a demanding office environment. This was one of the most important factors taken into account throughout the development of Sitflow, as we created a device which involves completely unconscious movement that does not detract from productivity, and also promotes constant movement throughout the day.