The new trend on the rise in the office setting is utilizing the science behind creating an optimized office space. This science is better known as office ergonomics. When making a buying decision for office desks and chairs it’s important to understand this science in order to choose the correct equipment that is optimal for your employees.
So what is ergonomics when it pertains to office equipment; and more specifically a desk and chair? Ergonomic equipment is a perfect fit between a product, a user, and its purpose- so an ergonomic desk and chair are the essential components of those items that make it a perfect fit for its user and the purpose it serves.
In this article, we’ll discuss ergonomic equipment and more specifically the ergonomics of an office desk and an office chair.
Table of Contents
Ergonomic Equipment
If you’re anything like the millions of employees returning to the office this year, you probably show up to work and immediately take a seat at your seated desk, and you remain there seated for most of the day. This is how it’s been for years and years and it’s what we are used to seeing in an office. But recently there have been studies that have shown a major benefit of ergonomic equipment. The reason being is that ergonomic equipment is flipping the script for many offices- as it promotes a healthier alternative to sitting all day.
What is the purpose of ergonomic equipment, you ask? Ergonomic equipment is simply office equipment that fits the employee perfectly; thus creating an optimal work environment for them. The purpose of ergonomic equipment, according to cmd-ltd.com, is to make a working environment as comfortable as possible for employees so that they can be productive, without putting their health at risk.
Ergonomic Desk
The most obvious of office equipment is the desk; it’s also an essential component of putting together the optimal ergonomic office environment. The goal of an ergonomic desk according to cmd-ltd.com is to decrease the amount of time your spend sitting during the day while at work. The most common remedy to curing prolonged seating is to purchase office equipment at Up Down Desk that allows employees to sit and stand when needed. These adjustable desks are commonly known as adjustable desks or “sit-stand” desks.
Not only does this type of desk allow your employee to choose how they work in terms of sitting and standing, but it also has many health benefits as well. According to the same article, as stated above, a stand up desk can relieve an employee from sedentary behavior which has long-term risks such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and musculoskeletal injuries like back pain and strain.
Ergonomic Chairs
A desk chair is commonly overlooked in the office world, but it shouldn’t be in terms of ergonomics. The desk chair serves a vital role in eliminating health risks for employees who are seated most often for work.
So what makes an ergonomic chair so different from a regular office chair? The most common difference is one simple word- adjustable. Most standard office chairs do not give you the ability to adjust certain components of the chair that are crucial to good posture and overall health. The best ergonomic chair should contain things such as an adjustable headrest, an adjustable backrest, lumbar support, adjustable armrests, ability to swivel, comfortable cushions, adjustable seat height, and more. This allows the chair to fit the needs and purposes of its user, rather than a user having to adjust them to fit the equipment.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many benefits to utilizing ergonomic equipment- specifically pertaining to office desks and chairs. Although we have gotten used to a seated desk and the aches and pains that come with it, it’s time to start reconsidering the way we see and equip the office where we spend most of our time. There is a reason ergonomic office gear has become so popular, and it’s because it is improving the office space by having a true specific purpose for each user. With this trend on the rise, it’s important to understand the purpose behind building your office space with ergonomic equipment. Ergonomic equipment not only allows your employees the convenience of sitting or standing options, but it also gives them the opportunity to improve their overall health and well-being.
