ERGONOMICS IN THE WORKPLACE TIPS & HOME OFFICE DESIGN

 

The goal of each ergonomics strategy is to reduce injuries, improve comfort and increase productivity at work. For decades, office ergonomics programs have focused on the individual in a standard workstation. But what about those who work outside the traditional office?

According to the International Data Corporation (IDC), mobile workers will account for almost three-quarters of the US workforce by 2020. This is mainly due to a steady increase in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) offices hot and activity-based work cultures. In these office plans, employees are not tied to single workstations and can instead choose from a variety of offices and common areas.

As the workforce evolves towards flexible office environments, ergonomic principles are more important than ever. Read our tips for working comfortably, wherever your work takes you.

Mobile Devices

Although practical, mobile devices are not inherently ergonomic. Because thumbs are used repeatedly in difficult positions, frequent texting can cause pain and repetitive stress injuries. Rest your thumbs by taking advantage of voice technology or alternating between other fingers.

Laptops and cell phones are also known to promote vaulted positions. Make sure you maintain an upright posture when using your device and avoid tilting your head down or rounding your shoulders.

Working from Home

As tempting as it may be, working from the couch could permanently damage your back and your productivity. Setting up a permanent workstation with a quality ergonomic chair is the first step for any home office. Then invest in other essential components such as a sit/stand desk, an adjustable monitor arm, and a work light.

When making calls at home, use a headset. Listening to your phone for long periods of time can cause pain and stiffness in your elbows, neck, and shoulders.

Commute Ergonomically

The average American spends an average of 293 hours of driving per year! Especially for those who make long daily trips, it is important to keep ergonomics in mind. Take a few minutes to adjust the seat of your car to your size. Your hips should be as high as your knees and you should be able to comfortably see the road ahead. Then, bring the flounces down and closer to you to minimize the reach and pressure on your neck.

When traveling by plane or train, be sure to move around and stretch throughout your trip. A small movement goes a long way!

For more tips for working comfortably and safely, follow Humanscale on social networks!

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Humanscale Bangalore - 097423 29159

Humanscale Hyderabad - 098850 51419

Humanscale Mumbai - 062621 51514

5 ESSENTIALS FOR THE “PERFECT” WORKSTATION

In the field of manufacturing ergonomic tools well designed for the workplace for over 35 years, Humanscale and its team of certified ergonomists know that the ideal workstation is much more than just a chair or a desk. There are several key factors to consider in ensuring that a workstation is functional and adaptable, as well as comfortable and healthy for the user. The leader in durable ergonomic tools for the workplace has prepared a checklist for creating a better workplace, suitable for home or office use.

1. The Chair
Finding the perfect work chair is an important first step when creating a healthy and comfortable work space. Jonathan Puleio, certified ergonomist and global vice president of consulting at Humanscale, focuses on the correlation between a person's comfort at work and their overall experience. He suggests that a comfortable ergonomic chair can lead to increased alertness as well as increased blood flow, which benefits a person's well-being. "A good work chair can provide you with the best possible foundation for creating great work," he says. Puleio suggests looking for a chair that automatically adapts to the seated person so that you don't have to fumble with confusing buttons and levers to be comfortable when changing tasks and positions throughout the day. Any adjustment that is not automatic, such as the height and height of the armrest, should be easy and intuitive. One chair that Puleio recommends is the Liberty chair by Humanscale which, like all Humanscale chairs, offers a self-adjusting, weight-sensitive recline with a swivel backrest that provides lumbar support for all sitting positions.

 2. The Desk

For decades, office furniture has been designed to be stationary, and people have had to adjust their physical position around the tools at their workstations. Ergonomists now know that it is important for people to be able to move around freely throughout the day in order to be healthy, comfortable and focused at work. Furniture should adapt to the professional who uses it, not the other way around. Anxious to put people first, Humanscale designs all of its furniture, including desks, to move with the user while he works. A good sit/stand desk should be simple, intuitive, and easy to use, so if a person needs to get up or sit while working, the process of lifting or lowering the desk is seamless. The Humanscale Float desk, for example, has a built-in counterweight mechanism that accepts loads of varying weights. So by pressing a contoured lever under the work surface, raising or lowering the desk is as quick and easy as sitting or standing and does not interrupt the workflow.

3. The Lighting
Natural light in the workplace is widely recognized as a positive influence on productivity, creativity, and mood, but is just one of the many sources of light needed to fully ensure well-being at work. With the rise of backlit screens and open floor plans, work lighting, in addition to natural or aerial lighting, is necessary for optimal work experience. "To avoid eye discomfort which can have a negative impact on performance as well as on their health and well-being in general, it is important to find appropriate working lighting which projects a large footprint, ie without glare and offers a single shade that is smooth and easy to adjust needs evolve throughout the day, ”says Puleio. The adjustments a projector should be able to make include both manual positioning and brightness levels. The Horizon 2.0 by Humanscale is a desk lamp that meets these needs. It reduces eye strain and improves overall comfort by providing glare-free light that intuitively adapts to a range of activities, from reading documents to writing emails, and everything in between.

4. The Monitor Arm

Although often overlooked, the monitor arms provide a clutter-free workspace and support a healthier and more ergonomic work posture, making it essential for the ideal office setup. Many professionals tend to lean toward their computer screen for better viewing, while the monitor arms allow them to pull the monitor closer so that they can sit in a healthy posture with their backs against the back of the work seat, and always see the work on their screen. Users are encouraged to align the monitor at the correct height for them, which helps prevent eye and neck fatigue. Monitor's arms are also essential for professionals who use multiple monitors to manage their work.

5. The Keyboard Tray

Another essential tool for creating an adaptable and ergonomic workspace is a keyboard tray. This underestimated tool brings the keyboard and the mouse closer together and encourages professionals to sit in a healthy and neutral posture without leaning forward. A well-designed keyboard tray provides protection against carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and back pain, and other musculoskeletal problems. Other ergonomic tools, including NeatTech, NeatUp and NeatLink from Humanscale, help keep the office safe from cables and clutter.

Each of these tools working in harmony to offer ergonomic support and comfort, everyone can have a "perfect" workstation.

Contact Us for More Info:

Humanscale Bangalore - 097423 29159

Humanscale Hyderabad - 098850 51419

Humanscale Mumbai - 062621 51514