What are the best practices for designing ergonomic workstations?

1 Assess your work tasks

The first step to design an ergonomic workstation is to assess your work tasks and how they affect your posture, movement, and vision. For example, if you use a computer frequently, you need to position your monitor, keyboard, mouse, and other accessories in a way that minimizes eye strain, neck tension, and wrist fatigue. If you work with paper documents, you need to have enough space and lighting to read and write comfortably. If you switch between different tasks, you need to have a flexible and adjustable workstation that allows you to change your posture and orientation easily.

2 Choose the right furniture and equipment

The second step to design an ergonomic workstation is to choose the right furniture and equipment that support your work tasks and your body. For example, you need to have a chair that fits your height, weight, and shape, and that has adjustable features such as seat height, backrest angle, lumbar support, and armrests. You also need to have a desk that provides enough surface area, legroom, and height for your work activities. Additionally, you need to have equipment that is ergonomic, such as monitors that have anti-glare screens, keyboards that have soft keys, and mice that have proper shapes and sizes.

3 Arrange your workstation properly

The third step to design an ergonomic workstation is to arrange your workstation properly according to ergonomic principles and guidelines. For example, you need to place your monitor at an arm's length distance and at a slightly lower level than your eyes, so that you can view the screen without tilting your head or squinting your eyes. You also need to place your keyboard and mouse close to your body and at a level that allows your elbows to form a 90-degree angle, so that you can type and click without bending your wrists or extending your arms. Furthermore, you need to place your frequently used items, such as phone, pens, and documents, within your reach, so that you can access them without twisting your torso or stretching your limbs.

4 Adjust your lighting and temperature

The fourth step to design an ergonomic workstation is to adjust your lighting and temperature to create a comfortable and conducive work environment. For example, you need to have enough natural or artificial light to see your work clearly, but not too much that causes glare or reflections on your screen. You also need to have a balanced temperature that is neither too hot nor too cold, and that does not cause sweating or shivering. Moreover, you need to have proper ventilation and air quality that prevents dust, allergens, and odors from affecting your breathing and health.

5 Take regular breaks and stretch

The fifth step to design an ergonomic workstation is to take regular breaks and stretch your muscles and joints. Even if you have an ergonomic workstation, you still need to move your body periodically to prevent stiffness, soreness, and fatigue. For example, you need to take a short break every 20 to 30 minutes to rest your eyes, change your posture, and walk around. You also need to take a longer break every hour or two to hydrate, snack, and relax. Additionally, you need to do some simple stretches and exercises that target your neck, shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs, and feet, to improve your blood circulation, flexibility, and strength.

6 Customize your workstation to your preferences

The sixth step to design an ergonomic workstation is to customize your workstation to your preferences and personality. While there are general ergonomic principles and guidelines, you also need to consider your own comfort, style, and needs. For example, you can choose the colors, textures, and shapes that appeal to you and match your work culture. You can also add some personal touches, such as photos, plants, or art, that inspire you and make you happy. Moreover, you can experiment with different settings, layouts, and accessories, until you find the optimal combination that works for you and your work tasks.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?