Ergonomic Office

Ergonomics is all about choosing something that fits the individual like a Height Adjustable Desk Similar to choosing a suit or a pair of jeans, if the item feels good, then so do you. That’s why ergonomic desks come in all shapes and sizes, taking on board the person and the responsibilities of the job.

The height of a desk or table normally falls within 24 and 27 inches and, with an ergonomic chair, the set-up should be that the user’s lower arms lie horizontally on the armrests, to meet the desk comfortably. But a chair is height adjustable, meaning that if a tall person is sitting in the ergonomic chair, there may be little clearance for the legs under the desk and the forearms may be on a downward slope, as they reach the keyboard. It therefore makes sense that desks are also height-adjustable.

So, when the ergonomic chair and the height-adjustable desk come together, they should be covering the following points:-

• The legs slide comfortably under the desk and the person’s feet sit firmly on the floor (someone with restricted growth may make use of an ergonomic footrest, to achieve ideal posture)

• The forearms are positioned horizontally, using the armrests for full support, so that hands meet the desk comfortably, without any need to bend the wrists unnaturally

• The monitor is placed directly in front of the user but set back at least 20 inches and its height should be such that the eyes look down ever so slightly, to read the screen. Some ergonomic desks have an extra shelf attached to the back of the desk top, on which a monitor can stand, though getting the eye-to-screen mathematics right is paramount, when making a desk choice. There are also monitor lift arms, which can mount a monitor at the right height for the individual

• The desk is not too deep, that reaching becomes an issue.

Ergonomic desks come in a variety of shapes – the normal rectangular, L shaped, curved front, rounded edges, split level and also with suspended keyboard tray. Height-adjustable tables also cater for work which is better done standing up e.g. looking at plans and pointing to information being discussed, or sorting information into folios or piles where, without that extra height, stooping would be necessary.

Working out what’s right for you may seem a bit of a challenge but, with the above information, you can see what ergonomics is all about. Like that suit or pair of jeans, you now know what you’re looking for.

Whats left is a ergonomic office chair like the Active Ergonomics Flo Chair or the heavy duty Bodybilt chair

Active Ergonomics Flo Chair from OrangeBox

We live in a designer world, where a dress is no longer a dress but a Stella McCartney number, a suit is a Versace and a car is referred to as the Porsche or some other ‘to die for’ brand name on four wheels.

So, why shouldn’t you refer to your own ergonomic office chair as a Nefil, a Mirus or a Ergohuman?

Why not?

Okay, it’ll be ‘out of the norm’ but think of the good advice you’ll be imparting to your family, friends and colleagues.

What I’m saying is – there’s an office chair but then there’s an ergonomic office chair and, unlike the designer ‘must haves’ mentioned earlier, a good ergonomic office chair doesn’t cost the earth.

When talking about cars, a firefighter friend told me that there are certain cars which stand up better to accident damage (e.g. the Alexis) and the same can be said for your office chair. Some will simply be office chairs, while others will give you additional support and improve your posture.

So, if you are shopping for your own ergonomic office chair, start (and, might I add, finish) with the Ergohuman range. Of the three I have already mentioned, all have those important adjustments, like seat height, seat tilt and that all-important lumbar support section, meaning the design isn’t ‘off the peg’ but made to measure, for you, whoever you are.

You can also go for additional extras, like a headrest and a leg rest, so think the whole picture when you are deciding what’s right for you. What does your job entail?

The duties of your job might make certain features more important to you. For example, that seat tilt. If your job means you are up and down all day long, a forward tilt will actually aid you in standing up, taking some of that pressure of your legs which normally comes from getting up from a more horizontal position.

Once you’ve chosen the right model for you, you can move on to choosing the right colour and the Ergohuman range do much more than black and blue. I’d go for a subtle autumn shade and I’d choose a mesh upholstery, as it’s durable, comfortable and easy to care for.

Are you starting to get the picture? You know, shopping for an ergonomic office chair can be more fun than shopping for something to wear. With the right advice and professional support, you won’t be thinking of taking it back the next day.

Nefil Mesh Office Chair from ergohuman.net

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