For many people “ergonomics” is a strange and intimidating term.  Is it just the hip new thing on the block in the field of workstation design?  Or is it a truly valuable design element that helps enhance worker health and well-being?  To separate myth from fact regarding ergonomic workstations, it helps to consider the following common misconceptions, and the real story behind them.

Ergonomic Workstation Myths

Myth:  Ergonomic workstations are too expensive for most offices

Fact:  Most office furniture companies now feature ergonomic design as a standard part of even their most basic lines of desks, office chairs and other products.  In addition, many laptops and desk top computer now come equipped with wrist rests, anti-glare monitors and other pro-ergonomic features.  These “extras” are often available on even the lower-end models of PCs.

Myth:  For an office to “go ergonomic” they will need to replace all their existing equipment.

Fact:  While purchasing new equipment is the ideal solution when moving towards a more ergonomic office, it might not always be feasible from a budget perspective.  In that case, certain add-ons can be purchased that will make existing office furniture and accessories more ergonomic.  These products can include back supports, wrist rests and detachable glare screens for monitors.

Myth:  Ergonomic design is just an excuse to make funny looking keyboards

Fact:  While many ergonomic keyboards do look odd, there is a method to the madness.  Ergonomic designers have examined the tradition look and feel of many keyboards and realized that in order to make them more comfortable (and still work efficiently) some things would have to be done differently.  As a result, there are now many keyboards with over sized wrist rests, adjustable heights and some that are even split in two, right down the center.

Myth:  The only reason to use ergonomic products is to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress disorders.

Fact:  While deterring CTS and other serious workplace injuries is a key component of ergonomic design, there are other tremendous benefits to upgrading to good design.  Proper lighting is an often overlooked part of ergonomics.  When there is a glare on computer monitors or workstations from overhead lighting, desk lighting or sunlight, it causes an individual to squint, which can lead to headaches and related health problems.  Anti-glare devices are a part of improving these conditions via ergonomic design.

Myth:  There is a cure for carpal tunnel syndrome

Fact:  Although many individuals will go through several surgeries in an attempt to help alleviate the pain associated with CTS, there is currently no cure for the condition.  Once a person is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, the symptoms can be addressed, but not the root cause of the problem.   The only true “cure” for CTS and other repetitive stress disorders is to change the way an individual does their work.  That means proper ergonomic office furniture and workspace accessories, as well as adhering to proper seating alignment recommendations and performing the simple exercises designed to keep wrists and hands healthy.  Through these preventative measures, workers will be able to avoid CTS and maintain good long-term health.

Maintaining an ergonomic office is more than just an excuse to buy cool looking furniture, it is actually the key to better health for everyone on the job.  Work environments that are not properly thought out from an ergonomic perspective have been found to cause a variety of ailments, including: carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain, headaches and back pain.

There are a variety of ways to improve the ergonomic standing of an office, from positioning furniture correctly to improving the lighting and ventilation around the workspace.  The following are ten tips and tricks for making your office ergonomically correct - whether you’ve got one employee or one thousand.

10 Tips for maintaining an ergonomic office

1. If your feet don’t touch the floor, always use a foot rest. Providing a simple, adjustable foot rest at every workstation will help employees maintain a strong back and avoid leg cramps or stiffness.
2. Keep all PC monitors straight ahead and at eye level. If you have to crane your neck up, down or to the side in order to get a good look at your monitor, you will pay the price over time.  Keep the viewing screen level with the direct field of vision to help erase unwanted movements that can cause long-term injury.
3. Use large-barrel pens and pencils. It may sound silly, but trying to grip thin writing instruments all day can lead to cramping and even Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.  Stock your office supply cabinets with pens and pencils that sport a half-inch diameter or greater.
4. Reduce glare throughout the office. Align your desks and workstations so that the office lighting system does not emit heavy glare on computer screens.  Proper lighting is an often overlooked aspect of ergonomic design, yet can improve worker health significantly.
5. Don’t sit under a vent. Proper ventilation plays an important role in ergonomics and good health.  Never place desks or workstations directly in the path of a heating or air-conditioning ventilation system.
6. Design with good air circulation in mind. If there is an opportunity to place workstations close to a natural breeze or well-circulated area, do it!  This can improve worker health and well-being significantly.  The more fresh air that is available in the workplace, the lesser the impact of dust mites, mold and other potentially dangerous allergens.
7. Take short breaks throughout the day.  Many studies have shown that shifting position or changing tasks occasionally throughout the day will lessen the discomfort associated with repetitive tasks.  Something as simple as a two or three minute “micro-break” every hour can be a boon to the ergonomic health of the staff.
8. Exercise during your micro-breaks. Make sure that the time you spend in between tasks is put to good use with proper office exercises.  These simple stretching exercises are designed to reduce to the chance of carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive stress disorders.
9. Use adjustable chairs.  For individuals who work on the PC for many hours at a time, chairs with an adjustable arm rest are recommended.  Reaching for the mouse thousands of time throughout the day can cause great arm and wrist strain if the height of the chair is not properly optimized.
10. Get the proper back support for every chair. Finally, the most important element in ergonomic seating is proper back support.  It is highly recommended that you purchase only ergonomically-approved chairs for your office, or if you are on a tight budget, add back supports to existing office chairs.