5 Ergonomic Tips For Workstations and Office Chairs

You probably already know that a desk job can be hazardous to your health. After all, spending a lot of time in the same position isn’t good for your body. And this is where ergonomics enters.

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What is Ergonomics?

Simply put, ergonomics is just the science that studies how human physical abilities and limitations interact with the layout and properties of the workplace. So, it is important to consider ergonomics when you are defining a new workplace or even when you are buying a new office chair. 

5 Ergonomic Tips For Workstations and Office Chairs

#1: Check Your Posture:

The first ergonomic tip that we have to share with you is that you need to look at your posture. To do so, you need to sit close as possible to your desk, with your upper arms parallel to your spine, and your hands rested on your desk. 

This is the time you should check if your elbows and your legs are bent at a 90º angle. In case they aren’t, you need to adjust the height of your chair. 

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#2: Don’t Sit Too High:

One of the best ergonomic tips that we can give you is to never sit too high. To ensure that your office chair is at the right height, you should slide your finger underneath your thigh at the front end of the chair. If it’s easy to do, your chair is likely at a good height. If there is less than a finger’s width of space between your thigh and chair, your chair is likely too high.

#3: Don’t Forget Your Feet:

When you are sitting in an office chair, you need to make sure that your feet are always flat on the ground. However, for some people, this may be difficult since their office chair may be too high. If this is your case, you should decrease the seat. In case you’re at the minimum height already, then you should consider adding a footrest. 

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#4: Raise Your Desk If Needed:

When you here about adopting a good sitting posture, in most cases you will only listen or read about adjustments you can make to the office chair. However, some desks also allow you to adjust their height. 

Check out these tips for improving posture and ergonomics.

#5: Look At The Depth Of Your Seat:

When you are looking for the best ergonomic tips, then you simply can’t forget to take a look at the depth of your seat. After all, only this element can make a huge difference in eliminating back pain. 

In case you don’t know what the seat depth is, it is only the length between the front edge and the back edge of the seat of your office chair. 

To check for proper seat depth, start by sitting all the way back in your chair. Check the room between the front edge of your chair and your calves by making a fist and bringing it to the edge of the chair.

If you can fit your full fist between the front edge of the chair and your calf, you likely have enough space for circulation. If not, your chair is likely too deep.

Moving the chair’s backrest forward, inserting a cushion, pillow, or rolled-up towel to support your lower back, or purchasing a new office chair are some possible solutions to this problem.