All companies, regardless of their size or nature, should strive to create an ergonomically focused workspace for all employees. Poor ergonomic practices can result in lower productivity and even in physical injury, which is obviously a bad thing for a business.
A height-adjustable desk is one of the main components of an ergonomic workplace. By nature, the human body functions best when it moves. However, especially in everyday office life, stationary sitting is the predominant position, which often results in joint wear and tear. Frequent changes of position are recommended. Some experts recommend sitting for 60% of the working time, 30% standing and the remaining 10% actively moving during the working day. Height adjustable desks allow for an uncomplicated change of working posture, preventing injuries and increasing performance and productivity. Here are some of the amazing benefits employes can enjoy using a height-adjustable desk.
Better Blood Circulation
The average fixed desk height in Australia is 68cm to 76cm. These desks are known to limit movement below the waist and can even result in some degree of blood pooling in the thighs or quadriceps. Height adjustable desks allow the body to varying its positions from sitting to perching to standing throughout the day, hence increasing the blood flow and nourishment to your muscles.
Reduced Musculoskeletal Discomfort
A study reported that computer workers after just 3-5 weeks using a height adjustable desk had substantial decreases in musculoskeletal pain. Moreover, the study found that the majority of the participants preferred stand up desks over fixed height desks. In conclusion, when people stand for a period of their workday, they simply feel better.Longer Life
Another study reported a direct link between the amount of time people spend sitting and mortality rates. The study showed that mortality rates for women who worked in a sitting position for more than 6 hours per day increased by 37%.
Enhanced Mental Acuity and Better Mood
Various studies have reported that workers that use a height-adjustable desk take fewer breaks, hence are more productive. Moreover, significant improvements in mental concentration and overall wellbeing were noted between the participants.In order to enjoy all the benefits, when choosing an adjustable height desk, it's important to consider all options available and how you will use them. That way you guarantee that the desk will be used.
Electric vs Manual Height Adjustable Desk
A manual height adjustable desk generally uses a crank mechanism to raise and lower the desktop. The crank is placed on the front or side of the desk and the user needs to rotate it to adjust the desk to the designed height. Electric models are generally more complex in the sense that they will have height control, a LED display, and customizable preset height settings.Easy of Movement
There are different ways to raise and lower desks, from manual height adjustable desk to electric or pneumatic ones. Choose what you consider the quietest, efficient and easy to use.
Height Range
Experts suggest an optimal range being 55cm to 120cm, but it will depend upon the height and needs of the individual using the desk. If people are sharing the desk, then it is best to find a desk with a large range.Depth
A 75cm depth is suggested as a minimum but this will depend on how people want to spread out their work. If a larger area is not needed, you can look at smaller options. Also, keep in mind there is a range of options for the shape of the work surface.
Noise
Whether you choose a manual height adjustable desk or an electric one, its mechanism shouldn't be loud and disruptive. When an adjustable desk is noisy it is often not utilized for fear of disturbing colleagues.Functionality
Consider whether the aesthetic of the desk fit into your office environment as well as whether it can accommodate privacy screens, lighting, or tools rails as all impact usability.Once you've created an ergonomic workspace for your employees, you will need to make sure they know how to use it. No matter how good the desks you've chosen are, they are not going to help an employee who slumps awkwardly at their desk. Whether employees are working in the corporate office or on the factory floor, the number one ergonomic priority is to create a good working posture at their workstation. Employees should be able to sit or stand in a neutral body position with a relaxed posture that requires no stressful angles or excessive reaching to complete tasks.
Viewing display devices shouldn't require straining of the neck nor squinting of the eyes. Hence, monitors and other display devices should be placed at eye level with the individual using them. Ergonomic norms dictate that individuals shouldn't need to turn their neck right, left, up or down to view a display. This principle applies to those who use the conventional single monitor as well as multiple displays.
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