Employee work spaces should work for them rather than against them
The biggest problem for office employees isn’t sitting itself, but holding a single position for long periods often with a posture that causes strain, such as leaning forward, said the Arthritis Foundation in a news release.
The Arthritis Foundation suggests getting up about every 20 to 30 minutes and walking around.
Meanwhile, the right desk and chair go a long way in setting up a healthy workspace.
The desk
Have each employee …
- Take a look at the computer monitor. Eyes should be level with the top of the screen. The center should be 15 degrees below the line of sight and about an arm’s length away. Oversize monitors are an exception.
- Use a laptop riser to bring a laptop to eye level.
- Get a separate keyboard if necessary to type at the proper height.
- Sit so the upper back is straight and shoulders are relaxed.
- Support arms with adjustable arm rests. The upper and lower arms should form a 90-degree angle and be positioned so the wrists are straight and fingers are relaxed.
- Have feet firmly touch the floor. Use a footrest if they don’t.
The chair
A good chair offers lumbar support. The employee should sit in a
natural, neutral posture, with his bottom at the back of the chair and the body leaning back, so the spine hugs the lumbar curve of the chair.
An adjustable chair allows the employee to alter seat height, seat tilt, backrest height and tilt, and armrest positions. The chair should also swivel and roll, and have a five-point base for stability and ease of movement.
Source: HealthDay/News and the Arthritis Foundation
