It’s easy to overlook the tiniest aspects of your workstation, like your screen’s position or your seat height, when you spend hours a day at your desk.
Uncomfortable seats, disorganized office desks, and dim lighting are just a few of the things that may drain your energy day after day, even if you don’t realize it. However, you can optimize your workspace and prevent your desk from harming you with a few tweaks, such as investing in an electric standing desk.
Here is what research has to say about the most ergonomic and productive way to set up your workspace.
Healthy ergonomics is a must.
Working at a desk may be taxing on your body. Repetitive actions like typing or using the mouse can strain your wrists, resulting in conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Fortunately, you can do things at your workstation to be healthier throughout your employment.
The science of how individuals stay efficient in their workplace is known as ergonomics. Organizing your seat, desktop, and computers to ensure your body maintains a good alignment is a big part of ergonomics. Here are some pointers:
• Adjust the height of your chair so that your elbows bend at a 90 ° angle when typing. Place the keyboard and mouse as close to each other as possible so you don’t have to reach for them.
• Configure your display, so the top is at head level and about 50 centimeters away from your eyes.
• Maintain a straight posture.
• Take breaks whenever possible.
Make a place for your electronics.
Mobile phones, tablet devices, and other electronic devices can help you stay structured and productive, but they can also be massive distractions and waste time. Finding a place for electronics and leaving them there is the simplest method to prevent wasting time.
With so many devices contending for our attention, make a ‘home’ for your mobile, tablet, and other possibly distracting gadgets.
Stow them in a different area while you work to avoid being distracted by a steady supply of notifications. A drawer is a fantastic spot to keep your electronics. If it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind.
Get yourself some plants.
Can plants help you in your job? It may seem goofy, but having a plant or two in your workspace can boost your efficiency and enjoyment. Scientists discovered that houseplants reduce exhaustion during attention-demanding tasks.
Even looking out the window at real greens may be therapeutic and motivate us. According to Exeter University psychologists, plants have been shown to enhance productivity by 15%.
So, nature is excellent for you, but what if you’re not skilled at caring for plants? The solution is to purchase a peace lily. This hardy plant takes minimal sunshine to thrive and only needs water when the soil becomes dry.
According to NASA, peace lilies, like many other plants, are wonderful for air purification, so you may operate in a pleasant atmosphere while also increasing your productivity. Other low-maintenance options include cacti and aloe plants.
Lights and sounds are important.
The lighting standard might influence your mood and well-being at your office. Whether dim or bright from overhead fluorescent lights, poor illumination can induce visual fatigue, tension, and weariness. On the other hand, natural light is your office’s best form of illumination.
What is the significance of frequent exposure to daylight? Sunshine aids in the maintenance of our systems’ internal “clocks” or circadian rhythms, which impact our rest and energy, as well as the production of serotonin. This hormone helps people feel focused and peaceful.
When it comes to noises, we often cope with noise while working. A decent pair of noise-canceling headphones might be beneficial. Combine it with peaceful music in the background, your favorite video game score collection on YouTube.
Keep the temp in check.
Employees in certain offices often compete for command of the thermostat. If this sounds like your workplace, here’s some science to help you end the disputes for good—at least if you frequently feel chilly. Cornell University researchers discovered that raising the workplace temperature from 68 to 77 ° Fahrenheit (20° to 25° Celsius) reduced typing mistakes by 44% and allowed people to type 150% more.
This might explain why many individuals feel less productive throughout the summer. There’s a good chance that the icy air conditioning is to blame.
Although the temperature research does not consider personal preferences, experiment with your work setting to see what occurs. If you can’t manage the heat in your office, you can always wear a sweater or acquire a little fan if it’s too warm.
