In the office environment increased productivity has been linked to ergonomic office equipment.

Remember back in grade school when your parents implied that if you dressed nicer, you would learn better? Well there might actually be some truth to this old wives tale. Meaning, if you slouch and lean forward while you do your work you may not only feel lazy and unproductive but you may be harming your body physically at the same time.  More than half the people working at a computer have the desk height set up less than perfect for their bodies. Imagine the strain on your neck, lower back, wrists and eyes after sitting in the wrong position eight hours a day, 5 days a week, 52 weeks a year.

An ergonomic office space enhances a proper positioning while at a computer helping you reduce the risk of developing back aches, shoulder pain and other uncomfortable pains that don’t seem to go away. The whole goal of ergonomic computer desks are to alleviate the strain sitting there for hours at a time can cause. People weren’t necessarily designed to sit down all day long, so it probably pays more of a toll on your body than you might think.

Think productivity for a minute: Sitting too high or too low for a long period of time will make anyone feel miserable. Focus is lost when you are not feeling strong and this can easily lead to more breaks from the task at hand  and sub-par work. Did you know that proper alignment at a desk can increase typing speed?

Consider the safety of everyone: The increase in carpel tunnel can be directly related to improper arm/wrist position. Not only does this effect the employee but the cost to the company can be insurmountable. Sever cases of carpel tunnel can cause pain throughout the arm and treatment can involve a simple splint or extensive surgery.

Your health will be affected: Did you know that sitting hunched over can cause digestion issues because of strain on the esophogus and that muscles deteriorate when left in a slouched position. Blood circulation can pose serious issues but can easily be solved with the right chair or a footstool to alleviate stress on the body.

Do a few simple checks before you run out and buy all new office equipment.

1. Ensure your keyboard allows your wrists to remain straight while typing. Keep your elbows close to your body and avoid wrist rests that may cause unnatural bends.

2. Check the height of your monitor and adjust it so that the top of the screen is slightly below eye level. Anything too high or too low will add strain to your neck. Additionally check for distance. Any time your monitor is to far away you will naturally lean forward or squint to see things properly.

3. The chair you choose is critical since one that is too tall can cur circulation in your legs and one that is too small can disrupt all other parts of your body. Both legs and arms should bend at a comfortable 90 degrees and your feet should remain flat on the floor or on a footstool. A chair that encourages a straight back and comfortable posture is going to encourage productivity.

As offices and users become more mobile it is exciting to see the industry offer solutions for all needs. There are wall and desk mounts as well as mobile carts to accommodate most needs. Even those who stick to one office and one desk can benefit from a computer stand that raises and lowers. Timers are an option that encourages changing your position from sitting to standing while remaining productive.