The footrest should be adjustable in height and inclination and provide sufficient area for the feet on the face surface of the nonskid bearing surface so that the feet do not slip off the footrest. Working at kitchen tables or other hard surfaces can strain your wrists and elbows. Kermit Davis, professor of environmental health https://remotemode.net/blog/10-remote-work-ergonomics-tips-to-use/ at the University of Cincinnati, recommends putting a soft towel on the *** where you can rest your wrists. Keep a watchful eye on your posture when you work at a standing desk. If you’re feeling pain, stop and examine how you’re positioned and adjust it. The last thing you want is to not be able to sit or stand while you work.

Even if it can support you, you don’t want your hips squeezed by the armrests, or to perch on an uncomfortably narrow seat. If you’re particularly short or tall, verify that the seat height range works for you too. Almost all office chairs have a gas cylinder that lets you adjust the height, but some have a larger range than others. Gaming chairs, in general, are bulky office chairs with more considerations for sitting in different positions for longer periods. They usually have tall backs with head and lumbar cushions, and often provide more support than cheap office chairs.

– Monitor Placement

If progressive, bi-focal, or tri-focal lenses are worn, position the monitor so that the neck is neutral (straight) while looking through the glasses to view the monitor. If more than one person is using the same setup, some monitor adjustability may be needed. Calorie blasting aside, some people *** a standing desk because it’s something different, or it gives their back a rest from sitting in a chair all day. However, if you are going to use a standing desk, be aware that it does come with its own ergonomic risks. For example, if you need a higher chair so you can reach the keyboard, your feet may not rest on the floor.

So, try out some shoes (flat heels only!) to see if some combination of chair height and shoes gives you the proper support for your feet. If shoes are out, try a footrest, step stool, or even a pile of books to achieve the right sitting posture. If you don’t have the option of an office chair, there are some household items you can use to help you adjust. Putting a firm cushion or tightly folded towel under your buttocks will raise your hips and increase the curve of your spine, making sitting more comfortable. Their build quality and materials are excellent, and the company tends to throw in some clever bits of engineering, too.

It’s Time to Take a Stand

At the office, you probably have access to or can order, plenty of items to help you achieve the most ergonomic setup. Place your feet on a few books or boxes under your desk, so that your thighs are nearly parallel to the floor and your hips are slightly higher than your knees. If you’re going to spend a lot of time at your desk and really need the support, the Vantum is one of the best choices at just https://remotemode.net/ over half the price of the Embody. It also comes with a 12-year warranty, which means you can count on it lasting longer than most other chairs. Research suggests that reduced sitting time may lower your risk of dying early and therefore help you live longer. Considering that standing improves mood and energy as well, using a standing desk is more likely to boost productivity rather than hinder it (5).