For those of us that spend the majority of our days working from a desk, repetitive motion, poor posture, and inadequate physical support can take a toll on our bodies that can cause lasting damage. We hear and read about the importance of creating ergonomic workplaces all the time. But how do you do it? From chairs that support your back and spine to desks that enable you to get in some movement throughout the day, there are a number of solutions you can introduce into your workstation to create a space that supports your physical health.
Chairs That Got Your Back
Your parents were telling you to sit up for a reason: poor form can create or exacerbate back pain. And while advice varies when it comes to the best position to sit in (some say 90 degrees, others say slightly tilted back like in the driver’s seat of a car), the most important takeaway is that your task chair should be adjustable, provide full back and arm support, and most importantly, be comfortable.
Solution: The Ignite, Yele, or Tango Task Chairs
All of our task chairs here at Fríant provide the ergonomics needed to alleviate the longterm damage of sitting all day, but the Ignite, Yele, and Tango are especially great options. With the Ignite, you get lumbar support and the ability to adjust tension with the back tilt lock and tension adjuster. Plus, height adjustment is easy with its pneumatic lift. The Yele’s 3D adjustable arm rests enable you to set them to the perfect height, width, and position to ensure your arms aren’t creating tension in your shoulders while at rest. It also has great lumbar support and a synchronous tilt feature to find the right angle for your back while working. Finally, the Tango’s Flex-Adjust Frame provides a full range of motion, while key ergonomic points in the back of the chair provide sacrum support and maintain the natural curve of your spine.
Footrests That Give You a Leg Up
Kicking up your feet doesn’t just feel good, it does your body good by encouraging blood flow and reducing swelling. This is especially crucial for people with certain health conditions, those who are recovering from an injury, or pregnant women.
Solution: The Pog II and Fala Stools
Our stools are perfect for storing under your desk (without taking up too much valuable real estate under there) and easy to move around when you need them. Go with the Pog II if you want something that can double as a small tabletop next to your desk, and choose the Fala if you not only want a little whimsy, but want a unique seating experience that will get you out of your task chair for a little while.
Desks: They’re Not Just for Sitting Anymore
On the subject of getting you out of your chair, height-adjustable desks are one of the key solutions for introducing movement into your workday and preventing you from remaining static for too long. Go from sitting to standing in a brief moment and as often as you want (or need).
Solution: My-Hite Height-Adjustable Desk
Our My-Hite collection of height-adjustable desks was designed specifically to promote healthier workplaces to get people moving. Our My-Hite 3 Stage, for example, enables you to save three preset heights so your desktop is always in the position you need it to be with the push of a button. And since standing for long periods of time can be just as damaging to the body as sitting for too long, this feature makes it easy to go from one to the other and back again.
Let There Be Light
Feeling a little fatigued or bleary-eyed while you’re working? That could be because low light levels can cause eye strain that can lead to dryness, blurry vision, and headaches when you’re trying to focus. If it’s dim in your workstation, it’s time to start viewing it in a new light.
Solution: LED Tasklight
If you have overhead storage or some sort of overhang above your desktop, our LED Tasklights may be the solution you’re looking for to shed a little light on your space. Designed to attach to the underside of overhead storage, hutches, and more, these LED lights have optional motion sensors, can pivot, and are one less thing cluttering up your desk. (Talk about being easy on the eyes.)
Monitors Don’t Have to Be a Pain in the Neck
For those of you who work with more than one monitor, it can be uncomfortable sitting with your neck turned at an unnatural angle because your monitors are too far apart or static and unable to adjust to the height you need. Flexibility is key for your workstation to be comfortable and supportive.
Solution: Single Monitor Arm and Dual Monitor Arm
Our positionable monitor arms are critical for reducing neck stiffness and strain and ensuring your work is at eye level. They pair especially well with height-adjustable desks, so no matter whether you’re sitting or standing, your monitors can follow along.
You’ve only got one body — so treat it well throughout the workday with solutions that will reduce the pain and discomfort that often accompany desk jobs and keep you healthier in the long run.
