I seem to be constantly having an argument with my desk, yes I said desk. I am not lucky enough to have a separate room with an office set up in it; instead my desk is in my lounge. This means it’s always on show. Every now and again I see a picture on pinterest or in a magazine of a beautiful desk, an organised desk and coordinated desk. It looks lovely when you walk past and its gorgeousness must make all your work a dream not a chore. I want one of those type desks.
But there is something boring and practical I learnt when I was working in an office and that’s desk ergonomics. Yes I know it’s all very boring and sensible but there is reason behind its boringness. I know right now I am rather hunched over and my chair may be the right height but the back isn’t giving me any support. So what? If I was to sit like this all day my back wouldn’t love me later in the evening for it.
The other big one that we commonly don’t bother with is the lighting. We aren’t all saints or millionaires so there will be times we work at our desks out of daylight hours. Don’t do what I do and assume enough light comes off the computer screens, it doesn’t. Desk lamps are getting all very retro and cool now so there really isn’t excuse and don’t forget that light bulbs should be energy saving too. Also check that your lighting is good enough in the day time too. In the winter when the weather is darker and nights close in early check you are not straining your eyes in dim lighting.
Quick check list :
- Chair height – feet should be flat on the ground with forearms parallel to the ground.
- Wrists are neutral – not at any funny angles.
- Screen 20 – 40 inches – your computer screen should be 20 to 40 inches from your face and directly in front of you so that you don’t twist. The centre of the monitor should also be at eye level.
- Move – try and move away from the computer every 20 minutes if possible and don’t stay in just one position at your desk either.
- Keep things you use often in easy reach. If you don’t use things regularly they can be moved to make space.
It is not weird that you has an argment with your desk 🙂 I also have an arguments with my furnitures 🙂 I think our emotional nature have something in common 🙂 great blog, I’m glad I found it.