Expert Office Advice

Recent studies have shown that people in the UK are spending more hours than ever before on their computers. According to many stress experts, those who work from 45-60 hours per week are high risk for various stress related diseases.

Choosing the right office furniture and equipment can help reduce the eye strain, back strain and the overall physical pressure that can be caused by long hours sitting in an office.

It is important to pay attention to aspects such as the size, shape and height of the furniture and also where it is placed in within the office.

When choosing an office desk it is ideal to have a height adjustable desk, about 70 to 80 centimetres above the floor, with a keyboard and mouse tray. However, if this is not possible to obtain, then an adjustable chair is essential in order to reduce back strain. Other office related equipment must also be bought with attention to ergonomic detail. When choosing a mouse you must buy one that is large enough to fit your hand and choose a mouse pad that can be placed near to the work area so that you do not have to reach to use it.

After you have chosen your office equipment consideration must be paid to the ergonomics of how the equipment and furniture is located. Your work area should be large enough to provide enough space for all your required tasks. The items that you use the most - for example, your keyboard, in/out tray and stationary - should be placed directly in front of you. The monitor itself should be positioned at arm’s length between 45 to 70 centimetres from your seat. The top of the screen should be level with your line of vision in order to prevent neck strain. Position the keyboard so that your elbows can rest comfortably at your sides.

According to NHS, just under half a million of UK workers experience repetitive strain injury (RSI) in their upper limbs and health specialists say this could be blamed on the rise in laptop computer usage. It is being suggested that users of notebooks use a separate keyboard and mouse so that the computer screen is raised to eye level. Special laptop stands are available in a variety of heights.

Care must be given to the lighting in the office too, in order to reduce glare and eye strain. The monitor should be tilted towards you and overhead lights should be placed in such a way that light does not ricochet off of the walls. In some cases an anti-glare screen filter may be needed.