Dubai: Offices in the UAE are moving away from static functional workspaces designed to something more user-friendly for the staff.
So if your work space isn’t ergonomically advanced, there are small changes you can make to improve comfort, reduce eye-strain, neck and back pain. Needless to say this leads to better performance at the end of the day.
Take frequent breaks, stand up from your desk every 45 minutes and spend two minutes walking around the office.
Stand up while you’re on the phone or go see people at their desks versus sending them an email as this not only improves blood circulation – but also relationship with colleagues.
Ensure your screen is at arm’s length from you and at eye level. This does wonders for the back and neck.
You can easily fix this by adjusting your chair or just get yourself a monitor arm. If you’re using an iPad or any other tablet, place it on a surface rather than holding it.
While sitting in your chair at the work station, support your elbows and wrists, because if you don’t, you will end up with a headache. The chair you are sitting on should have your knees at around 90 degrees and the feet should be rested on the floor or on a foot rest. You should have a chair which isn’t rigid for your back. A good chair can ease away tensions and improve core strength. Many people are switching to standing desks, but it is not practical always.
Research has linked health risks with both sitting and standing for prolonged periods, so find a balance between sitting and standing throughout the day.
Studies have shown standing periodically in a day helps burn calories. Italso has a positive impact on the wellbeing of a person and prevents heart diseases, obesity and blood pressure.
- The writer is managing director, Middle East & North Africa at Human Scale
