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Large companies like Google spend millions of dollars on researching and designing ergonomics in the workplace so that their workers can perform at optimum levels. From different levels of desks to exercise and bike stations to mini-kitchens placed near the workstations, these giant tech companies have been recognized for boosting their employees' creativity through enhanced ergonomic office design. This year, amid the massive workplace changes, they have offered their employees $1,000 allowances to set up their home offices for maximum productivity.
While you might not be able to build a slide into your home office, there are several ergonomically inspired design ideas to improve your home office environment's efficiency and health.
What Is the Best Desk Height?
An ergonomic desk adjusts to your natural sitting position, depending on your height. This useful office ergonomics calculator allows you to discover the optimum height and distances for setting up an ergonomic office desk space, depending on your size.
Sit-stand desks are a unique ergonomic solution because they allow you to switch your "working position" throughout the day. If you are tired of sitting in front of the computer, this type of desk will allow you to raise the desk so you can continue working while on your feet.
How Do You Find a Good Ergonomic Chair?
The best ergonomic office chairs should have several different chair adjustments that allow you to "shape" the chair according to your particular body type and office/desk environment. Since our spinal cords have a natural inward curve at the lower part of the back, quality office chairs incorporate adjustable lumbar supports so that the support fits snugly with the lumbar curve of your own back. Also, adjustable armrests are necessary so that you can easily use your chair in different office environments.
The FreeFlex Seat offered by Office Star is a fantastically designed office chair that includes several ergonomic features, including adjustable armrests, lumbar support, and a breathable mesh backing (for those days in the home office when the air-conditioning goes out). Priced at around $200, it is also one of the most affordable ergonomic office chairs on the market.
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.