As computers and robots continue to take over workplaces across the world, desk jobs are becoming more and more common. For workers who are expected to work at a desk all day, it’s important to have a workspace that minimizes the harm of a sedentary job.
Mike Chitwood, a licensed occupational therapist, certified ergonomic assessment specialist and team leader of the St. Elizabeth Business Health Center’s Work Rehabilitation Department, has seen how poorly thought-out workspaces can impact the health of workers first-hand. Part of his job is to visit businesses to assess how their workspaces can be improved.
“As human beings, we’re not really meant to be sedentary,” Chitwood said. “So it’s important for us to do things to reduce the stresses on our bodies.”
For desk jockeys, it all begins with a good base of support. Chitwood makes a point of showing workers how their chairs can be adjusted to ensure good posture. From there, it’s on to reorganizing the desk to ensure efficiency of movement. That means making sure that the workspace’s keyboard, mouse, and monitor are placed front-and-center, while other devices are arranged on the desk in order of frequency of use. That means the printer you never use is probably fine off in the corner.
Poor posture can contribute to a host of ailments, including chronic pain in the neck, elbows, wrists, and shoulders, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome.
“There could be all kinds of issues that could creep in, depending on how you go about doing things and how poorly you’re doing them,” Chitwood said.
For employers, there are plenty of reasons to make sure their workers are comfortable at their workspaces. Obviously, employee health problems can lead to missed time. But even an uncomfortable, unhappy employee who happens to make it to work could end up costing the company money because of poor productivity.
