Workplace Ergonomics

Finally, a new year, a fresh start, a great time to get organized. Face it, working from home may be here for a while so what better time to de-clutter and improve your workspace organization.

We’d like to look at this from an ergonomic perspective (what else would you expect). Cleaning off your desk the “ergonomic way” can result in increased productivity and reduced discomfort.

1) Reclaim your desktop space.

Lift your monitors off your desktop by adding monitor arms. Not only will this open desktop space, but also better position your monitors at eye level, eliminating neck strain from improper monitor positioning. If your laptop is your main monitor, use a laptop riser or laptop jack to raise it up and add a separate keyboard and mouse, keeping your hands, forearms and neck in neutral position and improving your comfort.

What about that printer? Move your printer off your desktop to a mobile printer caddy on the floor next to your desk or underneath your desk if you have enough room. Get a CPU holder mounted under your desk or a tech dock laptop drawer to hold your laptop under your worksurface.

2) Declutter your desktop and underneath your desk.

Keep only the things you use daily on top of your desk. These should be within your primary reach zone on your desktop. This is the area in which you can easily reach without pulling forward in your chair or overextending your arms and shoulders.

This might be a pen, notepad, stapler and your phone. Clear off papers and other desktop accessories like paper clips, extra post-it pads, and scissors. If you’re right-handed, try to position items that you frequently access on the right side of your desk. Your phone could be positioned on the left freeing up your right hand for note taking.

Need more storage?  Add desk drawers under your desk or mobile pedestal file to clear files off your desktop but easily within reach. Scan documents that you need to keep and recycle the rest to get rid of the paper clutter.

Declutter underneath your desk so that you have room for your legs and feet. Your feet should be flat on the floor or supported with a footrest for additional support. And you need room to stretch out your legs.

3) Clean your keyboard and mouse!

Sanitizing your keyboard helps to reduce the spread of germs in the office and at home for a healthier work environment. Tap crumbs loose or use compressed air to blow dust and debris out from the crevices of your keyboard. Isopropyl alcohol and some cotton swabs can be used if more cleaning is needed for sticky keys. UV-C wand lights may further help sanitize your desktop electronics.

Maybe it’s time for a new keyboard. Why not make it an ergonomic keyboard to help keep your wrists and forearms aligned in a neutral position.

4) Manage your cables.

Cables hanging down from your desk not only clutters your desk, but also can get caught on your feet and legs. Cables are also an easy target for young ones and pets to play with potentially damaging or pulling your monitor or electronics off your desk. Simple Velcro strips, cable clips and plastic zip ties can easily tame and organize wires gone wild. Wire managers “snakes” attach underneath your desk and help conceal wires.

Avoid trip hazards from cords stretched across the floor with Secure Cord Cable Covers.

Add a desktop power outlet or mount a surge protector to the underside of your desk to minimize wires hanging down from your desk.

5) Use Proper Placement to Promote Good Posture.  

Don’t forget good ergonomic posture tips. Keep the weight of your head in line with your shoulders and your shoulders balanced over your hips. Place your monitor and keyboard directly in front of you to minimize turning your head to one side.

Minimize stretching forward to reach things on your desk, remembering the basic ergonomic principles of keeping frequently used items within your primary reach zone.

Document holders or slant boards provide a designated spot for your papers but more importantly minimize neck twisting and bending to view documents. The VuRyte MemoScape Plus provides a fun, colorful support for your documents, mobile phone and note pads.

Monday was National Clean Your Desk Day so it’s a great time to reclaim, declutter and clean your desk and computer accessories for an organized and healthy start to a new year. With so many of us working from home, we need to do everything possible to feel good about our workspace and control what we can for a healthy year. 

To promote a healthier, organized and safe work area, we are offering FREE Mini-Remote Ergonomic Assessments of your workspace. Contact us today to schedule your remote session and start the new year off with desk health and organization. Call 844-994-0500 or 314-994-0500.

COVID-19 has made it necessary for businesses to rethink their workplace design. It has become especially important for workplace settings where employees are typically seated near one another. Many companies that once adopted for an open floor plan to encourage collaboration are now facing increased risks of virus transmission, which is a serious concern during this pandemic. The good news is that there is a solution. Privacy Panels, also called sneeze guards, barrier screens and partitions, offer an easy way to update workstations with a protective barrier. Here are some benefits that these barrier screens can offer your office.

The Advantages of Using Office Privacy Panels

Social Distancing

It is common for germs and sickness to spread among workers within a matter of days in traditional office spaces. To reduce the risk of COVID-19 from spreading, it is important to prioritize social distancing as much as possible.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends altering the workspaces to maintain social distancing. This would include keeping a minimum of six feet between employees by configuring partitions as a barrier shield. Temporary partitions, such as privacy panels and clear plastic sneeze guards, help people stay physically isolated to their individual workstations in an otherwise crowded office.

More Privacy

Partitions can also boost employee privacy by creating walls around desks that segregate work areas. Even if the panels are transparent, they offer enough separation to minimize distractions from other areas and give employees a sense of personal space. This can also make them feel much more comfortable and confident in their well-being, allowing them to focus better on their job.

Space-Saving

In comparison to conventional cubicles that are bulky and consume quite a bit of valuable workspace, privacy panels are lightweight and can be easily folded and configured to take up less square footage. This makes it simple to relocate them from one area to another or arrange them around to accommodate different sized furniture. By maximizing the use of space, the barrier screens can promote greater productivity and efficiency.

If you are looking to provide protection for your employees and customers in an easy and affordable manner, contact us at 314-994-0500 or [email protected] today and we can help spec out the best panel for your needs.

It's hard to believe the new school year is right around the corner. For parents choosing homeschooling over traditional classroom settings, we’ve created a list of products that can enhance your child’s learning experience. We can’t help you teach common core math, but we can give you the right tools to make homeschooling more comfortable for your family.  

• Height Adjustable Tables are perfect if you have multiple kids and need to utilize space. With multiple sizes and colors to choose from, you can find a table to match your room décor. Help keep your kids focused on school work by switching from sitting to standing throughout the day. This not only promotes circulation but can aid in productivity and reduce stress. 

• Mobile Height Adjustable Workstations are great choices for small spaces and use with laptops. They can be conveniently stored out of the way when not in use. Many have locking casters to allow for stationary use. Worried about your children fighting over space? Multiple stations can keep kids from arguing over “who is touching whos’ space”. You’re already becoming a teacher, no need to add “referee” to your resume too. 

• Ergonomic Chairs can be tailored to fit your child’s individual needs such as seat size, arms, memory foam, or casters. We offer many fabric styles and colors so your child can express their personality while feeling comfortable. Kitchen table chairs can enhance “the wiggles” from your child trying to get into a comfortable position. Quality ergonomic chairs can keep your child focused on their schoolwork. We even offer a student chair and little person task chair to fit your young or short-statured child. Our products won’t be typical chairs you can find at local retail office shops. Our experts can advise you of the best options to fit your child. 

• Document Holders allow your child to keep their paperwork or book within reach to reduce neck and upper body pain. Involve your kids with the decision making. VuRyte has fun colors to choose from including blue and pink!

• Task Lights play an important part in reducing headaches and eye fatigue while increasing work efficiency. Make sure your child is working in a well-lit room and their screen is not facing a window. The direct glare from the sunlight can cause the brain to have trouble adapting between the bright window and dark screen. 

• Laptop Accessories provide comfort without the need to buy a whole new computer system. Working on laptops incorrectly can lead to body aches from hunching over, shoulder cramps, and repetitive strain injuries.  When combined together laptop stands, keyboards, and mice improve your posture, reduce neck and shoulder pain, and decrease your risk of developing repetitive strain injuries.  Purchase a laptop stand, mouse, and keyboard together and save 10% (price will be adjusted when we ship products).

Along with these products and tips, give your children (and yourself) plenty of breaks throughout the day. Yoga, light stretching, or even an impromptu dance party can keep your child focused, happy, and stress-free. Remember—it’s okay to have no idea what you’re doing. This isn’t a normal time for anyone so be kind to yourself.

If you’d like some help discussing your needs, give us a call at 314-994-0500 or email at [email protected] . We also offer remote ergonomic assessments of your workspace to make the most out of this pandemic! 

Do you sit at your desk all day or for most hours of the day? Studies have shown that several health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, and depression have been linked to sitting for long periods during the day. To avoid health risks associated with sitting, some people are using a standing desk instead. If you're not familiar with or need more information about this office solution, these frequently asked questions and answers may help you gain a better understanding of the concept.

Questions & Answers About Standing Desks/Sit-Stands

#1 What are the benefits of using a standing desk or sit-stand?

Studies from Harvard Medical School indicate that standing after eating returned blood sugar levels back to normal quicker than sitting. In addition to that, it substantially reduced shoulder and neck pain. Standing also prevents muscle tightening on the lower back, helping to reduce the risk of injury.

#2 What impact does a standing desk have on productivity?

Standing when working can boost productivity and engagement from employees. One study showed that four out of 10 workers who swapped their standard desk for a standing deck said their performance improved within a one year period. Five out of 10 respondents also said they felt more engaged at work after implementing the change in their working position.

#3 Can I use any table as a standing desk? 

Technically, you can use any table as a standing desk, but only if it is the ergonomically correct height for you. For example, the table should be at the same level or slightly below your elbow height when you're standing straight so that your arms are at a 90 degree angle.

Using a table that doesn't meet the required measurements can cause shoulder and neck pain due to either a too tall or too low elbow height. So, it's best to turn to reputable providers that offer ergonomic tables designed to improve posture and comfort.  

#4 Does using a standing desk mean I will have to stand all day? 

Absolutely not. In fact, standing all day can have just as many negative impacts as sitting all day. The key is to alternate between sitting, standing and moving to help beat inactivity, which can cause musculoskeletal issues. Moving in general is the best practice to reduce risks of health conditions and discomfort.

There are many types of standing desks. There are desktop workstations, that sit on top of your current desk that will adjust up or down. These can be adjusted manually or some offer power solutions. Another option is a height adjustable table. This allows the entire workstation to raise up or down to your comfort.

If you’re looking for ergonomic accessories to make your office more productive, check out our website. Serving clients around St. Louis, MO, for more than 20 years, we offer solutions such as sit-stand workstations, ergonomic chairs, and other related products. Our solutions are designed to make a positive impact on your physical comfort. Call (314) 994-0500, email [email protected] or visit our website today.

Time For An Ergonomic Tune-Up

Working from home is something that won’t be going away any time soon. It is yet to be determined whether this is a long-term solution or a short-term, but we do know it’s your daily reality for now.

Perhaps you’ve dismissed a not so perfect desk setup, but now it’s time to take a more serious look at your comfort. Honestly, this isn’t just for your comfort but for your overall well-being (and perhaps your family’s as well). A proper workstation setup workstation can help reduce work stress and have positive effects on your health.

Right Tool for the Job:

Part of a healthy ergonomic mindset starts with the selection of ergonomically correct tools and workstation. You’ve heard the phrase “the right tool for the job”. This doesn’t just refer to hammers and wrenches but also applies to ergonomic “tools” that you use while working at a computer on a daily basis. Injuries are often caused by using inappropriate tools or makeshift devices. 

Using the right tools is vital to your ergonomic safety.  In previous articles we’ve discussed a variety of topics related to selecting a good ergonomic chair and various ergonomic checklists on how to set up an ergonomic workstation, but if you still haven’t gotten around to it then read on. And even if you have already put in place some of the suggestions, it doesn’t hurt to keep reading for additional tips.

Review your Current Workstation:

Please take a moment now and reevaluate your current home office setup. What is your body telling you – any discomfort or increase in pain? These are indications that your body needs something to change. Does your chair encourage good posture? Bad posture can trigger back and neck pain which can easily be minimized with a more supportive chair or some simple modifications using cushions. Are you still working on your laptop? It might be time to get a separate monitor, keyboard and mouse to help position your neck and wrists in a neutral position or to just be able to see your monitor better.

Remote Ergonomic Assessment Assistance:

Need more assistance? We are now offering Remote Ergonomic Assessments to help you identify areas of fatigue or discomfort while you are working and to implement changes that will improve your comfort. It starts with a simple checklist to provide us with some information regarding your areas of concerns, along with some pictures showing us various postures while you work (side profile, front view, back view and even a shot from above) and some measurements including your height and your desk height. Then we’ll set up a conference call or zoom meeting (don’t you love those!) to discuss this information and help you make some adjustments and if necessary, explore other recommendations.  We’ll focus on identifying the key ergonomic risk factors:  force, frequency, posture and duration and make recommendations to minimize these factors. Our clients tell us our recommendations have made a significant difference in their work comfort.

It’s clear that this pandemic has changed our lives in so many ways, from how we work, shop and even walk outside. Once a vaccine becomes available and we rediscover social interaction without masks, it’s unlikely that everything will just go back to the way it was. 

What are you doing to take care of yourself? What else can you do to maximize your wellness?  Do you have the right tools for your job?  In the current environment, ultimately you are responsible for your home office comfort and the ergonomic design of your workstation. So let's partner to make it as comfortable as we can.

Contact us today for your remote ergonomic assessement! Call 844-994-0504 or 314-994-0504, email [email protected]

Working 12-hour shifts can be demanding not only on employees but also on their chairs.  Concept Seating meets these demands by designing chairs that are durable yet comfortable for heavy duty use in dispatch and call centers, or any occupations requiring long deskbound periods.

With their “It Ain’t Meant To Be Pretty” and “A Chair That Works as Hard as You” marketing approach, is it really worth the money?

We wanted to take a deeper dive into this truly unique chair to see what makes it so special.

First off, the seat pan.  The Concept Seating seat is a uniquely designed seat promoting optimal circulation in every sitting position. Using a seated suspension system in which Dymetrol, a bonded, elastomeric mesh-like material is stretched over a steel frame with a layer of foam, weight is dissipated over the entire seat.  This dissipation of weight allows for blood and oxygen to flow better to the lower extremities and keeps the user more alert and more comfortable. “It’s like floating on air”. 

The seat is designed to fit users ranging from 5’0” to 6’3” heights.  Some models have seat sliders for added adjustability.

A full Six-Year Warranty covers “usual Wear and Tear” of the chairs and a ten-year steel frame warranty provides one of the best 24/7 chair warranties around. The modular design of the chair allows for easy repairs or replacement of parts on site – minimizing any downtime. We challenge you to find anything better.

Provide a 550-pound+ weight capacity, adjustable air lumbar, and a seven-star, steel base for added stability and strength.  And if something heavier duty is needed, the Bariatric version is bigger and wider with a Bariatric mechanism to support up to 800 lbs.

Getting the picture on how great this chair is?  Let’s look a little further.

In addition to the standard features, upgraded options are available to give the chairs additional functionality.

Air Lumbar & Adjustable Height Backs:

All Concept Seating chairs include an air bladder in the lumbar to provide a more custom lumbar fit.  The 3150 and 3152 models provide a back with a synchronize back angle tilt and lumbar height adjustment to adjust to best fit each user.

Armrests:

The standard height and width adjustable C-Loop arms feature an open design to accommodate space for utility and duty belts. Extremely durable to withstand the stress from users pushing on the armrests when getting out of the chair. Optional Swing Away arms offer a large, comfortable pad with height, width, forward, backward, and lateral adjustments. Need the arms gone? With a push of a button they fold out of the way.

Headrests:

Several of the chairs offer an articulating headrest option that can be used as a six-height position headrest, neckroll, or pushed out of the way when not needed. The 3142 model includes an integrated fixed headrest.

Partial Footring & 2-Step Base:

Another unique option is the Partial Footring Base.  Perfect for shorter employees needing a place to rest their feet without compromising the height adjustment needs of taller users. Provides the flexibility to fit a variety of heights as the footring can be rotated out of the way when not needed.

Need a counter-height chair for your 24/7 environment?  The 2-Step base provides a stool height option with two steps at different heights to firmly support users who may need to stand on the lower step for a better view, or rest their feet on the upper stop while sitting.

Fabric:

A soil and stain repellant, high abrasion rated nylon fabric is available in several colors. For even greater durability, opt for leather or alternative leather, which are also easy to clean. The alternative leather offers Silverguard—an environmentally friendly bacteria-fighting protector to diminish odors and promote freshness and longevity. In a close quarter, multi-shift atmosphere, this is a welcoming feature.

After years and years of 24/7 use, it may be time to give your chair a fresh look by replacing the fabric. All seat fabrics are attached with Velcro making them easily replaceable should they become soiled, torn or just aged. Or consider adding a slipcover over the existing fabric. These were designed for centers with multiple people using the same chair at different times throughout the day. Employees can take their slip cover off after they are finished working to control bacteria, sweat, and dirt. Everyone will be happy to have their own cover.

Embroidery:

Promote your agency by adding your logo or company name right on the chair. 

Casters or Glides:

Safety casters minimize rolling while getting in/out of the chair.  In need of a more stationary chair? Glides can be used in place of casters to limit movement. 

Expedited Shipping:

For a small fee, get guaranteed expedited shipping in 10 days (bariatric chair not included). Normal lead time is 4-6 weeks without the optional expedited shipping.

While the chairs on the intensive use market are not always stylish, Concept Seating has found a way to make multi-shift seating comfortable.  With one of the best 24/7 warranties around, this product line is durable while providing features that target pain from the static sitting.  Although these chairs may at first appear more expensive than others, the return on your investment realized by a comfortable and well-built chair will be a good investment that will last.

As Concept Seating says, “It Ain’t Meant To Be Pretty.”

Contact us today at [email protected] or 844-994-0500 for more information or to request a demo.

All we hear about these days is Covid-19, and for a good reason as it is so easily transmitted through the air and has impacted so many people’s daily lives. Efforts by employers to protect their customers and essential employees have included adding barriers and privacy panels.  Soon, millions of non-essential employees will return to their offices and leave their home office behind.  In these close quarters, germs can easily spread, and people will inevitably fall sick.  Is your company prepared?

Whether you are one of the companies still open with essential employees, or preparing to go back to normal, make sure you are ready to keep your employees and customers safe with added protection throughout the work environment.

Protective Barriers for Social Distancing

Privacy panels are an excellent way to provide defense to your staff and clients. The panels act as protective barriers to stop the spread of germs. Whether it’s Covid-19, influenza, or any of the other thousands of viruses, “sneeze guard” panels help to maintain social distancing for a healthy work environment. The panels protect from airborne germs as well as limit physical contact with others.   Clear, acrylic screens are easy to wipe clean and sanitize and are designed to be integrated into reception, open offices and point of sales areas. Healthy employees equate to less sick pay, lower healthcare costs, and higher productivity.

Privacy Panels for Less Distractions

Along with preventing sickness, privacy is a top reason to install a panel. Employees appreciate the privacy and can work more efficiently since they feel more comfortable and are less distracted by external stimuli. Panels providing sound absorption to reduce noise, work especially well in call-center type environments. Unlike tall, closed-off cubicles, smaller privacy panels still allow collaboration when needed since there is not that “boxed in” feeling. Let us all do our part to minimize future sickness in the workplace by implementing solutions to support social distancing wherever it’s needed.  Scientists will surely find a vaccine for the corona virus, but that doesn’t mean once this is all over the privacy panels should come down.  All of us share the responsibility to keep safe and healthy whether we are facing a pandemic or not.  Covid-19 isn’t going to last forever and when it’s over we should continue to strive for better safety and health.  We’re here and ready to assist you to discuss your needs and select the best options to fit your needs.  We can customize size, shape and options to meet your specifications.

Visit our website to view some options we can provide you.

You’ve been working from home for the past few weeks and have made quick fixes to your work area to get by for a short term.  But a few weeks is now dragging into a few months or possibly more.  Now is the time to reassess your ergonomic needs not only for your personal comfort but also for your productivity and improved organization.

Let’s face it, working from home can be challenging enough with the demands of homeschooling kids, limited space, technology obstacles, not to mention the countless other distractions.  Unless you have the right setup, you will end up with back, neck and shoulder pain sooner or later.

Now might be the time to invest in a comfortable ergonomic chair. But where do you start with so many choices?  Buying a chair on-line without having a chance to do the “butt test” makes it a bit harder to pick the right chair for you. Your chair is the most-used work tool and can have the biggest impact on your work comfort.

For the best comfort look for chairs that have a high-quality, supportive foam seat pan.  A slightly contoured or moderately contoured seat will work best for dispersing seated pressure on your Ischial Tuberosity, or “sit bones” which absorb your weight when you sit.  If you’re feeling a pain in your buttocks then this will provide the best support. Many inexpensive, imported chairs have cut-foam with inferior foam which may feel good at first but over time will compress and bottom out. 

For good back support, look for chairs with independent back angle adjustments so that you can adjust the angle to fit your position.  Many chairs don’t angle far enough forward and provide little if any upper back support. A quality ergonomic chair will have lumbar support that is height adjustable and if available, an inflatable air lumbar. A mid-back chair may be enough if you just need lower support but a higher back chair will provide better upper back and thoracic support. The choice between a mesh-back and a foam back depends on your needs but whichever you choose make sure that it has good adjustment range and lumbar support options.

Investing in your comfort will pay for itself.  Quality ergonomic chairs are meant to last for years.  An investment in a $600 chair equates to $1.65 per day over the course of a year and will lead to better back health not to mention an increase in productivity as a result!

So many chairs claim ergonomic design – but don’t be fooled by marketing.  Labels and looks don’t mean much if you’re not comfortable or if the chair doesn’t provide you the support that you need.  The cool looking chair may not be the most comfortable.

We are here to discuss your needs and to help you select the chair that best fits your body and needs.

Reference:

I’ve discussed ergonomic workstation set-up in other articles, but here’s a quick reference from Mayo Clinic for your review.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169

Sit-stand desks continue to gain in popularity.  The number of new products with claims of a healthier work life show up in my in-box almost on a daily basis.  If you’re considering or have already purchased a sit-stand desk for your office, the newest recommendations will be of interest.

While sitting all day is not recommended, standing all day can be equally problematic.  Standing for prolonged periods can compress the spine and lead to increased lower back problems.  It can also boost your risk for varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis and other cardiovascular problems as the heart has to work harder to keep blood flowing up from your toes.

Standing can raise other concerns as well.

Position items accessed frequently throughout the day within a primary reach zone to avoid reaching and stress to shoulders and back.  

Avoid static postures - take a break from the computer and stretch your back, arms and hands every 30 minutes.