This week I will have my new Herman Miller office chair delivered and I couldn’t be happier. Establishing my new full-time office has necessitated measures to address ergonomics in my workplace. If you sit for a good part of your day and you are experiencing ‘unexplained’ back pain and/or neck and wrist pain, you should assess your ergonomics too.
As defined by Miriam-Webster, ergonomics is “an applied science concerned with designing and arranging things people use so that the people and things interact most efficiently and safely…” I have assisted clients in making choices that support better health and safety in the workplace. Mayo Clinic offers a nice visual guide to get you thinking about ergonomics: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/office-ergonomics/art-20046169
Despite my working knowledge of ergonomics, I still underestimated the impact of changing the physical variables in my work situation while waiting for my new setup. It’s not necessarily true you feel uncomfortable while you’re working. I began getting concerned when I noticed any resting position is made more uncomfortable by the amount of time I work in a situation with poor ergonomics. I can’t wait to write my next entry from the new spot. I will definitely have something more inspirational to write about and I’ll be sure to include a photo!
Sara L. Hinkel, M.S.Ed. 