Employees are bound to stare at screens all day, especially in the modern digital era. We constantly strain our eyes and bodies, whether it's at our work computers or our phones almost everywhere. It's crucial that we understand responsible technology use for this reason.
First things first: why is a desk's ergonomic height crucial? And how tall ought a desk to be? It's possible that you have never given your workstation or how it affects your workday any thought, but it could be time.
Since every component of our bodies is interconnected, harming one can have a profound impact on the entire body. Your wrists, back, legs, and arms may get imperceptibly twisted if you sit inappropriately to compensate for an unpleasant office chair or an incorrect desk height. You'll probably experience chronic neck and back discomfort as a result of this. Additionally, studies have shown that in more severe cases, using a desk that is too low might cause persistent disc or back damage.
Incorrect desk height might also lead to unneeded tension in the neck and shoulders. Over time, this will change your spine's natural curvature, along with a bad office chair posture or discomfort. Due to the amount of time you've spent slouching while working, you'll start to sit and stand with poor posture on impulse. Consider posture to be merely a vanity issue? You may experience severe discomfort as a result of improper posture, usually in the form of a back strain. In addition to the desk height, a good computer chair can significantly improve your posture and general health.
The vital thing is to make sure your forearm and upper arm can remain at a comfortable angle between 70 and 135 degrees. The ideal option is an adjustable desk because you can adjust the height to the perfect level. The next best thing to think about if your desk is too tall or too low is buying an ergonomic chair with adjustable features that will raise you so that you are level with your desk. Your workstation may be too low. If you are unable to invest into a new desk, a simple fix is to buy leg raisers or set books or blocks beneath the desk legs.
Workers who frequently have to use the keyboard to type can benefit from a lower surface, whereas, workers who have to use the desk to write at times may require a higher surface. Those who perform more strenuous work might also require a desk below the elbow level. On the other hand, people who work with precision must have the desks higher than their elbows. This will save squinting and eye strain.
In any event, remember to keep your monitor at least an arm's length away if you use a computer. According to studies, a close-up screen might lead to stress and strain. While desk height is crucial, you should also check that nothing on it encourages undesirable habits.
With the wrong height, the wrists may flex or extend, and the arm may abduct as a result. All of it is uncomfortable to cope with day in and day out. Therefore, an average desk height will enable you to operate with your hands, wrists, and arms all in a neutral position. Therefore, you want your workstation to be at elbow height, which is the ideal height for your hand to rest perfectly over the keyboard, assuming your arms are at your sides and your elbows are bent at a 90-degree angle.
There is no single chair available that can make your desk work if it is too high for your body. If it's too high, your feet won't be able to touch the ground, which will disrupt your entire body's support system; if it's too low, you'll probably strain your back and have to lean over.
Why does ergonomic desk height matter?
The right desk height can make a huge difference in how comfortable you are when working. What ergonomic desk height should you choose? Ergonomic desk height is measured by the distance from the top of your keyboard, or workstation area, to about 2-4 inches below your knees when sitting down. This measurement varies depending on the size and shape of your body, but it's a good place to start when choosing an ergonomic desk
This is because when sitting with your knees slightly bent, there is less pressure on the nerves in your legs. This results in less strain put on your body while working at your desk and can make a huge difference in your long-term comfort level when using a computer.
A study by the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society found that an ideal ergonomic workspace should have a height between 34 and 38 inches from the floor.
Factors to consider while choosing an ergonomic desk
If you spend a lot of time at a desk each day, it's crucial to find one that fits your body. That way, you'll avoid soreness and the risk of developing a chronic condition because of prolonged periods of time spent in bad posture. Many professionals have found that an ergonomic desk is the best option for improving posture while working on a computer or doing paperwork. Ergonomic desks are designed with features that make them comfortable and convenient, as well as functional.
How to choose the correct desk height?
It is no secret that the correct desk height can make a huge difference to your work performance and comfort levels. Too high or too low and your body may be put under unnecessary strain, leading to fatigue and soreness. It is not just people sitting at desks who will benefit from finding this medium; some ergonomic chairs also come with adjustable seat pans so that you can find the correct fit. However, despite these advantages it can still be difficult to find the right desk height for according to your preference.
A Complete Guide to Ergonomic Desk Height
It is important to have the correct desk height to avoid health problems. There are a couple of pointers that you should consider when choosing the ideal desk height, including:
The Length of Your Arms
When your arms are placed in a neutral position on your desk, they should be perpendicular to your body. This means that your palms should be facing down and your elbows should be at a 90 degree angle. If your arms are too short or too long, you may need to adjust the height of your desk.
The Angle of Your Wrists
Your wrists should also be in a neutral position when typing or using the mouse. This means that they should not be bent either up or down and should remain straight throughout the day. If this is not possible due to discomfort, you can try using a wrist rest or adjusting the height of your keyboard and mouse.
The Height of Your Chair
The chair you use for working at your computer should also be adjustable so that you can get into the correct position with respect to your desk. To find out more about proper chair positioning, please click here.
Adjusting Desk Height for Comfort
If you find that you are constantly adjusting your posture in order to stay comfortable while working, then it may be time to adjust the height of your desk. You can do this by following these simple steps:
1) Locate the adjustment lever placed either on the side or front of your desk
2) Movetheleveruportowardsyouuntilthedeskhasbeenraisedorloweredtoyourpreferredheight
3) Retighten the adjustment lever by turning it clockwise until it feels secure
4) Test out your new desk height by sitting down and typing at the same time until you get comfortable
6) If not, repeat the test again after adjusting to the good posture for 5 minutes
7) Once you have found a good desk height that is comfortable for you, mark the desk initial height with a dark pen on either side of the adjustment lever
8) Reposition the chair so it takes thoroughly the same amount of time today to move from one end of the desk to the other
9) Use the markings as a guide to either raise or drop your desktop accordingly
10) Sit comfortably and keep your armrests level with desktop to maintain neutral wrist position
There is no one perfect ergonomic desk height for everyone, as people have different body proportions and needs. However, there are a few important factors that can help you find the right height for your desk:
Sit with your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest, and make sure your thighs are parallel to the ground
Adjust your chair's height so that when your arms are resting comfortably at your sides, they are bent at a 90 degree angle
The top of your computer monitor should be level with or slightly below eye level
Final Thoughts
If you want to maintain good health and avoid injury, it is important to adjust the height of your desk accordingly. This is because when your desk isn't adjusted correctly, it can cause pain in your neck, shoulders, and back. In some cases, it can even lead to more serious conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
An ergonomic desk is made to keep a person from getting hurt or slouching while working. They guard against common injuries like back pain, neck pain, elbow pain, upper-limb discomfort, repetitive strain injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Additionally, an ergonomic workstation offers the user the utmost comfort, enhancing concentration and productivity. The height of an ergonomic workstation will be chosen based on the user and the chair being utilized. The mouse and keyboard should be easily reachable and set at the proper distance from one another on the desk.
