More and more people are moving towards ergonomic-friendly office chairs, desks, and accessories as they have realized the risks that sitting and working for nearly eight hours every day poses. There are multiple issues and problems arising from working this way, including backache, neck strain, posture problems, weight gain, and so much more.
Similarly, monitor arms help you alleviate all such risks and improve your performance at the workplace. The monitor arm can help free up space from your workstation and allow you to adjust the height of your monitor to enhance your viewing experience.
However, monitor arms are not a 'one size fits all' type of accessory. This is why you should do plentiful research before deciding on one that will best suit your needs, preferences, and budget. In this guide, we will delve deeper into the concept of monitor arms and detail all the factors you need to consider when you are investing in one.
What is A Monitor Arm?
When you are working for a prolonged period of time on your computer, muscle aches and strain might not be strangers to you. Bending your head forward to meet your monitor at eye level can lead to several problems, including neck and eye strain as well as backache. Additionally, consistently bending forward can also lead you to develop long-term posture issues.
However, you can get rid of these problems altogether by raising the height of your monitor. This means ditching the monitor's stand and attaching a monitor arm. These strong and flexible arms elevate the computer screen height to hold it up so that it meets your eye level and is comfortable.
Even if you work from a laptop, you should get another monitor and attach the monitor arm to it. This will give you the convenience of an extra monitor and allow you not to experience any health problems and aches whatsoever.
Benefits of a Monitor Arm
These convenient yet affordable pieces of office accessories can make all the difference to your working routine and performance. Here are the main benefits of monitor arms that you should know about:
Enhance Work Efficiency
With monitor arms, you can get multiple monitors and screens while working. If your work is predominantly done on the computer, the added convenience of monitor screens can significantly help enhance your productivity. Everything on the screen will be easy to read, locate, and you can edit easily.
Reduce Neck Pain
When you are working on a monitor, it is not uncommon to end up with neck pain. However, when you have an ergonomic monitor arm installed, you can adjust the height of the monitor according to the ideal ergonomic position for you. This means that you will look straight up towards your monitor without looking up or down, which will relax your neck.
Avoid Eye-Strain
Staring at the screen all day can lead you to develop tired and dry eyes, leading to eye strains. This can be alleviated with a monitor mount because it will allow the screen to be neither too close nor too far for you.
Enhanced Focus
When the monitor is at the correct height for you, it will create a more immersive working experience since you can focus on looking at the screen. This will also simultaneously limit your field of vision, which means you can focus on your work without any distractions.
Improved Posture
Thanks to a monitor arm, you will no longer be slouching forward or leaning back, which means that you will have improved posture in the longer run.
Are Monitor Arms Worth It: Factors to Consider
Before you buy a monitor arm, you need to assess whether you need it. And if so, then consider all the factors that will help you find the most suitable one based on your needs, preferences, and budget.
How Many Monitor Arms You Have
Depending on the nature of your work, you might find that two screens work better for you than one since you will not have to switch between windows. You can also experience enhanced focus with minimal distractions when you have multiple monitors. Hence, depending on your type of work and your budget, you should decide how many monitors you need and then figure out how many monitor arms to get.
The Model of the Monitor
Make sure you know the exact model of your monitor and check with the monitor arm company to see if the arm will be compatible with that specific model of the monitor. Not all monitor arms are compatible with every type of monitor since it is not a 'one size fits all' kind of accessory.
The Size and Weight of Your Monitor
Similarly, you should also find out whether the monitor arm is compatible with your monitor's particular size and weight. A light monitor with a heavy-duty monitor arm will not provide you with the required tension needed to adjust the system. Alternatively, a heavy monitor with a monitor arm designed for light monitors will be significantly weighed down. Hence, be sure to check the specs and compatibility before getting a monitor arm.
The Color of the Monitor Arm
Although this is not the most important factor to consider, the color of your monitor arm can impact the aesthetic appeal of your workspace. It can also contribute to a seamless office space. However, you do not get a wide variety of color choices since monitor arms typically come in black, grey, and white.
Cord Management System
If you like to keep your workspace tidy and clean, then a cord management system is a factor you need to consider. This is one considerably important factor but, more often than not, gets forgotten. You don't want cords strewn all over the desk or under it. This is why you should see what cord management system a monitor arm offers. Most of them let you hide the cords efficiently so that they are not as noticeable.
Surface Restrictions
Surface restrictions can include the desk thickness and the edges since you will need to mount the monitor arm onto the desk. It should be wide and sturdy enough to clamp onto the desk securely. If your desk does not have sufficient space to allow the monitor arm to be mounted comfortably, it can become a considerable problem. Hence, you must check these things before purchasing a monitor arm.
Space behind the Desk
Something commonly overlooked when buying a monitor arm is the space behind the desk. This can become an issue depending on the design of the desk, the size of the monitor arm, and how many monitors and arms you will get. You should, therefore, figure out how much space a monitor arm requires on your desk and then get one that fits your needs perfectly.
Where the Monitor Will be Located
You get multiple mounting options when you get a monitor arm. For example, you can mount it to the desk, on a pole connected to the ceiling, or directly on the wall. They can also either be mounted by a grommet or a clamp mount. Depending on the nature of your work, how many people will use the monitor, and the space available, you will need to decide where your monitor will be located and how the monitor arm will be mounted.
The Type of Adjustability You Need
Your main ergonomic goals with a monitor arm are how high or low the monitor goes and how far it reaches. You will likely need to make these adjustments frequently, especially if you have an adjustable standing desk as well. Hence, depending on the type of work you do, where your monitor will be located, and the special conditions in your office, you will need to find a monitor arm with suitable adjustability.
Your Budget
Lastly, you will also need to consider your budget. Monitor's arms come in a variety of price ranges. Depending on the features offered, they can start from $80 and go up to $400. Hence, you should consider what you can afford and buy a suitable monitor arm.
Last Few Words
All in all, a monitor arm is the best thing you need to elevate your workspace and enhance your productivity. It can help you focus on finishing tasks on time and in a better manner. But perhaps the best thing about them is that they reduce the risk of having muscle aches, strains, and posture issues.
When shopping for a suitable monitor arm, you should look for one that suits your needs, office space, the model of the monitor, and the size and weight. All in all, it should be perfectly fitted onto your monitor and be adjusted easily.
If you are looking for a suitable monitor arm, we recommend the one from FlexiSpot. It requires minimal effort in installation, has a 360-degree rotation, and can be adjusted to any height you need. For more details, visit their website today!
