Ergonomics at the desk is an important topic for staying healthy in the long term. After all, many people spend the majority of their workdays at a desk. Therefore, you should pay attention to your own needs when adjusting the desk and the sitting position.
The optimal distance from the screen is about 50 to 70 cm. Those with short arms should reduce the distance accordingly, those with long arms can increase it slightly. In addition, the eyes should look in the direction of the screen and not down. For this, it is helpful to tilt the monitor slightly upwards. If possible, balance the laptop on your lap while resting your forearms on the table – this position is especially good for your wrists. The back should also be straight when sitting and the feet should be firmly on the floor or resting – special footrests are available for this purpose. When sitting for long periods of time, it is also recommended to take regular breaks to stretch and change legs.
How to choose the right chair
Office chairs come in every conceivable design. They differ mainly in terms of the materials used and the type of processing. There are leatherette office chairs, leather office chairs, office chair with armrests, office furniture with casters and many other variants. Which chair is best for you depends on your personal preferences. However, when buying a new office chair, always make sure that it fits your height. A chair that is too small or too large can quickly become a slip hazard and cause pain.
Most modern office chairs have been designed to be relatively large, with an average reclining surface of about 50 x 50 cm. This provides enough space for both people with larger and smaller body dimensions. The seat should also be as softly padded as possible to ensure a high level of comfort. Many models also have an ergonomic design so that the torso area is well supported. Also, the backrest can usually be adjusted individually, making it perfect for different sitting positions.
Some modern office chair models have an integrated rocker mechanism that allows the upper body to be tilted slightly backwards, allowing the user to relax while reading or working. If necessary, however, it can also be returned to its original position – without the need for extra force. If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, you should also make sure that your new chair has lumbar support – this provides optimum relief for the lower back and noticeably reduces symptoms of tension!
How to find the right desk
The optimal desk height varies from person to person and depends on many factors. Basically, the desk should be high enough so that the elbows can rest loosely on the table when the hands are placed flat on the table. It is also important that when sitting, the back remains straight and the legs are horizontal on the floor. Those who work a lot at the computer should also make sure that the screen is at eye level.
The choice of desk depends on personal taste, as well as the size needed. If you need a lot of space to store large amounts of paper, you should opt for a desk with a good-sized work surface. The material also plays a role: if you have delicate clothes, it is better not to sit on a wooden desk, because it can cause scratches. If you prefer to decorate your workplace, a designer desk is a good choice.
When buying, you should also make sure that the table is stable and does not wobble. Ideal are models with stands or those that can be mounted on the wall. Before buying, it’s also worth considering whether you might need any other furniture for the work area – such as a bookshelf or file rack.
This article was partly generated by OPENAI and additionally revised by us.
