Ergonomics involves setting up the environment to fit the specific person that works in it, on the purpose of maximizing productivity by means of decreasing, if not, eliminating operator fatigue and discomfort. This explains into a very uncomplicated fact that if one is not comfortable, one cannot work to their full potential. Not just that but one also avoids the risk of possibly injuring themselves. Ergonomics is often used to obtain 2 goals: health and productivity.

Here are several key areas you need to pay special attention to in applying office ergonomics:

Height of the Monitor

To avoid neck strain caused by incorrect monitor height, adjust the monitor not too high or too low down on the desk. The top of the screen (not the monitor case) should be at eye level.

Distance from the Monitor

There should be a safe distance between you and your computer screen to avoid damaging your eyesight. Naturally, the minimum distance should be measured by the length of your arm. Sit in front of your computer raise your arm directly in front of you and your fingers should be just touching your computer screen. If not adjust your distance until this is so.

Lighting

Sufficient lighting, ideally natural light, is essential so as not to cause discomfort to your eyesight; it should not be too strong or too weak.

Noise

There shouldn't be excessive noise in the workplace which can distract and take your focus off your job and so as to avoid a possible long term hearing problems, especially in an industrial workplace.

Desk

An ideal desk should be ergonomically sound; fully height and tilt adjustable. This type of desk usually cost much so it's not a surprise that only very few businesses allow their employees to use it. For some offices, they just simply make sure that the desk allows the employee movement on the legs while they are seated; movements which can avoid leg cramps and stiffness. A good measurement under the desk can be established by crossing your legs and still be comfortable enough when seated. Otherwise, then the desk may be too low to the floor and needs to be corrected or even replaced.

Chair

The chair is as important as any other business furniture since one is basically spending a lot of time in it when working. So in order to prevent rapid back problems, an ergonomically sound office chair should have features, such as: tilt and swivel base, adjustable backrest and adjustable armrests.

There should be a sufficient clearance between the back of your legs and the front of the seat so the chair should allow you to sit at 45 degrees. Three of your fingers should approximately fit between the rear of your knee and the front of the seat. The base of the chair seat will continually dig into the back of your legs if this gap is not present at all; definitely uncomfortable for the employee to use.