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Office workstations play an important role in creating a comfortable, productive and safe workplace. When office workstations, chairs, screens and accessories are not positioned correctly, employees can experience unnecessary strain throughout the working day. Over time, poor workstation habits may contribute to discomfort in the back, neck, shoulders, wrists and eyes.
Ergonomics should therefore be an important consideration when setting up any office. Well-designed office workstations are built around the people using them, supporting comfortable working positions while making it easier for employees to move and work efficiently throughout the day.
Whether you are setting up a new office, upgrading an existing workplace or planning a complete fitout, these five practical tips can help you create more comfortable and ergonomic office workstations.
Why Ergonomics Matters in the Workplace
Employees spend a significant amount of time at their desks, so even small adjustments can make a noticeable difference to their comfort. An ergonomic workstation is designed around the person using it rather than forcing the person to adapt to an unsuitable setup.
Good ergonomics can help employees maintain more natural postures, reduce unnecessary reaching and encourage regular movement. It can also contribute to a more comfortable working environment, allowing employees to focus on their tasks without constantly adjusting their equipment.
Five Areas to Consider When Setting Up Your Office
1. Adjust Your Chair for Proper Support
Your office chair is one of the most important components of your workstation. Sitting at the wrong height can place unnecessary pressure on your back, shoulders and legs.
Start by adjusting your chair so your feet can rest comfortably on the floor. Your knees should be positioned at approximately a right angle, while your thighs should be supported without pressure behind the knees.
Your back should also be supported by the chair’s backrest. If your chair has adjustable lumbar support, position it so it comfortably supports the natural curve of your lower back.
Next, check your arm position. When your elbows are bent, they should sit comfortably close to your body rather than forcing your shoulders upwards or making you reach forward.
Take a moment to adjust your chair before starting work each day. A few simple changes can make your workstation considerably more comfortable.
2. Position Your Screen at a Comfortable Distance
Computer screens that are positioned too close, too far away or at an unsuitable height can contribute to eye strain and neck discomfort.
As a general guide, position your screen approximately 50–100 cm away, depending on the size of your monitor and what feels comfortable for you. You should be able to read the text on screen without leaning forward or straining your eyes.
The top of your monitor should generally sit around eye level or slightly below. This encourages you to keep your head in a more neutral position instead of constantly looking down.
If you use a laptop for extended periods, consider a laptop stand with a separate keyboard and mouse. This allows you to raise the screen while keeping your hands and arms in a comfortable position.
Good screen placement is a simple but important part of creating ergonomic office workstations.
3. Position Your Keyboard and Mouse Correctly
Your keyboard and mouse should be positioned so you can use them without reaching forward or twisting your wrists.
Place the keyboard directly in front of you and keep the mouse close beside it. Your elbows should remain close to your body, with your forearms approximately parallel to the floor.
Try to keep your wrists in a neutral, straight position while typing. Avoid resting your wrists at awkward angles or bending them upwards for long periods.
If you frequently use a mouse, make sure it is positioned close enough that you do not need to repeatedly extend your arm. A comfortable mouse pad or ergonomic mouse may also be useful for employees who spend long periods working at a computer.
Small adjustments to your keyboard and mouse placement can make a significant difference to the overall comfort of your workstation.
4. Make Movement Part of Your Working Day
Even the best ergonomic office workstations cannot replace regular movement. Remaining in the same position for extended periods can leave your muscles feeling stiff and uncomfortable. Try to incorporate movement into your normal working routine rather than waiting until you feel uncomfortable.
You could stand up to collect documents, walk to speak with a colleague instead of sending a message, or take short breaks to stretch and change position.
You can also vary your posture while working. Sit upright when concentrating on detailed tasks, adjust your chair’s recline when appropriate and change your position regularly.
If your workplace allows it, sit-stand workstations can provide another option for changing position throughout the day.
The goal isn’t to find one perfect posture and maintain it all day. Instead, aim to move regularly and avoid staying in the same position for too long.
5. Keep Frequently Used Items Within Easy Reach
A well-organised workstation should allow you to access the items you use regularly without excessive reaching, twisting or bending.
Think about the equipment and materials you use most often. Your keyboard, mouse, phone and frequently accessed documents should be positioned within easy reach.
Avoid placing heavy files or commonly used items in awkward locations that require you to stretch across your desk. Use drawers and storage solutions to keep your workspace organised without filling the desktop with unnecessary clutter.
If you regularly spend long periods on the phone, consider using a headset rather than holding your phone between your shoulder and ear. This allows you to maintain a more natural position while keeping both hands available for other tasks.
A tidy workstation isn’t just about appearance. Good organisation can help create a more functional and comfortable working environment.
Choose Office Workstations Designed Around Your Team
Every workplace is different. The size of your office, number of employees, available floor space and working style can all influence the type of workstation solution you need.
Whether you are creating an open-plan workplace, a team workstation cluster or a smaller office environment, choosing furniture that can adapt to your requirements is important.
At Interia, our office workstations can be configured to suit different workplace layouts and requirements. Our range includes workstation bases that can be combined with your preferred top size and finish, providing flexibility when planning your workspace.
Our locally manufactured solutions can also be paired with ergonomic office chairs and office screens to create a more functional workstation environment. Modular and multi-person configurations can help teams make better use of available floor space while supporting collaboration and individual focus.
Create a More Comfortable Workplace
Ergonomics doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by looking at how your employees sit, work and move throughout the day. Adjust chairs, position screens correctly, organise keyboards and mice, encourage movement and keep frequently used items within easy reach.
When these details are considered as part of your overall office workstation design, you can create a workplace that is more comfortable, practical and supportive for your team.
Looking for office workstations designed around your workplace? Visit the Interia Perth showroom to explore our office furniture solutions and discuss your requirements with our team. For tailored workstation configurations, contact Interia and discover how a considered workspace design can help you make better use of your office.