Making offices ergonomic has been the focus of many companies in recent years. The reason for this is because of an increasing amount of medical problems with employees. Ergonomic office furniture can help prevent employees from developing chronic back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome. Companies are now realizing that it is cheaper to simply buy better furniture than to deal with all of the medical costs related to carpal tunnel syndrome and back pain.

If offices are not set up ergonomically, then employees run higher risks of injury. Potential costs for employers are medical care or workers compensation. Additionally, a company may lose workers who are forced to change professions because of medical conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Companies can also lose money because worker productivity can be driven down if the worker is in considerable pain when performing his or her job.

There are a few simple things that can be done to make any office more ergonomic. Mostly, buying the right type of furniture helps. Buying proper desks for workers is paramount. 27 to 28 inch desks are recommended for workers who are spending at least half of their time on the computer. Keyboard height and monitor height should also be taken into account. Workers should be able to look directly into the computer without having to hold their neck up or down. Many neck and wrist problems arise from incorrect keyboard placement.

Adjustable chairs are a must have in an ergonomic office. Adjustable chairs allow people of different heights and arm/leg lengths to adjust to comfortable positions. Having chairs with considerable cushion and the ability to tilt is also very helpful. Chairs with wheels are also helpful if employees have large desks.

Put shelves in easy to reach places. The average worker should not have to strain at all in order to reach a book on a shelf. Additionally, having easily accessible file cabinets for workers can be very helpful. Workers who have to move less in order to get the materials they need are less likely to strain themselves.

Having an ergonomic office will help any company. Employees will be less likely to suffer from strains at work, which will save your company money in the long run. Additionally, workers will be happier, and will feel as if their employer cares about them. Having an ergonomic office is among the best investment any business can make.

Doug Sandler recommends office supplies from Neat Ideas.