The relevance of ergonomics in the workplace is often overlooked. This applies to companies, managers, and employees. But its importance is also insufficiently recognized and underestimated by freelancers in the fields of digital art, design, architecture, and media.
Looking back on my own early career, I can understand why, in your twenties, you tend to put health issues on the back burner. You feel healthy, energetic, and robust enough to perform even under adverse conditions. You tend to ignore the wear and tear . However, in my forties, I slowly began to recognize the importance of ergonomics and other health-promoting measures in the office workplace. Working life is a marathon, not a sprint.
The good news is that workplaces are becoming increasingly safer. In times of skilled labor shortages, most companies have also recognized the importance of maintaining the health of their employees.
Nevertheless, serious workplace injuries still cause annual costs of over €118 billion for the German economy. This results in significant losses in time and production for companies, the self-employed, and freelancers alike.
Since 1994, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) the economic production losses resulting from incapacity for work. With an average duration of incapacity for work of 21.3 days per employee, this amounted to a total of 888.9 million days in 2022 * .
Based on this volume of work incapacity, the BAuA estimates the economic production losses at around 118 billion euros and the loss in gross value added at 207 billion euros.
HSEBox the health risks and consequences for work capacity that can result from neglecting ergonomics in workplace design :
In today's digital world, many of us spend countless hours at our desks. Designers, freelancers, and digital artists know all too well that sitting for hours on end can lead to various health problems.
But did you know to what extent proper workplace ergonomics can significantly reduce these risks and even increase your productivity? This article will show you how to make your workspace more ergonomic to optimize both your health and your work performance.
Workplace ergonomics deals with optimally adapting the work environment to the individual. An ergonomic workstation ensures that your body works in a natural and relaxed position, which prevents musculoskeletal disorders and other health problems in the long term.
According to the definitions of Merriam-Webster* , ergonomics is defined as
an applied science that deals with the design and arrangement of things that people use, so that people and things can interact as efficiently and safely as possible"
described.
In other words, ergonomics is "the study of work ." Workplace ergonomics refers to how an employee interacts with their environment and various objects during working hours, with aspects such as posture and movement patterns playing a role. Ergonomics is applied in four main workplace scenarios :
Items handled by workers
How workers move objects
Processes or functions performed
Workplace surroundings
Activities involving awkward postures and/or repetitive movements can lead to various musculoskeletal injuries over time. These include:
Tendonitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Epicondylitis
DeQuervain's disease
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Tension neck syndrome
Eye strain
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
Back pain
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions that affect the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves of your body. Musculoskeletal disorders can develop over time or occur suddenly due to overuse. [ Image for illustration purposes, generated with theImageFlash AI]
To reduce these health risks, numerous laws and regulations now define the criteria for ergonomic workplaces. The key laws, regulations, and guidelines include:
Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV)
Occupational Health and Safety Act (ArbSchG)
Display Screen Equipment Ordinance (BildscharbV)
DIN EN ISO 9241
DIN EN ISO 10075
In addition to the specific requirements for the design of ergonomic workplaces, these regulations particularly emphasize the responsibility of employers to ensure that all employees have an ergonomic workplace and to "strive to improve the safety and health protection of employees".
For self-employed individuals and freelancers, this responsibility lies with them.
Beginnings of scientific research on ergonomics
Ergonomics is not a new concept. Workplaces were already adapted during the industrial revolution to increase efficiency and minimize injuries.
In the early 1950s and 1960s, the perception of human movement in everyday life and in sports changed fundamentally. The focus increasingly shifted to making movements and their associated stresses measurable. Biological and physical analyses were combined to gain new insights into human movement.
In this context, ETH Zurich a significant contribution to biomechanics. With the publication of "Investigation of the Mechanics of Human Movement", it laid the foundation for important research in this field. This led to the establishment of the Institute of Biomechanics, which today plays a leading role with several professorships and over 80 employees.
The institute continues to focus intensively on the issue of workplace ergonomics. For example, in 2010, a scientific study was conducted there to investigate the health benefits of ergonomic office chairs with FlowMotion mechanisms.*
Today we face new challenges: Digitalization has fundamentally changed the world of work, and working at a desk has become the norm.
Fun facts about ergonomics
The Standing Desk Boom: Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, was already a pioneer of the standing desk. He found that working while standing increased his productivity.
Over 30 years: The average person spends more than 30 years of their life sitting down.
100 more calories: Working while standing at a standing desk can burn about 100 more calories per hour than sitting.
Multiple benefits from considering ergonomics in the workplace
You can use ergonomics to reduce injuries and increase physical performance. Studies show that successful implementation requires continuous commitment. ( Image for illustration, generated with theimage AI ImageFlash)
We've talked about the health benefits of ergonomically designed workplaces. Here, we'll go into a little more detail. Beyond that, the advantages and additional benefits that arise from them are manifold. We're thinking outside the box.
01 Health Benefits
The use of ergonomically designed workplaces has been proven to have positive effects on employee health. These benefits begin with the cardiovascular system and extend to numerous other areas. Creating an ergonomic environment strengthens your cardiovascular system , resulting in significant health gains, especially compared to traditional office arrangements.
Ergonomics not only promotes general well-being but also reduces the risk of work-related injuries , which often result from overuse and poor posture. By adjusting workstations to individual body sizes and needs, you and your employees can significantly reduce physical tension.
An ergonomically optimized sitting position allows for a neutral posture, minimizing strain on the eyes, neck, and back. Furthermore, your legs benefit from improved blood circulation , which is promoted by the correct distance to the desk and an adjusted seat height. Invest in ergonomic workstations and make a significant contribution to the health and productivity of your team, or, if you are self-employed, to your own and your continued professional success.
02 Optimized Productivity
Ergonomically designed workplaces are not only effective, they are the key to a productive work environment. These thoughtfully designed spaces combine various concepts that enable employees to perform their tasks with maximum efficiency.
From the strategic arrangement of materials and goods to the seamless integration of state-of-the-art computer hardware and screens – every element is designed to minimize distractions and maximize concentration.
A well-designed workplace promotes focus and creates an atmosphere in which you can tackle your tasks without physical or organizational obstacles. The more concentration you bring, the greater your efficiency.
Numerous studies have shown that healthy and satisfied employees are also more effective. One such study was conducted by the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA – Stuttgart as an extension of the guide "Ergonomic Workplace Design: Principles from Training, Sports and Occupational Science for Relieving the Musculoskeletal System" by Ergoswiss AG . *
03 Increased mental clarity
Minimizing physical strain and promoting healthy posture are crucial for increasing mental clarity. This enables them to tackle their tasks more successfully. Ergonomics also has the potential to reduce stress and intensify focus.
A comfortable work environment allows employees to concentrate better on their tasks. Ergonomic measures help to alleviate pain, strengthen muscles, and improve blood circulation.
Overall, this leads to increased mental performance. A positive work environment with enhanced concentration empowers you and your employees to approach your work with greater commitment and productivity.
04 Reduced symptoms
The fundamental focus of ergonomics is to optimize both the design of the workplace and the tools and equipment used in order to minimize strain on employees. This reduces fatigue and increases overall comfort and safety in the workplace.
Ergonomic solutions not only promote better posture but also reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries such as back pain. Providing ergonomically designed chairs, desks, and adjustable workstations is essential. By creating a well-designed ergonomic workplace, you actively contribute to health and productivity.
05 Eliminating hazards
A key component of creating a more efficient work environment lies in eliminating everyday risks that could potentially harm your employees. Ergonomics plays a crucial role in this, creating working conditions that are individually tailored to the needs of the users.
Ergonomics also contributes to improving the work environment by minimizing distractions and ensuring adequate lighting and air circulation. Adjustable furniture and ergonomic equipment are further aspects that help to significantly reduce potential workplace hazards.
It is also advisable to actively question oneself about perceived dangers in one's environment.
06 Improving work quality
The benefits of ergonomic workstations extend beyond well-being to the quality of your work. Pain, fatigue, and other physical ailments can significantly impair performance. Targeted ergonomic measures can sustainably address these challenges, making it easier to complete tasks efficiently.
Furthermore, ergonomics helps ensure that you use the optimal tools and equipment for your specific tasks and can reach and operate them safely. A clear example of this is the influence of appropriate lighting on the error rate in work processes; it ensures that workers can clearly see all details and thus perform their work more precisely.
07 Reducing downtime
Ergonomics plays a crucial role in reducing downtime by helping to prevent workplace injuries that can lead to wasted workdays and by creating a more pleasant working atmosphere.
Ergonomic measures can also reduce fatigue and stress , taking into account both physical and psychological factors that can lead to downtime.
Make sure to take regular breaks, frequently vary your posture, and optimally adjust your workstation to your height and shape. Finally, you should develop a positive health awareness by utilizing resources, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
What does an ergonomic computer workstation look like?
An ergonomically designed workstation with a monitor must meet various requirements. Photo by TheStandingDesk @thestandingdesk, via Unsplash
Ergonomics is of course important in all areas of work. However, since we as artists, designers, or freelancers usually work in front of a screen , we will focus on computer workstations .
An ergonomically designed workstation with a computer screen must meet various requirements to promote the well-being and productivity of its users. An optimal computer workstation is characterized by the following features:
Individually adjustable office furniture that supports a healthy and ergonomic sitting posture.
Sufficient space for movement to prevent tension and promote physical activity.
A well-thought-out arrangement of tools and devices that makes the workflow efficient and allows for quick access.
Modern devices that specifically minimize environmental influences and thus positively affect employee performance.
Key areas for ergonomic optimization at a computer workstation
The right office chair
Anergonomic office chairis the first step towards a healthier workplace.Anyone who wants to stay focused on their work for extended periods will find a comfortable office chair extremely valuable.
It supports a healthy sitting posture and thereby strengthens the muscles in the back, optimizes breathing and helps to avoid back pain, which could otherwise lead to chronic discomfort and frequent sick leave.
As part of our research and for testing purposes, one of the most innovative German manufacturers of office chairs – FlexiSpot provided BS14 model certified by the Institute for Health and Ergonomics,
The ergonomic BS14 office chair from FlexiSpot features a dynamic seating system and was specifically designed according to the anatomical model of the human body. Image source: FlexiSpot
When selecting the optimal office chair, we should pay particular attention to the following features:
Adjustable seat height: The height of an ergonomic office chair should be both adjustable and lockable. The optimal seat height always varies depending on the user's height. The office chair must be adjusted so that both feet are firmly planted on the floor when sitting, and the knees form an angle of slightly more than 90 degrees. Most models have a gas spring for adjusting the seat height between 42 and 53 centimeters.
Seat surface : A generously sized seat is not only comfortable but also plays a crucial role in blood circulation in the legs. It is important to ensure that the seat is deep enough to reach the backs of the knees without exerting uncomfortable pressure on the underside of the thighs. You should be able to utilize the entire seat surface to ensure optimal contact with the backrest. Ideally, there should be about a hand's width of space between the front edge of your seat and the backs of your knees. The front edge of the seat should ideally be rounded or slightly angled. These features help prevent circulatory problems in the extremities. Furthermore, occupational therapists have recommended a seat width of 40 to 50 centimeters to us.
Backrest: Ideally, the backrest should not be directly adjacent to the seat, but rather have a small gap between the two. This further promotes an upright posture.
Backrest locking mechanism (optional): While locking the backrest offers comfort and makes leaning back easier, it is not an essential feature from an ergonomic perspective. The locking mechanism can encourage leaning back, which relieves strain on the back muscles. However, this posture can lead to improper spinal alignment and cause back pain in the long run.
Armrests: The armrests should be adjustable in both height and width so they can serve as extended support for the desk while working. Modern office chairs offer a third dimension in addition to height and width adjustment. With 3D armrests, it's possible to adjust the lateral tilt. This extends and supports the forearms behind the desk surface. Soft PU armrests also provide a comfortable addition.
Lumbar support : Prolonged sitting can tire the back muscles and cause discomfort. The term lordosis refers to the natural forward curvature of our spine. Lumbar support helps maintain this S-shaped curve of the back. Many office chairs allow you to adjust the intensity and height of the support to your individual body measurements, thus optimally relieving pressure on the spine and promoting a relaxed sitting posture.
Mechanisms:In chairs equipped with atilt mechanism, the backrest glides smoothly backward as soon as you lean back against it. This clever design allows the seat to remain rigidly connected to the backrest and follow this movement. This tilting motion relieves pressure on your intervertebral discs, making a noticeable contribution to your well-being. Most models also offer the option of individually adjusting the resistance via a convenient dial under the seat, allowing you to optimally tailor the support to your needs.synchronous mechanismalsomove synchronously when you lean back. The chair adapts harmoniously to your movements. However, the fundamental difference is that the backrest and seat are not rigidly connected. When you lean back, the angle between your thighs and torso increases. This arrangement promotes effective stretching and activates your joints. Furthermore, it improves blood circulation. Another crucial advantage compared to the tilt mechanism is the continuous support of your spine, which ensures relaxed sitting.
The FlexiSpot BS14 in the ergonomics test
I would now like to use this list to examine, in a self-test on the FlexiSpot BS14 , how the criteria were implemented.
a. Adjustable seat height
Like many other models, the BS14's seat height can be adjusted from 48 to 56 cm (rear seat height when tilted). This makes it ideal for my height (176 cm). Only very tall people might need a slightly higher setting and thus reach the limits of this model.
What I noticed was that the gas spring can be adjusted very smoothly and easily via a lever under the right side of the seat, and the chair responds without any friction. The lever can also be locked to prevent accidental height adjustments. Everything works very smoothly. Based on my own experience with more than seven office chairs that have worn out over the past few years, each with a retail price of €200-400, I have to admit that this wasn't always the case in the past.
b. Dynamic seating surface
The seat of the BS14 immediately reveals one of the most significant differences compared to my previous office chairs. Both the seat depth of 44.5 cm and the seat width of 51 cm correspond exactly to the manufacturer's specifications. Even taller and broader individuals have ample space. According to the manufacturer, the maximum weight capacity is 136 kg.
One immediately notices the exceptional comfort offered by the slightly curved seat . The front edge is rounded and gently curved downwards. There is ample space of about a hand's width between the front edge and the back of the knees, which, according to physiotherapists, corresponds to the ideal conditions for ensuring unimpeded blood circulation in the knees.
The adjustable seat depth allows the office chair to be adapted for people of different body types and specifically reduces pressure on the buttocks and thigh muscles.
The fact that the seat tilt can also be adjusted is completely new to me. The seat can be reclined forward to an angle of up to 8°. I immediately found the maximum tilt to be optimal. You instantly feel like you're sitting more upright and not "slumping" into the chair.
Therefore, in terms of seating comfort, I have absolutely no complaints. I am truly delighted.
c. Backrest / back system
This is more accurately described as a complete back support system, as a "backrest" would be an understatement. Even upon unpacking, I had the impression that a great deal of development work had been invested in this area to offer an ergonomically sophisticated product.
The core functions of the spinal system are:
Safety locking of the tilt from 98° to 125° with an adjustable tilt tension and a synchronous mechanism that allows effortless changing of position between different tasks.
Independent support for the lumbar spine. The lumbar support behind the breathable mesh fabric is height-adjustable, adapting to the contours of my back and reducing pressure on the lumbar vertebral joints. In fact, I only feel a gentle contact, which I find very pleasant.
Adaptive back tracking: Allows the backrest to synchronize harmoniously with my movements and meet the dynamic requirements demanded by physiotherapists. As I write this, I find myself repeatedly sinking into the backrest while thinking. The dynamic movement is smooth and completely silent. Extremely comfortable. In the past, I often opted for a leather or faux leather backrest because I liked the look and the comfort. However, this often had the disadvantage of making my back sweat on hot days and tempting me to sink right into the chair. With the BS14, it's completely different. You sit upright, and your back can breathe.
The backrest can also be locked in place with a short lever movement if required.
d. Armrests
The multifunctional armrests are designed to offer multiple adjustment options that are easy to use. They can be adjusted up and down, forward and backward, and inward and outward. This ensures that your arms are optimally supported in any sitting position and relieves tension in your upper back and neck.
A slight curve ensures that the forearms rest securely and don't slip around too much. The only slight drawback is that the armrest cushions are a bit too hard for my liking.
e. lumbar support
Behind the breathable mesh is an independent lumbar support system in the form of an adjustable lumbar support. This can be adjusted in height to follow the contours of the back and noticeably minimize pressure on the joints of the lumbar spine.
This has been solved very well here, as your back is not directly on the material of the support, preventing it from wearing out over time due to movement.
Conclusion
I am completely convinced by the BS14! This product is suitable for anyone working from home. The last few years have shown how important it is to create an ergonomic workspace, especially when spending extended periods of time at a desk.
In terms of ergonomics and adaptability, the BS14 leaves nothing to be desired! Regular spinal movements are supported and body parts prone to tension are optimally relieved.”
The chair arrived with insured shipping , multilingual assembly instructions, and the necessary tools. Assembling the chair was straightforward and took only about 15 minutes. The purchase price of €499 is not insignificant, but compared to similar office chairs from competitors, it's a truly worthwhile investment. The end result is an outstanding and comfortable chair, specifically designed to meet the needs of those who have to sit for hours every day.
I can't yet comment on the chair's durability, as I've only been using it for a few days. However, the build quality seems promising. I'm also pleased that the casters glide smoothly and almost silently across the floor. For someone like me, who frequently adjusts their position, this is another noteworthy benefit.
These figures for FlexiSpot speak for themselves. Source: FlexiSpot
The perfect desk
The desk, along with the office chair, is undoubtedly the heart of the workplace. Choosing the right desk, much like choosing the ideal office chair, is a fundamental consideration that has a direct impact on your productivity and well-being.
Here are some key aspects that we should consider according to studies and ergonomic evaluations:
Work surface:In addition to essential equipment such as a laptop, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, there should be enough space for frequently used items. To ensure an ergonomic setup and provide sufficient arm room, it is recommended that the desk be at least 75 cm deep and 160 cm wide.
Desk height:A tried and tested rule of thumb states that the armrests on a desk should encourage an angle in the elbows of between 90 and 115 degrees to ensure a comfortable sitting posture. Consequently, the work surface should be 18 to 30 cm higher than the seat height. Furthermore, it is crucial that the desk offers sufficient legroom. This helps prevent poor posture and tension, which can lead to long-term health problems.
Sitting is the new smoking
This statement from medical professionals highlights the risks of prolonged sitting for our health. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly alternate between sitting and standing. Electrically or mechanically adjustable desks are ideal for this purpose, as they can be adjusted to a height between 67 and 115 cm depending on the user's height.
Height-adjustable desks are also ideal for dynamic work environments with frequent staff changes or flexible desk-sharing solutions. They ensure that every workstation – including monitor and office chair – can be individually adjusted to any body size.
This not only saves the hassle of replacing office furniture, but also costly new purchases.
Invest in an office desk that's not only functional but also promotes your health and productivity! I personally have an electrically height-adjustable desk, which at 135 x 70 cm is a bit too small for my needs. My monitor arm and a spacious sideboard for my printer and storage save space.
In the long run, I'll probably invest in a larger tabletop. I can use the height adjustment motor with any tabletop, which will reduce my initial costs.
Screen positioning
The optimal arrangement of tools and equipment is crucial for a healthy posture and effective work. The monitor, in particular, occupies a central position at every computer workstation.
The monitor should be positioned approximately an arm's length (about 45-70 cm) away, with the top line of the screen at eye level. The bottom edge should be visible at a comfortable angle of about 37°. This prevents you from having to bend your neck up or down and helps prevent tension and postural problems.
Ergonomic additions
Keyboard and mouse
Use an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to avoid strain and pain in your hands and wrists. Make sure your wrists are in a neutral position.
To promote an ergonomic hand position, it is important that the keyboard, mouse, and other input devices are positioned 10 to 15 cm from the front edge of the desk. This allows for a relaxed arm and hand position.
Sufficiently large workspace
Make sure you have enough space at your desk. Photo by Carl Heyerdahl @carlheyerdahl, via Unsplash
Occupational health and safety regulations stipulate a minimum area for each workplace. This must be at least 1.5 m² in size. Furthermore, both the depth and width must be at least 1.2 m.
This ensures that employees have easy access to all work materials at all times, can vary their posture during work and perform compensatory movements to prevent a one-sided working posture.
Since you probably work from home – just like me – this will generally be the case.
Work equipment within reach
Furthermore, frequently used work equipment should be positioned as centrally as possible, within easy sight and reach. This strategic arrangement creates a workplace that both increases productivity and promotes well-being.
Place frequently used work tools as centrally as possible, within sight and easy reach. Photo by Unseen Studio @uns__nstudio, via Unsplash
Storage systems and cabinets are essential for an organized workspace. They allow you to stow items without restricting your freedom of movement. Important compartments should be easily accessible, while intelligently placed shelves on the desk facilitate access to work materials. I work with a spacious sideboard with shelving and drawers to my left. I'm also planning to get a rolling file cabinet.
Office cabinets offer additional storage space and can be ergonomically positioned opposite the workplace, which encourages regular movement during work.
footrest
A footrest can help you maintain a comfortable sitting position, especially if your chair cannot be adjusted low enough.
Environmental factors
Environmental factors represent external influences that significantly affect human well-being and performance. Particularly in modern computer workstations, crucial influencing factors include, for example..
lighting
Noise
Indoor climate
available. To effectively counteract these environmental burdens, a holistic ergonomic design of the workspace essential – supplemented by precise measures at the computer workstation.
Proper lighting for optimal working conditions
Lighting conditions are among the essential legal requirements for an ergonomically designed workplace. Ergonomic lighting is of central importance and has numerous positive effects that are often underestimated.
Well-designed lighting contributes significantly to the following aspects:
Improved concentration and increased focus
Increased well-being
Promoting health
Increased productivity
The ideal workspace benefits from ample daylight streaming through windows. This natural light source should be supplemented by indirect ceiling or wall lighting. An adjustable desk lamp to provide targeted direct light at the desk .
Natural daylight is the best form of lighting. Photo by Alesia Kazantceva @alesiaskaz, via Unsplash
Especially during winter months or in locations with limited daylight, daylight lamps be an excellent alternative. As the name suggests, these lamps mimic the color of natural daylight. High-quality models offer a wide spectrum of light colors and can emit different hues depending on the time of day.
We recommend cooler light in the morning , while warmer light is beneficial in the evening. This is because constant cool light can lead to fatigue, while consistently warm light does not contribute to optimal concentration.
By taking these factors into account, you not only create a pleasant working atmosphere, but also sustainably promote the health and productivity of your employees .
Noise protection
Noise is one of the most common disruptive factors in the workplace and can have particularly negative effects on mental health. Especially in the increasingly popular open-plan offices, a noise level quickly develops that makes concentrated work virtually impossible.
For this reason, it is necessary to take appropriate measures and implement technical solutions in every workplace to ensure effective noise reduction. Sound-absorbing partitions and desk dividers are an efficient method for reducing noise, as they absorb sound waves. Noise-absorbing acoustic panels are also popular.
If noise reduction is insufficient, headphones with active noise cancellation can offer additional protection.
Indoor climate
The temperature in the room, the humidity in the air, the circulation of breathing and heat radiation can also have an impact on performance.
The optimal temperature should be between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius, but should not exceed 26 degrees. At a temperature of 30 degrees, the employer is obligated to take appropriate cooling measures, such as providing fans or refreshing drinks. At a temperature of 35 degrees, the workplace is unsuitable for any activities.
To ensure adequate humidity , the room needs to be ventilated regularly. Open the windows to let in fresh air. Avoid excessive heat radiation. If the room is exposed to direct sunlight , it is advisable to install sun protection.
Tips for an ergonomic organization of your desk workstation
Working from home presents particular challenges: Often we work (temporarily!?) in improvised workplaces that are anything but ergonomic.
ergonomics expert Jon Cinkay from the Hospital for Special Surgery shows you how to optimally adjust your desk and office chair to you, and not the other way around. *
Therefore, it is best to get up at least once an hour and do short stretching exercises to promote blood circulation and prevent muscle tension.
Invest in ergonomic furniture
A good office chair and a height-adjustable desk are a worthwhile investment in your health.
You don't have to pay designer prices; many retailers offer affordable yet effective options.
Ergonomics for Digital Artists and Designers
As a designer ordigital artist, you often rely on working precisely and for extended periods at the computer.Ergonomics can make the difference between a pain-free workday and chronic discomfort.
The perfect drawing space
When working on a graphics tablet , make sure it's at a comfortable height and a natural angle. A tilt angle of about 30 degrees is optimal to avoid wrist pain.
lighting
Good lighting is crucial. Natural light sources are ideal, but if these are unavailable, use daylight lamps. This reduces eye strain and prevents headaches.
Ergonomic tools
Use ergonomic input devices such as styluses and specialized computer mice to protect your wrists. Program frequently used keyboard shortcuts to reduce repetitive movements.
Final words
An ergonomic workspace is far more than just an expensive luxury; it's a necessity for your long-term health and productivity. Even small adjustments can make a big difference.
Invest time and resources in optimizing your workplace – your body will thank you.
Our testing methodology and the Kunstplaza philosophy of honest test reports
Finally, we would like to share a few lines about our understanding of honest, helpful, and authentic reviews.
Which guidelines are we committed to:
Complete weighing of all pros and cons
Clarification and naming of the facts
Reliable research (two-source principle, where possible) and your own test run ( first hand experience )
Authentic opinion (if we were to use the provider ourselves)
Dealing with user criticism from review platforms
Naming alternatives
Transparency regarding remuneration and financing (see affiliation note at the very bottom)
Avoidance of economic directives and dependence on the mentioned providers
Sources, technical support and further information:
Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health : Economic costs of work incapacity , https://www.baua.de/DE/Themen/Monitoring-Evaluation/Zahlen-Daten-Fakten/Kosten-der-Arbeitsunfaehigkeit
ETH Zurich – Institute for Biomechanics (IfB), https://ethz.ch/en.html
Vitra : The Science of Sitting , https://www.vitra.com/de-de/magazine/details/the-science-behind-the-seat
Oregon Occupational Safety and Health : The Advantages of Ergonomics , https://osha.oregon.gov/OSHAPubs/ergo/ergoadvantages.pdf
RobinBurgess-LimerickinScienceDirect : Participatory ergonomics: Evidence and implementation lessons , https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003687017302740
BOSTONtec : 10 Impressive Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace , https://www.bostontec.com/benefits-of-ergonomics-in-the-workplace/
Urban Daub, Alexander Ackermann and Verena Kopp at the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA – Stuttgart (project partner: Ergoswiss AG): ERGONOMICS BENEFITS – Criteria for evaluating ergonomic measures in cost-benefit analysis , https://www.ipa.fraunhofer.de/content/dam/ipa/de/documents/Kompetenzen/Biomechatronische-Systeme/Ergonomie-Benefits_IPA_2019.pdf
FlexiSpot : Ergonomic office chair with dynamic seating system BS14 , https://www.flexispot.de/backsupport-burostuhl-bs14.html
ZDF Today : Back Support – What's Important for Your Office Chair , https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/ratgeber/gesundheit/buerostuhl-koerperhaltung-ergonomie-100.html
Jon Cinkay in The Wall Street Journal:How to Set Up Your Desk Ergonomically , https://www.wsj.com/video/series/how-to/how-to-set-up-your-desk-ergonomically/BFD037C7-3A16-4BC4-96D2-91E9518977E3
lendis : Ergonomics at the workplace , https://www.lendis.io/en/guide/arbeitsschutz/ergonomie-am-arbeitsplatz/
Owner and Managing Director of Kunstplaza. Journalist, editor, and passionate blogger in the field of art, design, and creativity since 2011. Successful completion of a degree in web design as part of a university study (2008). Further development of creativity techniques through courses in free drawing, expressive painting, and theatre/acting. Profound knowledge of the art market through years of journalistic research and numerous collaborations with actors/institutions from art and culture.
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