Workplace Wellness: How to Design a Healthier Work Environment with Ergonomic Office Supplies

As a small business owner, it’s your responsibility to help prevent repetition injuries. One of the easiest ways to do so is by providing ergonomic office supplies. From chairs to keyboards, this article explores several products that promote better posture and healthier mobility habits.

Workplace ergonomics is the science of designing the ideal fit between the worker, their work environment, and the tasks they perform. In essence, designing an ergonomic workplace means that you have provided the optimal furniture, supplies, and work conditions so that your employees can perform their jobs comfortably and effectively.

Providing ergonomic furniture can improve posture and help prevent many musculoskeletal disorders, including carpal tunnel syndrome, back strains, tendonitis, trigger finger, injuries to the rotator cuff, and many more. Ergonomic office furniture is designed to be more comfortable for the worker—which can allow them to work for longer periods of time, make fewer errors, and provide more throughput.

Ergonomic office equipment can also foster a healthier work culture. When employers invest in the well-being of their employees, it pays dividends with lower turnover, higher job satisfaction, increased morale, and perhaps even greater productivity and collaboration.

At Zoro, we have everything you need to design an ergonomic work environment for your employees. Let’s take a look at some foundational pieces: desks, chairs, keyboards, and mice.

Ergonomic Desks and Workstations

Desks come in a variety of designs. Some of the most popular include adjustable standing desks, adjustable ergonomic work benches, and adjustable-height frame desks. The type of desk you select largely depends on each individual’s preference. OSHA has clear guidelines on design features you should be looking for when making a purchase. Here’s an excerpt from the guidelines. 

1. The desk area should be deep enough to accommodate a monitor placed at least 20" away from your eyes.
2. Ideally, the desk should have a work surface large enough to accommodate a monitor, a keyboard, and an input device. Room for additional items needed for work (e.g., source documents, telephone) may necessitate a larger work surface.
3. Keyboard height should be adjustable between 22" and 30" for seated tasks and 36" to 46.5" for standing tasks. The keyboard height should be at about elbow height. Adjustability between seated and standing heights is desirable.
4. Purchasing a fixed-height desk may require the use of a keyboard tray to provide adequate height adjustment to fit a variety of users.
5. There should be sufficient space for the items used most often (such as keyboard, mouse, and monitor) directly in front of the user.

Explore Standing Desks and Ergonomic Workstations at Zoro.com

Let’s take a look at what proper posture looks like for multiple desk heights.

Ergonomic Chairs

Comfortable, ergonomic chairs are an important part of your employees’ well-being at work. Some of the most popular designs you’ll find include ball chairs, kneeling chairs, saddle kneeler chairs, and traditional ergonomic chairs. When shopping for your workplace’s chairs, some features to look for are fully customizable designs, lumbar support, plenty of cushioning, breathable materials, adjustable armrests, and reclining functions. Here’s an excerpt from OSHA’s guidelines.

1. The chair should be easily adjustable.
2. The chair should have a sturdy five-legged base with proper chair casters that roll easily over the floor or carpet.
3. The chair should swivel 360° so it is easier to access items around your workstation without twisting.
4. Seat height should adjust from 15" to 22".
5. Seat pan length should be 15" to 17".

Explore Ergonomic Chairs at Zoro.com

Ergonomic Keyboards and Accessories

The right keyboard can help prevent common workplace injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Here are a few types of ergonomic keyboards and other accessories as well as their features and benefits.

Split keyboards: Fully split between the right and left sides, split keyboards allow users to angle and adjust the keyboards to suit their individual needs.

Partially split keyboards: With two distinct sections, users can find the most effective configuration for a more comfortable typing experience.

Keyboards without number pads: These smaller keyboards reduce the distance users have to stretch to reach their mouse and other accessories, which can lead to fewer wrist injuries.

Ergonomic wireless mouse: These mice put less strain on muscles with a more ergonomic hand position.

Wrist rests: By positioning your hands flat to the keys, as opposed to angling them vertically upwards, users can reduce their risk of wrist injuries.

For more useful information, make sure to check out OSHA’s guidelines on keyboards, mice, and wrist rests. 

Explore Ergonomic Keyboards, Mice, and Wrist Wrests at Zoro.com

Ergonomics in the workplace doesn’t have to be as complicated as it may sound; it can be as simple as selecting the right office furniture and accessories. Zoro.com makes it easy to get all the ergonomic office supplies you need fast and at everyday low prices. Shop Zoro.com today!

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.