Optimum Workspace For Optimum Productivity

Filed in archive management on October 17, 2006

Perhaps you can say that you have mastered every aspect of your home business. And you can multi-task as efficiently like a circus juggler. But the business routine can wear you out easily if your working environment is not conducive to make your creative and productive juices flowing. And what do I mean? Ever felt back pains every now and then? Occasional headaches starting to annoy more often than ever? No, it should not be always blamed to a developing tumor. But consulting your doctor will better pacify your doubts, of course.

But sometimes it's a toxic workspace that can cause some of these productivity-stunting discomforts.

I'm sure you don't want to end up spending your savings on your hospital bills when you can easily tweak your home office into something that's a lot safer and more relaxing.

Here are some tips to make your home office or just about any office safe to work in, especially in an office where the computer is the most-used gizmo.

1. Get an ergonomic chair.

Find a chair that complements your size and provides back support, a good armrest, has a solid cushioning, and with height that can be adjusted. The chair should easily glide from one place to another, so rollability should not be overlooked when looking for a chair for your home office.

2. Safety accessories.

Adjustable key trays can help greatly in keeping your keyboard in a safe typing position - flat or slightly tilted backward. Also, an adjustable key tray together with a wrist rest that is properly contoured and padded are required to avoid straining your wrists. However, it is advised that wrist rests be only used when you are not typing.

A keyboard tray should be spacious enough to house the mouse, too. This is to avoid exerting too much effort in reaching for the mouse.

These accessories were not made to serve as ornaments only. Heard of carpal tunnel syndrome? Yes, a good wrist rest, an ergonomic keyboard, and good typing habits should help to avoid in acquiring this computer worker's nemesis.

3. Working distance.

The computer monitor is the major eye strain culprit. To avoid this, make your computer monitor as far as possible, without compromising how clear you see what's on the monitor, of course.

4. Proper body positioning.

No slouching, twisting of your trunk and giraffing if you want to avoid pains all over your body, or worse, a scoliosis or an early osteoporosis.

Via MacWorld