Harris Work Systems: Ergonomic Furniture

Ergonomic Furniture

Because people come in so many sizes and shapes, setting standards is no easy task. It would be simpler, for example, if everyone were the same height. Then everything in the office could be the same too. But acknowledging the differences among us shows that a one-size-fits-all approach can't work.

Yet there is a simple way to make everyone comfortable - adjustability! Adjustability is the key - in desks, chairs, lighting and computer equipment.

Fixed position office furniture can be painful to use. That's because people are most comfortable when they work in neutral postures. Necks, shoulders, wrists, hands, and backs all can work better and more efficiently in their "mid-range of motion". But that doesn't mean we can stay frozen in a neutral posture because even static "good" postures can be bad. Motion - especially movement of feet and legs - activates the body's "muscle pump", increasing circulation. By varying sedentary neutral seated postures with intermittent short-term standing postures, workers can remain more alert and productive, especially after lunch or toward the day's end.

With maintenance adjustable work surfaces, a facilities crew must change the work surface heights. These surfaces are suitable for secondary areas that support paper based tasks, positions with low employee turnover, or where you have the resources for maintenance changes.

Most panel-hung surfaces - a very common maintenance adjustable technology - are installed at 29" and never change again. They can be moved higher or lower, though it can be costly and inconvenient. If we had to take our cars to a mechanic to adjust the mirrors, we probably wouldn't - sacrificing both safety and comfort. It's the same with panel-hung surfaces: calling out a facilities crew, unloading the work surface, setting it at the optimal height for a particular worker, and then replacing the computer equipment takes time and money. These deterrents illustrate a truth - if it's not easy to adjust, it won't get adjusted!

Free standing sleeve adjustable models typically can be arranged over a smaller seated range, and they adjust more easily than panel supported surfaces; simply back out the pin or screw, slide the table up or down to the desired height, and reinsert the fastening device. Calibration marks on each leg ensures level surfaces.

Be cautious about sacrificing improved performance and flexibility for the lower acquisition cost or appearances of fixed height work surfaces. Built-in surfaces work as long as you don't need flexibility. Free standing work surfaces - tables and desks - are better because they move for easy reconfiguration and accommodate multiple workers and new equipment.