With the growth of the Internet and other computing applications, small business and home offices today use computers in a wide range of business functions. According to research by U.S. Chamber of Commerce and IBM over 96% of small businesses have a personal computer. But does your office space design maximize your productivity and reduce stress?
You don't need to spend money on new keyboards or mice, for most small business budgets, improving your office space comes down to a little ergonomic sense. Take just 60 seconds to a better office space design.
0:60 Add a Little Tilt: Reduce eye and neck discomfort by tilting your computer monitor slightly up from the bottom. The top of the monitor should be further away from your eyes than the bottom. This will reduce eye strain and neck discomfort.
0:57 Find the Best Distance: The distance of your eyes to the computer monitor can place additional strain on your eyes and add more fatigue. Most ergonomic experts recommend the screen be at least 24 inches from your eyes.
0:45 A Refreshing Rate: Your computer monitor continuously repaints the entire image of your screen called a refresh rate. The rate is measured in seconds. The faster rates up to a certain point reduce the flickering of the image. A refresh rate set to low can cause eye strain and headaches. Typically experts recommend a 75 Hz or higher refresh rate. Consult with your monitor and video card instructions; your eyes will appreciate it.
0:30 It's All Light: Lighting in an office space design is taken for granted. A properly configured office space requires lighting suitable to the task. Consider ambient and natural light. If you spend considerable time on a computer dim the florescent lights and have a softer background light. Avoid one brightly lit room and create layers of lighting with lamps, task lights, and other lighting options.
0:20 Just an Arm's Reach: A better office space design is about making the little things in your office life a bit better. Your common office tools (pens, staplers, notepads) should be easily accessible. All regularly used files should be at an arm's reach on your desk. The less movement and twisting the better your office productivity will be.
0:10 The Feet Have It: Good office ergonomics must end with the feet. Proper pressure can be adjusted by using a footrest or even a small box to ensure the back of your knees are slightly higher than your chair seat.
0:00 A recent Microsoft Hardware Poll found 90% of employees stated their office space design had a direct effect on productivity. Do yourself a favor and take a few simple steps to better office design to help your well-being and bottom line.