Organize Your Desk for Productivity and Ergonomics

The last days of 2018 are here, which means it’s the perfect time to evaluate the year that has passed and to think about ways you can make 2019 better. One easy improvement you can implement right away is organizing your desk. This will not only make you more productive but also can help you lead a healthier life.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

To set up your environment in a way that promotes productivity and helps you avoid health issues such as back pain or fatigue, you need to think about the ergonomics of your space Here are a few tips to point you in the right direction:

Find the ideal desk height for you. You should be able to type on a keyboard with your arms and hands parallel to the floor, your feet flat on the floor, and your legs fitting comfortably under the desk when sitting. There are keyboard trays, footrests, desk risers, and more gadgets to help you customize your workspace. Or you can simply adjust your chair height.

Make sure your monitor is properly set up. Poor monitor placement could lead to improper posture, eye strain, and even shoulder or back problems. Here are some guidelines from the US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration to get you started.

Your keyboard and mouse should also be properly placed. Your keyboard should be close to your body so you can hold your elbows comfortably by your sides, while your mouse should fit your hand easily, without it being too big or too small.

A great thing to remember is to always practice proper posture. Not only will proper posture prevent health problems, it also contributes to feelings of comfort and confidence, which in turn will positively impact your productivity and performance.

To perform your best, you also need to eliminate unnecessary distractions, like a cluttered desk. Make sure you only keep the things you require on a daily basis on top of your desk, any other items should be stored in drawer to prevent visual clutter and dust accumulation.

Remember that your permanent office space should be tailored to your needs and demands, set up in a way that supports your well-being and helps you be as efficient as you can be.

Start off 2019 on the right track by making sure your workspace is helping you be your most productive and healthiest self.

About Andrés Sanjose

Andrés Sanjose is a writer and editor based in Guatemala. He previously lived in Berlin for 10 years where he witnessed the birth and amazing evolution of the Virtual Office phenomenon, while working as a freelancer in the german capital. He is very interested in what the future holds for this exciting industry and loves to write about it.