Ergonomic Guidelines | ergonomicoffice

Tips for setting up an ergonomic workstation

What do I need when I'm setting up a new workstation? What will make it easier for me to complete my tasks? How can I best utilise the bench space I have? And will it all be worth it? These are all questions everyone have when they are setting up a new workstation, whether for themselves or for a colleague. Today we are going to assist with some ideas as to what you might need and how it will all work together to create a more productive work environment. 1. Monitor Arms Monitor arms are an extremely underrated piece of equipment, as most people do not think about them at all. They allow the computer monitor to be raised completely off the desk, allowing for the desk space to be utilised. If you select the right one, they also allow you to move the monitor around the desk, either further away or closer, or from left to right dependant on your needs. This means your desk becomes customisable to the requirement of different tasks. Ideal for ergonomic hot desking situations, or just anyone wanting to fully utilise the space they have on their desk. Products to Consider: Flo Single Monitor Arm Humanscale M8.1/M2.1 Single and Dual Monitor Arms C.ME Dual Monitor Arm 2. Document Holder Another piece of equipment that is often overlooked is a document holder. This unique item is used to typically hold paper work that you require for standard tasks and data entry, but can also be used to hold text and reference books, large legal documents, or even a mobile phone so it can stay in viewing range while you work. Some products can also be used as a writing slope as well as a document holder, which adds an extra layer of versatility and practicality. A must for anyone looking to keep their desk organised, and avoid the on the neck and shoulder muscles that constant leaning and straining can cause. Products to Consider: Flexdesk 630 Microdesk Standard or Microdesk Compact 3M Document Holder 3. Compact Keyboards Keyboards are something that everyone with a computer is very familiar with, but the idea that a smaller keyboard can improve productivity is foreign to most. Compact keyboards allow you to have the mouse as close as possible to the keyboard which in turn releases the strain that can be placed on the neck and shoulders, allowing your arms to stay in the optimal position at all times while using the computer. Some options can also allow you to have the keyboards split, meaning that each side can be raised to angles. This means that anyone with wrist issues can have their wrists at a more natural angle while typing; alleviating the stress and strain normal keyboards can sometimes cause individuals. Products to Consider: BakkerElkhuizen S-Board 840 BakkerElhuizen Ultraboard 950 Wired & Bluetooth BakkerElkhuizen Ultraboard 960 Compact Full-Featured Keyboard Goldtouch GO! 2 Wired & Bluetooth 4. Ergonomic Mice Selecting the right mouse is a very individual choice, and finding the one that suits you can be a bit of a minefield. The important things to consider are whether you have any special requirements from the mouse, do you have any injuries, and does the mouse feel comfortable to use. The vertical mouse has risen in popularity due to its ability to promote neutral forearm positioning and prevent excessive forearm twisting. they also quite often come with programmable buttons, allowing for personal customisation dependant on the users’ requirements. An adjustable mouse can allow the user to switch between tilt angles, so as to find the angle that feels best for the individual. There are also trackball and roller mice that can be beneficial to anyone with particular needs due to injuries. For anyone without any special requirements, a straight ergonomic mouse can be the way to go, as they cradle and support the hand to deliver as much comfort as possible. Products to Consider: Evoluent Vertical Mouse D and 4 Goldtouch Ergonomic Mouse Oyster Mouse Contour Roller Mouse Kensington Expert Mouse Pro BakkerElkhuizen PRF Wireless Mouse 5. Laptop/Tablet Risers For anyone who spends hours working away on a laptop, a laptop riser is an absolute essential. Raising the laptop up to eye height allows you to see the screen more clearly, and then use a mobile keyboard instead of the inbuilt keyboard. This means less strain on your eyes, neck, shoulders and arms, and an all-round easier user experience. Laptop risers are extremely portable and can come with various added features dependant on what you need, and what your budget will allow. Some are also custom built to allow tablets to sit comfortably on them as well, adding more functionality, and a further use as we move towards higher usages of tablets in the workplace. Products to Consider: BakkerElkhuizen Q-330 BakkerElkhuizen Q-Hybrid Goldtouch Go! Laptop Riser

An Active Workplace is the New Normal

Why is an Active Office the new Normal? An active workplace reduces fatigue, discomfort and long-term health risk by encouraging regular posture change and movement throughout the working day. Evidence shows that prolonged static sitting increases musculoskeletal strain and contributes to broader health risks, while work environments that support movement improve comfort, focus and productivity without disrupting workflow. Why Movement at Work Matters? It is now well established that regular movement is beneficial for overall health. Walking, exercise and sport all contribute to physical wellbeing. What is increasingly clear is that remaining sedentary for long periods at work presents its own health risks , even for otherwise active individuals. Office work often involves extended periods of sitting and sustained screen use. When posture remains fixed for too long, fatigue accumulates, circulation reduces and strain increases across the lower back, neck, shoulders and hips. Small, regular movements during the day such as walking to the kitchen, moving around the office, or briefly standing, can help interrupt prolonged static postures and reduce cumulative load on the body. Vision Drives Posture (S E E™ Principle) Extended screen work also places demand on the visual system. When focusing continuously on a computer display, people tend to adopt forward head and neck postures without realising it. Looking away from the screen to focus on something in the distance every 30 to 45 minutes allows the visual system to reset and encourages natural posture correction. This aligns with the S E E™ as part of the The Ergonomic Office Framework. Vision is the invisible driver of posture . Sit-to-Stand Desks and Movement at Work One of the most effective ways to promote movement without interrupting productivity is through the use of sit-to-stand workstations . Height adjustable desks allow workers to transition between seated, perched and standing postures throughout the day, rather than remaining fixed in one position. This supports the S P A S™ model (Sit · Perch · Active Stand) , which recognises that posture naturally changes as tasks, energy levels and focus shift. Health and Comfort Benefits Investing in height adjustable workstations supports an active workplace and may reduce the risk of developing musculoskeletal discomfort associated with prolonged sitting. Evidence also suggests potential benefits for broader health outcomes including reduced fatigue and improved comfort during the working day. A study conducted at Monash University in Melbourne found that sit-to-stand desk users experienced significant reductions in fatigue and lower back discomfort , while maintaining productivity levels, particularly among overweight and obese office workers. True. The Key Insight An active office is not about standing all day. It is about prioritising movement and posture variation . When a workspace is furnished and configured intelligently it manages posture by supporting vision, seating, reach and posture transitions. Movement becomes a natural part of work rather than a disruption to it. This is the foundation of the Ergonomic Office P O S T U R E Model ™ integrating: S E E™ vision-driven posture S E A T™ supportive, adjustable seating A R M S™ efficient reach and upper-limb interaction S P A S™ sit, perch and active stand throughout the day Practical Application At ergonomic office , we support active workplaces through a range of height adjustable desks and sit-to-stand solutions designed to accommodate different users, tasks, and environments. Accessories such as anti-fatigue mats and perching stools can also assist people transitioning to more dynamic work patterns. These tools are most effective when used as part of a broader ergonomic approach; one that supports movement, variation and comfort rather than forcing the body into a single “ideal” posture.

Tips for Switching to an Ergonomic Mouse

Tips for Switching to an Ergonomic Mouse Unless they have a touch screen, all computers require a mouse in order for people to use the system. However, most conventional mouse designs can cause discomfort and pain of varying severity over time. At Ergonomicoffice, we recommend switching to an ergonomic mouse to maximise comfort and minimise strain. This blog contains helpful tips for making the switch to an ergonomic mouse. Decide on a Style In addition to conventional optical mice, there are several other styles of mouse designs that you can choose from. Ergonomic choices include vertical mice and trackpads that optimise comfort and help to prevent repetitive strain injuries. If you have an Injury, we recommend that you get a Workstation Assessment from an Allied Health Professional who can recommend a mouse that will suit your condition. Find the Right Mouse Finding the right mouse for your specific needs is important. However, the perfect mouse will differ from person to person according to work habits and the length of time spent using the mouse. If you spend hours on computers every day, you may want to consider investing in an Optapad – a state-of-the-art mouse that combines optic technologies and ergonomics. The Optapad Mouse. The Optapad mouse boasts a range of fantastic features, including a glass touchpad, wing shaped wrist supports, and a centred work area. These features not only make the mouse light and easy to use, but also prevent tension and pain from developing in your arm, neck and shoulder. This means you can work for longer periods of time without the risk of developing issues such as tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome. Additional features include tough and durable construction, no moving parts, and friction-free movement. The Optapad also boasts customisable settings, allowing users to personalise the device to suit their specific preferences. RollerMouse. Similar in principal to the Optapad, The Contour RollerMouse Free 3, RollerMouse Red and RollerMouse Pro 3 are all known as ‘Central Pointing Devices’. The central location of a RollerMouse in front of your keyboard means it is easy to reach, reduces repetitive arm movements and doesn’t require any gripping of the mouse. The RollerMouse series from Contour also encourage load sharing between both hands to prevent over-use of a single hand or arm. A Vertical or Semi-Vertical Mouse. Mice such as the Evoluent Vertical Mouse 4, Evoluent C Series Vertical Mouse or the Goldtouch Posture Mouse are all very popular. Although they do suit a large amount of injuries, their design is focused on Injury Prevention. The design of a standard computer mouse puts your forearm muscles, tendons and nerves in a constant state of strain. This is directly caused by excessive twisting / crossing over of your radius and ulnar within your forearm. Vertical Mice and Semi-Vertical Mice put your Radius and Ulnar in a neutral position where they run parallel with each other, thus reducing strain on your forearm muscles etc. Give Yourself Time to Adapt A brand new mouse, especially one of an unconventional design, can feel strange and uncomfortable at first. We recommend giving yourself ample time to adapt, allowing you to grow more comfortable using it on a regular basis. Eventually, using it should feel like second nature. E rgonomic Mouse OPTIONS

What is Hot Desking and ABW?

Hot Desking and ABW - Practical WHS Guidance Overview Hot Desking is a workplace arrangement where employee’s use shared workstations rather than having a permanently assigned desk. Activity-Based Working (ABW) environments, where staff move between different spaces depending on their task. These approaches iare increasingly used across Corporate and Australian Government workplaces to support flexible and hybrid ways of working. From a Work Health and Safety (WHS) perspective, hot desking works best when staff are supported to set up each workstation comfortably and safely at the start of their day. WHS Considerations When multiple people share desks and equipment, individual needs can vary significantly. Differences in height, posture, work tasks, and duration of computer use mean that a workstation that suits one person may not suit the next. For this reason, hot desking environments benefit from: Furniture that can be easily adjusted Equipment that supports neutral working postures Clear guidance to help staff make simple, effective adjustments These measures help reduce discomfort and support sustained, productive work. Supporting Safe and Comfortable Work Adjustable Workstations Providing adjustable chairs, desks, monitor arms, notebook stands and ergonomic input devices allows staff to adapt the workstation to their needs. Easy-to-use controls encourage people to make adjustments rather than working around discomfort. Use of Laptops Laptops support mobility but are not designed for extended use without accessories. Access to external keyboards, mice, and monitor positioning solutions can help staff maintain more comfortable postures. Simple Setup Guidance Clear, easy-to-follow setup guides at each workstation can help staff quickly adjust their workspace for comfort and safe use. These guides may support staff to: Adjust chair height and back support to suit their body and task Regularly vary desk height between seated and standing to encourage movement throughout the day Position screens at a comfortable viewing height to reduce neck and eye strain Set up keyboards and mice so arms, wrists, and shoulders feel relaxed and natural during use. Providing simple visual cues helps staff make small adjustments that can improve comfort, reduce fatigue, and support healthy working habits when using shared desks. Time to Adjust Allowing a few minutes at the start of each session for workstation setup helps staff settle in comfortably and reduces the likelihood of working in awkward postures. Hot Desking and Activity-Based Working (ABW) Hot desking is often used within Activity-Based Working (ABW) environments, where staff move between different spaces depending on their task. While ABW provides choice and flexibility, each workstation—regardless of location—should still support safe and comfortable computer work. Ergonomic considerations apply equally to focus desks, collaboration areas, and touchdown spaces. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement Encouraging staff to report discomfort, equipment issues, or adjustment difficulties supports early intervention and continuous improvement. Periodic review of hot desking arrangements helps ensure they continue to meet staff needs and align with guidance from bodies such as Safe Work Australia . Perspective Success Looks Like Failure Looks Like Employer Efficient use of space, workforce flexibility, low levels of complaints Hidden costs, increased WHS issues, declining morale Employee Comfortable work setup, adequate support, flexibility and choice Physical discomfort, frustration, loss of control over workspace Union Meaningful consultation, safe work practices, risks appropriately managed Cost-driven implementation, unsafe conditions, imposed arrangements In Summary Hot desking can support flexible ways of working when accompanied by thoughtful design and practical guidance. Organisations can help staff work comfortably and safely no matter which desk they use on the day by providing adjustable furniture, appropriate equipment and simple setup advice

Office Ergonomics & Human Behaviour.

Tips for setting up an ergonomic workstation

An Active Workplace is the New Normal

Tips for Switching to an Ergonomic Mouse

What is Hot Desking and ABW?

Terms & Conditions

TERMS & CONDITIONS ( Checkout )

1. Definitions

2. Warranty Against Defects & Australian Consumer Law

Warranty Coverage (Model Dependent)

Chairs & Ergonomic Seating : 2 - 15 years warranty (model dependant)

Electrical Components. : 1 year warranty

Peripheral Input Devices. : 1 year warranty

3. Returns (Change of Mind)

4. Payment Terms

5. Debt Recovery & Interest

6. Retention of Title

7. Governing Law

8. Severability

9. Intellectual Property

Privacy Policy

ergonomicoffice – Privacy Policy

1. Personal Information We Collect

2. How We Collect Personal Information

3. Why We Collect and Use Personal Information

4. Disclosure to Third Parties

5. Overseas Storage and Cross-Border Disclosure

6. Data Security

7. Access, Correction and Deletion of Personal Information

8. Marketing Communications & Unsubscribe

9. Data Retention

10. Cookies and Website Analytics

11. Making a Privacy Complaint

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy