Considering how much time we spend at our computers, it’s no surprise that injuries resulting from an improperly set up workstation are on the rise. Strain to arms, neck, shoulders and back are all common complaints. What might surprise you, however, is the importance monitor placement plays in workstation ergonomics. By simply adjusting our monitors appropriately, we can improve posture and thereby eliminate the strain that causes many of these aches and pains.
To ensure that your monitor is properly adjusted for maximum comfort, sit at your desk and follow these steps:
- Move your monitor so that it is directly in front of you. Continually turning your head, even slightly, places unnecessary strain on your neck.
- Hold your arm directly out in front of you. Your monitor should be positioned at the tips of your fingers.
- Raise or lower your monitor so that your eyes are just above the center of the screen. If you cannot accomplish this by adjusting your monitor, you may want to consider raising or lowering your chair. Additionally, if your monitor does not have height adjustment capabilities, you might consider purchasing a monitor stand. Your local office supply store should have these available in a range of styles, with price points as low as $20.
- Tilt the screen of your monitor upward slightly, which will allow you to view the entire screen and display more clearly.
- Finally, match the monitor's brightness to the area directly behind it. Drastic differences in your screen and the rest of your view can lead to headaches and vision issues. Remember, you may need to do this several times throughout the day if you are working in an area affected by natural light.
