Do you also spend your days sitting in front of your computer? It is essential to set up an ergonomic workstation for your health and productivity. In this guide, we explain what an ergonomic workstation is and guide you in setting up yours.

What is an ergonomic workstation?

An ergonomic workstation is a workspace that promotes the comfort, safety and productivity of its user while minimizing the risk of posture-related problems.

Here are the different criteria that define an ergonomic workstation:

Dynamic seating

Sitting in a static position for a long time is bad for your health. Using ergonomic chairs or ball seats allows for dynamic sitting that encourages movement and helps reduce fatigue with frequent changes in position.

For example, the Ballon ball seat is specially designed to promote dynamic and ergonomic sitting. You can learn more about the Blouson active seat by consulting our article: Bloon active seat, The ergonomic solution for your well-being

In addition, if you would like more information on dynamic sitting, do not hesitate to consult our posture: Dynamic Sitting: The solution for better ergonomics at work.

Customizable desk height

An improper desk height can cause muscle pain and problems. An ergonomic workstation should allow you to adjust the height of your desk according to your height. When you are sitting, your elbows should be able to maintain a 90-degree eagle.

Freedom of movement

An ergonomic workstation should allow you to move freely without restricting your movements, the space under the desk should be sufficient and the workspace adjustable. Good freedom of movement helps reduce fatigue and improves blood circulation, since it allows you not to remain in a static position.

Modular workstation

Your workstation accessories, such as keyboard, monitor, and mouse, should be adjustable and modular to suit your needs. Your computer monitor should be positioned at eye level or slightly lower to avoid neck strain and about an arm's length away to avoid damaging your eyes. Your keyboard and mouse should be positioned so that your elbows are positioned at 90 degrees and your arms are not straining.

Adequate lighting

Regarding lighting, an ergonomic workstation must be sufficiently lit to avoid eye strain and reduce productivity. The ergonomic workstation must be equipped with adjustable lighting positioned so as not to create glare on the screen. Suitable lighting improves concentration, reduces eye strain and makes the work environment more pleasant.

Explanatory image of an ergonomic workstation.

Choose the right furniture

Ergonomic ball seat

Dynamic seating is an essential criterion for an ergonomic workstation, the Ballon ball seat is designed to promote active and ergonomic seating that improves your posture, comfort and productivity. To learn more about the benefits of the Bloon Ball, do not hesitate to consult our article: https://bloon-paris.fr/blogs/siege-ballon/swiss-ball-bureau-bienfaits

Click here to purchase your Bloon Balloon Seat

Sit-stand desk

Using a sit-stand desk for your ergonomic workstation is ideal for customizing your desk height and alternating between sitting and standing throughout your workday. This helps improve blood circulation, reduce fatigue, and maximize productivity.

Footrest

A footrest can be used as an accessory to your ergonomic workstation if your feet are not flat on the floor when you are sitting. A footrest helps maintain good posture by supporting your feet and reducing pressure on your lower back and legs. A good footrest is adjustable in tilt and height according to your needs.

Adopt good posture at work

Good posture at work is essential to prevent pain, back problems and musculoskeletal disorders. Good posture improves your overall well-being and productivity.

To maintain good posture at work, your chair height should allow you to place your feet flat on the floor or on a footrest with your knees bent at 90 degrees. Be sure to choose an ergonomic chair or ball chair that provides good lumbar support to maintain the natural curve of your spine.

The Balloon chair is a great choice to integrate into your ergonomic workstation. Thanks to its ergonomic design, the Balloon naturally supports your lower back and promotes good posture.

Your desk should be at a height that allows you to bend your elbows 90 degrees. Your monitor should be about an arm's length away and at eye level or slightly lower. Position your keyboard so that your wrists are in line with your forearms, and place your mouse close to the keyboard to avoid excessive arm movement.

Regarding your posture, keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed, avoid leaning forward and keep your head aligned with your spine without tilting it.

If you want to improve your daily posture at work or at home, you can consult our article: How to adopt good posture on a daily basis.

Stay active at the office

To have an active and balanced life, you need to stay moving even at the office. Spending long hours in the same position behind a desk can harm your health, so you should incorporate simple exercises into your daily routine, to reduce musculoskeletal risks, improve blood circulation and increase your well-being and productivity.

We recommend that you incorporate stretching and muscle strengthening exercises into your office. You can check out our articles:

• 10 Exercises with a Ball at the Office: For an Active and Balanced Life
• The 12 Best Office Stretches to Relieve Stress and Tension

Finally, to set up an ergonomic workstation, you just need to follow a few simple principles and integrate ergonomic furniture into your workspace, such as an ergonomic ball seat that allows you to have good posture naturally without putting pressure on your lumbar, a sit-stand desk that allows you to adjust your working height. Then make sure to properly position your accessories such as your mouse, keyboard and screen and to set up adequate lighting.

FAQ: Ergonomic workstation

• What is an ergonomic workstation?

• An ergonomic workstation promotes comfort, efficiency and productivity, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders. It adapts the workspace to the physical needs of employees, with an adjustable seat, a work surface at the right height, and correctly positioned accessories.

• How to make your workstation ergonomic?

• To make your workstation ergonomic, opt for an ergonomic ball chair that allows you to have good posture naturally, a standing-sitting desk that allows you to adjust the working height, place your screen at eye level and align your keyboard and mouse with your wrists.

• What are the rules of workstation ergonomics?

The rules of an ergonomic workstation are:

Adjustable seat height so feet are flat.

• Lumbar support to maintain the natural curvature of the back.
• Desk height adjusted so elbows are at a 90 degree angle.
• Screen at eye level and about an arm's length away.
• Correct positioning of keyboard and mouse to avoid wrist strain.
• Adequate lighting to avoid eye strain and screen glare.

• What is the purpose of ergonomics at work?

• The goal of ergonomics at work is to adapt the workstation according to the needs of employees by improving comfort and safety. Ergonomics at work helps reduce fatigue, stress and improve productivity.

• How to be ergonomic at work?

• Maintain good posture with lumbar support, organize your space to avoid excessive movement, take regular breaks to stretch, use ergonomic equipment, and incorporate exercise into your daily routine to stay active.

• What is the correct posture at work?

• Keep your back straight, feet flat, shoulders relaxed, and head aligned with your spine. Elbows should be at 90 degrees, and forearms parallel to the floor.

• What are the benefits of ergonomics for the employee?

• Ergonomics reduces pain and injuries, improves posture and comfort, and increases productivity. It also reduces fatigue and stress, improving overall well-being and reducing absences due to occupational illness.