The Definition of Office Ergonomics

Definition of Office Ergonomics

Office ergonomics is the practice of arranging workstations, equipment and work habits so they fit the person doing computer and desk work. A well-set-up office workstation keeps the body in neutral postures, reduces repetitive strain and static loading, and helps prevent musculoskeletal disorders such as neck and back pain, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. It applies to traditional offices, control rooms and home offices alike.

Key Facts About Office Ergonomics

• The top of the monitor should be at or slightly below eye level, about an arm's length away.
• Elbows should rest near 90 degrees with wrists straight while typing, and feet flat on the floor or a footrest.
• Chairs should support the lower back and adjust for seat height and depth.
• Regular posture changes and short breaks, such as the 20-20-20 rule for eye strain, reduce fatigue.
• OSHA has no specific ergonomics standard, but it can address serious ergonomic hazards under the General Duty Clause.

Example of Office Ergonomics

An employee working from a laptop at a kitchen table reports neck pain. After a remote ergonomic assessment, the company provides a laptop stand, an external keyboard and mouse, and an adjustable chair, and the employee's symptoms improve within weeks.

How to Set Up an Ergonomic Workstation

1. Adjust chair height so thighs are level and feet are supported.
2. Position the keyboard and mouse close, at elbow height.
3. Raise the monitor to eye level and reduce glare from windows and lights.
4. Keep frequently used items within easy reach.
5. Alternate sitting and standing and take short movement breaks.

Related Terms

• Ergonomics
• Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD)
• Overexertion
• Manual Handling

Frequently Asked Questions: Office Ergonomics

Are standing desks better than sitting desks?

Neither all-day sitting nor all-day standing is ideal. The main benefit of sit-stand desks is the ability to change posture regularly throughout the day.

Do employers have to provide ergonomic equipment for home offices?

Federal OSHA doesn't regulate home offices in detail, but many employers provide equipment and assessments because remote workers face the same strain risks.

What are early signs of an office ergonomic problem?

Stiffness, tingling, numbness or pain in the neck, shoulders, back, wrists or hands, along with eye strain and headaches, are early warning signs worth reporting.