Top 5 Things to Make Your Desk More Comfortable
It’s hard to be productive when you’re uncomfortable.
Whether it’s back pain, neck pain, noise and visual distractions, or clutter, there’s no shortage of workplace gremlins conspiring to rob you of comfort…and your ability to get things done.
To help you out, we’re here to teach you how to make your desk more comfortable, as well as ideas on how to make your office more comfortable in general. You’ll be happy to know they’re all easy changes that will make a big impact. For best results, also check out our video on standing desk posture, as well as our primer on how to use your standing desk.
How to Make Your Office More Comfortable
1. Privacy Panels
When you’re trying to focus, nothing is more uncomfortable than noise and visual distractions. According to OSHA Europe, “Occupational noise, even when it is not at a level that requires action to prevent hearing loss, can be a stressor.”
A quality set of sound-absorbing desk dividers and room dividers can reduce noise while blocking visual distractions from your view, thereby making you more comfortable.
2. Easy Access to Power
It certainly isn’t comfortable having to fish around underneath your desk for power every time you want to plug in or unplug your phone or laptop. This is especially true if you are frequently shuttling between meetings and your desk.
Positioning your USB ports, AC outlets, and wireless phone charger within an easy arm’s reach makes plugging in seamless.
3. Storage and Organization
More and more experts are linking clutter to anxiety. Needless to say, anxiety isn’t comfortable.
Adding some storage and organization solutions to your work space in the form of a pencil drawer, filing cabinet, and bag hook can get clutter off your desk (where it can cause you stress-induced discomfort).
4. Standing Desk
According to a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, subjects who reduced time sitting time by 66 minutes per day “…reduced upper back and neck pain by 54%, and improved mood states.” The CDC goes on to write that, “Our findings suggest that using a sit-stand device at work can reduce sitting time and generate other health benefits for workers.”
One can safely assume that reduced back pain and improved mood equates to better comfort…a compelling reason to use a standing desk or standing desk converter at work.
5. Comfortable Chair
While numerous studies point to the clear benefits of standing over sitting at your desk, many experts recommend a combination of the two. In other words, for optimum health and wellness, you should alternate between sitting and standing throughout the work day.
For the time you do spend sitting, it’s best to use an office chair that is comfortable, supportive, and promotes proper seated ergonomics.
We hope these hacks help make your work station more comfortable!
