Office Ergonomics

It’s important to consider the ergonomics of your workspace setup to reduce risk factors for injury and to improve your comfort and productivity. Education provided in this tutorial will provide you with the basics to improve your workspace.

On-site and Remote Consultations Now Available

If you are an employee and would like to request an ergonomic consultation, please complete the Ergonomic Evaluation Request Form.
If you have further questions, please contact [email protected] or call (734) 763-0852.

Setting Up an Office Space
Ergonomic Tips for Seated Workstations

Lighting Tips

Use task lighting when reading or writing at desk and reduce overhead lighting to reduce glare on screen.

If possible, position workstation perpendicular to a natural light source.

If your workstation is parallel to the natural light source, you may need to use blinds or curtains to filter the light and reduce glare.

Adjust your screen brightness for comfort.

Ergonomic Tips for Standing Workstations

Keyboard Shortcuts

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Windows

How to Adjust Your Chair

U-M Faculty and Staff

Michigan Medicine Faculty and Staff

How to Adjust Your Keyboard Tray
Using a Laptop

The compact nature of a laptop makes it difficult to maintain neutral body positions at the neck and arms, simultaneously. To promote neutral body postures, obtain an external keyboard and mouse and position them at a height and position allowing the arms to maintain neutral. Then, elevate the screen using a laptop riser or something as simple as a box or stack of books to allow the top of the screen to be at eye level. View more laptop tips to minimize your risk (courtesy of Michigan Medicine Safety Management Services).
Using a Phone

Utilize headphones or the speakerphone option for calls instead of cradling phone with shoulder to maintain neutral spinal alignment. This is important when simultaneous typing is required.
Working Remote
Reduce clutter in workspace and keep frequently used items within reach.

Utilize noise-canceling headphone if noise or other distractions are a barrier.

To help prevent digital eyestrain, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Learn more about computer vision syndrome, also referred to as digital eye strain, in this article from the American Optometric Association (AOA).

Adjust your screen or zoom in to increase font size on small monitors.

When feasible, dedicate an area of your home for work activities and establish a routine that promotes sufficient work-life balance.

Stretch or walk at least once per hour and keep moving throughout the day. View tips on how to add activity to your workday, desk exercises and stretching during the workday.

Refer to the Ergonomic Tips for Seated or Ergonomic Tips for Standing for further tips.

View more ergonomic tips for working remotely (courtesy of Michigan Medicine Safety Management Services).

Human Resources University of Michigan

Office Ergonomics

On-site and Remote Consultations Now Available

MHealthy

Office Ergonomics

On-site and Remote Consultations Now Available

MHealthy

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