While we often attribute office stress to human activity and the fast-pace of events, there are many passive environmental factors that can contribute to our health and well-being. It only takes a few minutes to analyze passive stressors and make positive changes.
Poor lighting can cause eyestrain and contribute to fatigue. Fluorescent lighting is terrible for reading, and the glare off a computer screen can be a big source of eye-strain. Turn off that light and get a good desk lamp that directs the light where you need it. Get rid of any remaining old behemoth CRT computer monitors, and replace them with flat-panel LCD monitors with much less glare and reflection.
Another source of stress is tension and pain caused by bad office chairs with poor support. With all the time we spend in our office chair, it pays to buy one that fits you. Don’t settle for the one that fits the office decor, get one that makes you more comfortable and more energized to work.
An improperly positioned computer monitor and keyboard can strain neck, eyes, and hands. According to the National Institutes for Health, make sure your monitor is positioned 20-26 inches directly in front of you, with the top of the monitor raised to the level of your forehead. For most of us, that means raising the monitor off the desk. For the positioning of the keyboard and mouse, the NIH suggests the following:
- Adjust keyboard height so shoulders can relax and allow arms to rest at sides (an articulating keyboard tray is often necessary to accommodate proper height and distance).
- Keyboard should be close to the user to avoid excessive extended reaching.
- Forearms parallel to the floor (approximately 90 degree angle at elbow).
- Mouse should be placed adjacent to keyboard and at the same height as the keyboard (use articulating keyboard tray if necessary).
- Avoid extended and elevated reaching for keyboard and mouse. Wrist should be in neutral position (not excessively flexed or extended).
- Do not rest the hand on the mouse when you are not using it. Rest hands in your lap when not entering data.
Noisy offices can inhibit concentration and add to frustration. And it’s not just human noise, but noise from copiers and other office machines. Try to move office machines to enclosed spaces away from employees workplaces, but close enough to be convenient. Headphones are not recommended due to safety concerns (fire alarms, etc.); however, try placing several white noise machines (that have a soothing surf or babbling brook sound) around the office. When buying new office machines, ask the vendor about any noise-reduction features that savvy manufacturers are starting to build into their products. Lastly, some firms may look at noise-reduction materials to build into their office walls and ceilings.
Changing any or all of these office stressors can make for happier, healthier, and more productive staff.
Also, consider adding a water cooler in the office to promote increased consumption and better health. The minimal cost will make for more healthy and productive employees.
This last stress-reducing feature may make you laugh (also a stress-reliever), but it works in all the firms I know that do it: Adopt an office pet. Whether you are playing with a cat, petting a dog, or staring at graceful fish in an aquarium, the power of animals to soothe and reduce human stress is well-documented. Add an office pet to your daily office routine and watch the blood pressure go down and the smiles multiply!
