How to Find a Balance Between Ergonomics and Company Image in Workstations

The two most important considerations in designing workstations to be used in a new office are user comfort and the representation of company image.

Ergonomics is the study of design and engineering in relation to human usage. It is used to determine the healthiest and most comfortable methods of designing for humans. The study of ergonomics is very important in workstation design, as it can mean the difference between healthy, happy and productive employees, and an unproductive workplace. The design of a successful workstation involves many components, and there are various ergonomics standards to aid this.

Office workstations work together with ergonomically designed chairs that are fully adjustable with lumbar support, to encourage healthy posture in employees. Desks need to be high enough that the employee's eyes are level with the top third of the computer screen, preventing unnecessary neck strain. The computer keyboard should be at the same height as the elbow (bent at 90 degrees), making extra shelves for keyboards necessary in some workstations.

Additionally, workstations should be placed so that there is some access to natural light, with the main light source entering at a 45 degree angle from the eyes. Often V or L shaped workstations are preferable for ergonomics as they allow all necessary materials to be in easy reach, preventing unnecessary twisting of the body. V shaped desks can also be a fantastic way to save space in an office, compared to traditional rectangle shaped desks.

In comparison to the complicated task of designing workstations to be ergonomically viable, incorporating company aesthetics into the office can seem relatively easy. However, workstations can easily look messy or clumsy, even when designed to be perfectly functional. Mixing the company image with ergonomic design requires a delicate balance but is the most effective way of making impressive workstations.

Workstations can be made using company colours or designed to appear streamlined and efficient, reflecting desirable qualities. Screens between desks can be used as a platform for the company image, adding blocks of striking colour to the office setting. Efficient storage and cable handling is an essential for office workstations, and can improve the appearance of an office immensely. Individual filing cabinets can be installed in the unused space underneath a desk, and functional shelves can be placed within easy reaching height. Workstations that can be configured to fit different spaces give an office a fresh, efficient and flexible atmosphere, complementary to any company image.