From the Blog...

Introducing the brand new Lavoro Premium Desktops! Whatever your style, Workspace Ergonomics provide a wide variety of top finishes that will look fantastic in your office space. We supply work surfaces in the most popular veneers, including Oak, Walnut and Ash that are perfect for all traditional or contemporary offices. Available in 8 different top finishes Available in 3 different sizes 25mm Worktop

The Eiger Standing Desk is a retrofit solution designed to turn any sitting desk into a standing desk.
It accommodates a keyboard and full size monitor, keyboard and laptop, keyboard and tablet or just a laptop.

The Eiger is made from eco-friendly, fast-growing FSC sourced Birch Plywood so each one is unique. It assembles and disassembles in seconds with its simple cantilever design.

A perfect ergonomic position is achieved by using the two multi-adjustable platforms that incorporate cable access points, iPhone/iPad stands and even a pen well.

Using a footrest offers many benefits to your health such as improving your posture, circulation, tension relief and can help lessen back pain. A footrest may not seem much more than a comfortable place to rest your feet, but there is so much more to it than that. 

Let’s look at some of the main benefits of using a footrest. 

Improve Sitting Posture 

Your posture is more than just sitting or standing up straight. Your posture is what aligns the body so that you can function properly, so it’s imperative you practice good posture every single day. Getting into bad habits with the way you sit can cause a multitude of problems such as; aches and pains, weight gain, low mood, fatigue, arthritis, poor circulation, breathing difficulties, headaches and more.

Using a footrest can help you maintain your posture by having your feet flat and firmly resting on something, meaning you are sitting at the correct angle. Ensuring you’re sitting with your feet flat and your legs at a 90 degree angle you will find you will be more comfortable and more likely to sit up straight rather than hunch over your desk. 

Improve Circulation

Using a footrest is one of the best solutions offered to help improve poor circulation whilst sitting at your desk. Using a footrest will elevate your legs, instantly encouraging your blood circulation to improve and help stop that dreaded leg ache you might find you suffer with at the end of each day. 

It’s well known that footrests can be used to boost blood circulation when they position the foot at a natural angle. There has been research to prove that the angle of a footrest can directly lead to swelling in the legs and angles if they are not positioned properly. If the footrest is too steep or flat you could find that you have increased swelling due to less oxygenated blood travelling to your toes, so make sure you invest in one that has tilting properties so you can adjust it to be just right for you. 

Fewer Back issues

If you’ve been struggling with back issues and can’t figure out why, it is most probably due to your posture throughout the day. One of the most common complaints among most office workers is backache and that usually comes down to not sitting correctly. If your feet don’t reach the floor and you are slumping forward or leaning back, your back is going to be the part of your body that suffers the most. 

Propping your feet up on a footrest can help stop you from slouching as well as relieving pressure from your spine which will ultimately help keep your back aches at bay. 

Tension Relief For Your Feet 

Feeling tension or a throbbing ache in your feet by the end of the day? If you can’t relax them on something and keep them flat then it’s no wonder that they aren’t feeling the best. 

Particularly for those wearing a variety of different level shoes, your feet will often relax in different positions at your desk, some of which will cause more issues for you than you can even begin to imagine. Not only can sitting in heels or sandals affect you while sitting down, but walking around in these different height shoes can also strain the muscles and tendons in your feet, as well as your achilles tendon. Added together, you have yourself some painful feet! Sitting with a footrest can alleviate the tension in your feet as well as the pressure in your legs so it is well worth investing in one. 

The HAG Quickstep footrest is a dynamic tilting footstool and it offers a variety of benefits such as encouraging movement and variation, as well as activating circulation and stimulating coordination. It stretches the calf muscles and gives the soles of the feet a comfortable massage. 

Comfort (Especially for those who have shorter legs)  

Last but not least, let's talk about comfort, because who wants to be uncomfortable at work? Many of us spend the majority of our week sitting at a desk, so it really is crucial to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible. Using a footrest will not only benefit your health and posture, but also your overall comfort. Productivity can stem a lot from how comfortable you are and your mindset, so if you’re hunched over and uncomfortable then your work is probably going to reflect that. 

So, sit up straight, keep your legs at a 90 degree angle and perch those feet on a footrest. You won’t regret it. 

If you need any help choosing the right ergonomic footrest for you, or for your employees, please do get in touch and we will be happy to advise you on the best product for you.

We all have our own taste and style when it comes to the way that furniture looks in our home or office, but do we ever really have to think about the structure of the furniture and how it can benefit our health? 

Choosing the right office chair can be quite a difficult decision to make, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many factors to think about when choosing the right office chair for you, looking at the ergonomic aspect, the support, the aesthetic appeal, the price, the size and many other features, but we want to help make the decision a little easier for you. 

Here are some factors to think about and to add to your checklist. 

What’s your budget?

A huge decision maker for most of us is if something fits our budget. You can fall in love with an item of furniture but if it’s above and beyond your budget then you will be left feeling disappointed. You can easily find something that you love that you can also afford. 

Office chairs, especially ergonomic chairs, can range anywhere from £100 - £1000+, so it’s important to bear your budget in mind when searching for the chair you want. Use website sorting tools to sort the price range from low to high or select your top budget if available to keep you on track in your search. 

Does the style work with your home or office?

Interior design isn’t necessarily everyone's priority or interest, but it’s still important to make sure that what you buy will work within your space. If you have a super modern home or office, bear that in mind when choosing your office chair. Ergonomic chairs naturally have a modern look to them but if your work space isn’t modern and you’re looking for a different style, the Oslo Task Chair or Mercury Mesh Task Chair have a lovely feel to them that can work in most room designs. 

Consider the ergonomic benefits

Work takes up at least 37 hours a week in most of our lives, so it’s incredibly important to ensure you are physically supported whilst working, not only for your comfort but for your physical and mental health too. It’s important to remember that sitting in an unsupportive chair and slumping over your desk can have a huge impact on your mood and mental health. Our mood often mimics the way that we are physically sitting, so lazy posture = feeling lazy and tired. 

The way that we sit can not only lead to aches and pains, but can also lead to weight gain and ongoing health conditions such as high cholesterol, diabetes and heart problems. We would recommend that you do not sit all day long, consider investing in a sit-stand desk or take a regular break to get up and move around. Taking breaks is also beneficial for your eyes to give them a rest from the screen light. 

Lumbar Support is underestimated 

If you’re someone who already suffers from backache, a chair that offers lumbar support is imperative. Choosing a chair with lumbar support can seem daunting at first, but just ensure you check the full description on the chair and ask questions if you’re unsure. Our RH Logic 400 High Back Task Chair is a perfect example of a supportive chair and includes inflatable lumbar support to give extra support for the entire back in an upright position. 

What size room is it going in and will it fit nicely with your current desk?

It may seem obvious but it’s something that often people don’t think about when choosing a new office chair. If your workspace is at home and in a small room, then choosing a large chair with technical gadgets isn’t going to work in the long-run. Once the novelty wears off, you will likely find that it is taking up too much space and gets in the way. It’s also important to make sure that it has height adjustable features and will fit perfectly under your desk to avoid any discomfort or injuries. Finding a chair that fits your room and supports you personally is possible, just take the time to evaluate your options. 

If you need any help choosing the right chair for you, or for your employees, please do get in touch and we will be happy to advise you.

As the days begin a little brighter and the temperature starts rising, it's always nice to get the office feeling fresh. Whether you're having a spring clean or a shopping spree for new furniture, spring is the perfect time to get the job done.

If you're wanting to revamp the office or simply just freshen it up, here's some ideas on how to get started.

Spring Clean

There's nothing quite like a clean and tidy space to help you work with a clear mind. Get the office smelling fresh, open the windows and welcome some fresh air into the room while you clean. You will be surprised what you find when doing a deep clean! 🦠

Declutter and organise

Re-organise It's time to go through the cupboards and be brutal! Look through old paperwork and throw away the bits you don't need. If you've got lots of clutter floating around, get rid of it - you won't regret it! Re-organising will help clear the mind and help you work more efficiently too. Label drawers or storage folders so that you can find what you need with ease and it'll also give the office an organised feel.

 

Treat yourself to some inexpensive new items

Treat yourself to some inexpensive new items To revamp a room it doesn't have to be expensive. Whether you simply add some fresh plants to the room, a new clock, keyboard, mouse or laptop stand, it doesn't have to cost you a fortune and it can completely transform the room.

Change up the furniture

If you're thinking you need more than a clean and tidy, perhaps switch up the furniture a bit. Either move around what you've got to give the room a fresh look or invest in some modern, ergonomic furniture that will not only give the room a stunning look, but also benefit your health too!

Feeling achy, sore and struggling to understand what you may have done to cause this pain? Many people are the cause of their own pain without even knowing it due to the way that they sit at their desk. 

As children we are often told off by our parents and grandparents for our posture and most of us shrug it off, but it really is as important as they always said. Good posture is the key to avoiding injury, reducing aches and pains and boosting your mental health. When you are sat at your desk for 8 hours+ a day it becomes even more important.

As many of us are working from home at the moment and may not be using the most beneficial office furniture, we thought we would share some advice on how to sit at your desk properly and get the best from your posture. 

1. Remember the 90 angle° 

When you’re sitting at your desk all day long it’s very easy to become lazy with your posture and slump over, but it’s really important to keep your seated position at a 90 degree angle with your back resting on your chair upright and your feet placed flat on the floor. Investing in the right ergonomic chair will help you achieve this for longer periods of time.

Relax your shoulders 

It’s really important to keep your shoulders as relaxed as possible. Hunching them over or tensing them up towards your ears is not good for your back or your neck. If you struggle with this, consider using a back or full posture support.

Only your forearms should be leant on the desk 

Keep your arms off your desk. If you’re leaning right over your desk when typing then you are too far away from your keyboard and in the wrong position. Try and keep your wrists from becoming bent and your back from hunching over. If you are struggling with this particular issue, try out our armrest supports to help you stay in the correct position. 

Computer angle 

Keep your computer at an angle that is eye level. Don’t have it lower so that you are looking down or higher so that you’re looking up. This causes strain on your neck which also flows down through your back. Try out laptop stands to help you get your monitor in the right position.

Don’t sit cross legged 

Similar to our first point, the way you sit is everything! Don’t sit cross legged as your body will naturally pull weight onto one side of the body and lead you to slouch. You may think it’s comfortable at the time but you will soon feel the negative effects from it and find yourself in pain. If you are sitting this way because you are short and your legs dangle, get an under desk foot rest to help your balance. 

Invest in a sit-stand desk

A sit-stand desk offers many benefits to our health as well as our posture. It can help reduce muscular and joint aches, increase productivity, concentration and alertness, while also improving circulation. It’s important for many different reasons to not be sat down all day long, so a sit-stand desk can fix that problem by giving you the option to work both sitting and standing. Try one of our sit-stand desks for yourself or your staff and enjoy the benefits you will feel. 

Are you fed up feeling fatigued at work and thinking ‘how can I get rid of fatigue naturally?’ With the Covid-19 pandemic, the miserable weather and sitting at a desk all day, it’s no wonder many of us are feeling exhausted and sluggish all the time.

With few options of heading to the gym or seeing friends at the moment, here’s some guidance on how to help reduce fatigue and tiredness whilst sticking to the current national restrictions.

 

Get some fresh air

There is nothing quite like a good bit of fresh air to beat fatigue and get you feeling energised. Wrap up warm and go for a walk somewhere that's scenic that will take your mind off of feeling tired. The fresh air will instantly wake you up and if the sun’s out you can get your daily dose of vitamin D too!

 

Exercise

Depending on exactly how fatigued you are feeling will determine what kind of exercise you might want to do, but getting the blood pumping and working up a sweat will certainly get you feeling better in yourself and get your endorphins going. Whether it's a home workout, going for a run or doing some relaxing yoga, it will get you feeling energised. Also bear in mind that if you’re eating unhealthy and fatty foods that this will also make you more fatigued and lead to becoming overweight which as a result will make you more tired!

 

Get some sleep

It may sound simple but some good quality sleep really is one of the most important contributions to avoiding fatigue. If you’re struggling to get a good night's sleep then it might be worth trying some meditation before bed or even just simply listening to relaxing music. Avoid screen time before bed - So working late or staring at your phone screen is a no no when it comes to not stimulating your brain before bedtime.

 

Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake

Although a hot cup of coffee or a glass of wine may be pretty inviting when you’re feeling exhausted and unmotivated (especially in a national lockdown), they’re the worst drinks to reach for. After caffeine comes the crash and after alcohol comes the hangover. Both of these types of drinks have a knock on effect which will affect your sleep and how you feel when you wake up the next day. The more water you drink the more energised you feel and if you really crave a hot drink at your desk, try herbal tea.

 

Invest in an anti-fatigue mat or balance board

If you’ve got a sit stand desk and you’re finding yourself getting a little tired standing but don’t want to sit then an anti-fatigue mat could be the answer. The thin commercial carpets in most offices may look attractive, but do nothing much to cushion the hard floor beneath it, so we have created a group of products such as anti-fatigue desk mats which you can find specifically designed for sit-stand desks on hard office floors that aid health and productivity.

Desktop Power

Power supply is an oft-overlooked aspect of home offices. Getting it right can save a lot of stress and keep everything tidy and professional looking, which is more important now that we are on so many video calls.

There are several options available

Desktop power modules – a cost effective solution for keeping multiple devices powered-up and charged. Our modules include USB connection points and we have options with data connection points. These modules attach to your desk with a clamp or adhesive pads.

In-Desk power units – these are a flush and stylish solution. These also have USB connections  makes use of the frequently vacant cable ports within desks.

Under-desk power modules - are an excellent value option. Similar to desktop modules, these units have multiple sockets but they fit onto the underside of the desk, or can be placed in cable trays underneath the desk - leaving your desk clutter-free.

Did you know that in order to keep your electrical equipment at optimum performance you shouldn’t let the battery drop below 30%? This is a challenge if you are using a laptop, screen, phone and tablet all day, not to mention the printer and other equipment you might need to be constantly connected! Integrating our desk power supply options can make sure all your office equipment remains charged, your desk is uncluttered and you present a professional image to your clients.

Desktop Power Modules

Desktop power modules are convenient charging points that sit on your desk. They're one of the quickest ways to make your home-working life easier and one of the most often overlooked home office accessories.

Whether working at the kitchen table or in a beautiful bespoke home office you will want all your equipment charged up and easily accessible at all times, not all over the room at various charging points, precariously places on the floor or on window sills.

More and more of us are using multiple devices at the same time – hosting a zoom call on a phone while working through a co-produced report on the laptop; and nobody wants to miss a client call because of a dead phone.

Easy access to charging points is even more important now, with household competition for those charging points becoming intense with home schooling and university home-study.

The other advantage of desktop power modules is not having to scramble around for floor level sockets.

Desktop power modules are handy units that give you fuss-free access to a power supply for multiple devices, our modules also have 2 USB charging points.

Desktop power modules are easy to set-up, just like an extension cable, the master socket plugs into a wall socket and the power module fits onto your desk with adhesive pads or a G Clamp.

Setting up a home office – top tips

Most of us are now working from home and have been since March last year – almost a year! Have you got it figured out or are you feeling aches and pains and struggling to switch off?

Here are our top tips for setting up a home office

1: Make sure the internet signal is strong enough and if not buy a booster
You don’t want your working day to be longer than it needs to be because you are waiting for uploads and downloads.

2: Invest in a proper ergonomically designed office chair and think about the height you need it to be. Aches and pains are distracting and can lead to permanent (and expensive!) musculoskeletal issues.
Take a look at our wide range of ergonomic office chairs 

3: Ensure that your computer screen is at eye level. Many of us are working on tablets and laptops and so looking down at a screen all day, this is no good for neck and back health. Look at our monitor arms and screen raisers.

4: Get the lighting right, to reduce eye strain and fatigue. In any spot where you’ll be performing tasks like reading, writing, or computer work, you’ll want a good quality task lamp. Task lighting provides you with a bright, focused light that allows you to easily see the details of what you are doing without fatiguing your eyes. 

5: Consider a sit-stand desk – especially with restrictions on out outdoor activity it’s important for the health of our backs, necks and hips that we limit the time spent seated at our desks. Consider a standing desk or a desk that can be quickly adapted from seated to sitting with the push of a button.  

After the recent announcement of a National lockdown we appreciate that many people will be working from home if possible, but what better time than when the office is empty to get it Covid-safe for your staff?

 

Space

Keep your staff spaced out with at least 2 metres between each of them at the very minimum. If you can supply your team with hygiene screens such as a screened desk or a glass divider, then even better! It's also important to remind them to avoid going to the toilet together if it is a communal toilet and the same goes for the kitchen - this also means no tea making duties!

Hygiene

It's more important than ever right now to ensure that your staff are being hygienic. Make sure that they are washing their hands regularly and provide them with plenty of alcohol-based hand sanitiser. It's also a good idea to ramp up your cleaning schedule to keep the office germ free!

Supply

Keep your team well-stocked with their own antibacterial wipes, tissues, hand sanitiser, masks, pens and anything else they may need to avoid anyone sharing items. Maybe even get some vitamins for each desk!

Is it hot in here?

Keep a close eye on your staff and if they could be showing symptoms of the virus. It would be a pretty good idea to buy a thermometer and check each person's temperature before they enter the building. You can never be too safe!

Company Safety Protocols

Create a document that can be shared, specifying the new company procedures and rules to follow to keep everyone safe. Make it a company safety guidebook that your employees can look at when they need to.

 

Wrist care is often overlooked. If you use a mouse for hours each day and experience pain and tension in your wrists, hands and lower arm a wrist support can help.