4 Relatable Work Problems Solved by Codex

Regardless of industry, company and type of work, a few ergonomic problems plague the global workplace today. According to OSHA, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most common health problem in the European Union. These MSDs are usually connected to neck, back, and wrist pain. However, some of these ergonomic issues can be prevented with early intervention. 

In this article, we discuss four relatable problems you might face at work. We also discuss solutions, tips and a few products that can help you correct the issue. 

1. Neck and Back Pain

If you spend over 8 hours a day sitting at your office work desk, you might have experienced a dull ache in the back of your neck or a backache that does not seem to go away. Sitting for long periods can definitely cause neck pain or worsen any existing back problem. The main reason behind this is poor posture caused by slouching over or slumping down in your chair. This posture can overstretch the ligaments in the spine and put a lot of pressure on your neck and back. 

An ergonomic office chair is a must-have piece of office furniture that, when used properly, can minimise back and neck pain and promote good posture while sitting. However, simply having the best office chair is not enough. Adjusting the office chair according to your height is necessary to improve comfort. 

If you’re interested in learning more about the correct posture while sitting in an office chair, here are five tips to follow:

1. Position your elbows at a 90° angle to your desk
2. Sit in as close to the desk as possible
3. Bring your keyboard and mouse in close so your elbows are in line with your ribcage
4. Place your feet flat on the floor or footrest
5. Sit right back into the chair, with your hips and back in complete contact with the backrest

Suggested Office Chair: Profim LightUp Chair With Lumbar Support

2. Sitting For Too Long

Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee, commuting to work, watching your favourite TV show, or working at your desk, you’re sitting. Sitting seems so simple and necessary, but did you know that the longer you sit, the harder it is to maintain good posture? Prolonged sitting can also lead to several ailments, and standing can do the opposite: increase productivity, improve posture, and burn calories. 

A standing desk (also known as a sit-stand desk or a stand-up desk) is a desk that allows you to stand and work comfortably. While some standing desks come at a fixed height, most of them are electric and can be adjusted at the push of a button. Standing desks are better for your health. Even if you have a sedentary job, a standing desk will ensure and facilitate movement occasionally. The user can switch from a sitting workstation to a fully ergonomic height-adjustable standing desk in just a few seconds. Research also shows that using standing desks can boost productivity and burn more calories than sitting. Therefore, unless you have a medical condition that affects your circulatory system, a standing desk is something you should definitely try for better health. Alternate between sitting and standing for the best results and experience.

Suggested Sit-Stand Desk: The Leap Single Sit-Stand Desk

3. Elbow and Wrist Pain

A report published back in 2008 in the US found that 60% of computer workers complain of wrist pain. If you have started to experience some pain in your forearm, wrist or elbow while working from home, this may be due to poor typing posture. Laptops come with an in-built touchpad for navigation. These are very convenient if you use your laptop for a couple of hours daily, but not so much if you depend on the touchpad for a whole workweek. Touchpads require you to contort your fingers, which can cause a lot of strain on your joints.  

We suggest investing in a separate keyboard and mouse to combat elbow and wrist pain. Having an extended ergonomic keyboard can alleviate typing-related ailments like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. It positions your hands and wrists naturally so that you can work for extended periods safely. Using an ergonomic mouse allows your hands to rest in their natural position, alleviating stress. It also ensures less fatigue, as you do not have to put in much effort or pressure to click something. 

Suggested Keyboard and Mouse Sets: Kensington Pro Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Set and Logitech Wired Keyboard & Mouse Set

4. Noise and Lack of Focus

According to a study by the Danish Technical University, employee productivity was reduced by 15% when noise was introduced in the workplace. You have probably heard it if you work in an open-plan office. The typing on the keyboard, loud chatter and footsteps on the floor are some of the things that can derail an otherwise productive work session. 

Here are a few ways you can reduce echo and noise in the workplace: 

Acoustic Panels

Sound bounces off harder surfaces but is absorbed through softer materials. So to absorb sounds in the workplace, you can consider options like acoustic panels. Acoustic panels reduce reverb, create a high-quality sound environment and are very easy to install. 

Modular Screens

To help employees to move around, collaborate and work flexibly, the best sound masking solutions are modular screens. Like acoustic panels, freestanding modular screens can be set up in any area within seconds. 

Meeting pods

If your workplace has an open-plan layout, office meeting pods are something you should be investing in. A meeting pod or a meeting booth provides a quiet area to meet, take a call or do focus work.

Suggested Acoustic Products: Fluffo Air Dot Overhead Panels and Hush Meet 

Want to improve your office environment but don’t know where to start? At Codex, we want to help you take the guesswork out of shopping and enable you to shop confidently. We have, therefore, prepared product guides for our most commonly purchased office products. Browse here.