With the increase in dependence of computer technology in this time and age’s economy, the larger percentage of workers in the formal sector spend enormous hours of each work day behind the computer screens. Research studies actually indicate an increase in the number of back and neck issues, with computer usage as one of the predisposing factors. Unfortunately, these hard working individuals are pointed out as the victims in their own struggle by such surveys.
One of the most common causes of these issues happens to be the positioning of the monitor, a factor that is unknown to many. The main reason for this is that positioning of the monitor goes a long way to even having an influence on the sitting posture you maintain. How well it is place in relation to your viewing and sitting can be a determinant factor of the most convenient posture you maintain in order to work effectively.
But why is such a case quite common?
Be aware about proper monitor positioning
Even as much as most major employers have been have shown much of laxity in educating their employers about the essence of observing a proper working posture at the back of the screen, it is important that one enlighten themselves. Making specific adjustments to your computer monitor and positioning it in an optimum way can save you the trouble of issues such as back pains, neck pains, strains, sprains, and even stiff necks in some cases. Possibly, also try to educate your co-workers and colleagues about the importance of this simple practice as it can go a long way in increasing productivity in your team or workforce. As an employer, creating such a awareness among your employees will also one way or another increase profitability in your business as they become more active; probably sparing you on costs of additional staffing.
Monitor related concerns
Different people have different concerns when it comes to sitting in front of the monitor. With neck pain being one of those concerns, it can be a daunting task to select the correct position of your computer screen; especially since headaches, eye straining and other issues can be part of the equation. Additionally, the positioning may influence efficiency, comfort, as well as effectiveness of execution. As earlier stated, positioning can go hand in hand with the posture you will most likely maintain, or your preferred positioning.
Choosing an optimum position for your monitor
It all takes a proper thought to ensure that you don’t end up with a blow of extended excruciating pain to deal with. Below are some few considerations to make when ergonomic positioning of your monitor is what troubles have in mind.
- Time in front of the screen. It can be a good idea to place your monitor directly in front of your eyes, especially when working for long seated hours. This positioning should however work well with your eyes.
- Length from your position. The most optimum position in relation to distance from your sitting position would be an arm’s length away. To ensure that you don’t strain or the light doesn’t affect your eyes much, consider customizing your visibility setting to what you can well work with. You can do this from your PC or the monitor as well, depending on the type and operating system.
- Your seated height with respect to your screen. Interestingly, most office appliances and furniture of this age and day can be adjusted to desired heights. This said, you should adjust the monitors’ height or the height of your chair, so that the screen is directly level with your eye. Something like too low or high can do your neck some undesirable treat. For a large screen however, giving an allowance of about 3” to the uppermost viewing area can be practical enough.
- Tilting. If you have to tilt your monitor for better clarity, have it done in an upward direction such that the base seems closer to you. Tilting the other way round will do more harm than good, not unless for the reason of avoiding glares.
- Text fonts. Eye problems are common in formal settings, and different people have different strengths when it comes to viewing. It is imperative to adjust your font settings to the one that works best for you, so that you don’t end up straining your neck trying to get as close as you can to the monitor. A font size twice or thrice as large as the smallest size you can read can be optimum. There are also reading glasses available in the market, if your problem seems specific and consistent.
It is not only the neck that you can spare pain and strains from by following the above tips. Your back and eyes can as well enjoy the benefits of correct monitor positioning at the work place. So that you stay healthy, fit and effective in these times of a rampant economy, making the above adjustment can definitely be worthwhile. They can go a long way in ensuring that you maintain a good life quality, free from pains, drugstore medication and frequent complaints of neck injuries.
