A Lesson in Ergonomics
So, you’re interested in buying a large monitor. Putting the technical specifications aside, ergonomics are an important factor in any monitor purchase because it directly corresponds to user satisfaction. If you’re investing in a larger display, you shouldn’t overlook changes to the work environment that can improve productivity and decrease stress.
To promote better ergonomics, start by placing the monitor below your direct line of vision. This reduces neck, back and eye strain. Users are less likely to suffer from headaches or what is commonly known as “Dry Eye Syndrome,” and researchers have noted significant increases in productivity. To keep the monitor below the operator’s line of vision, place it directly on the desk or on a specialized shelf. Do not place it on top of the computer, as this will raise it to a less comfortable position.
Position the monitor 2.5’ to 3’ away from your eyes and, ideally, at a 15- to 30-degree angle below your horizontal line of vision. You should also tilt the top of the monitor so it is father away than the bottom of the screen. The worst situation is to be looking up at a monitor that is too close and is tilted down towards you. If you find that the font size of the characters is too small to read at the recommended distance, increase the zoom level in the program rather than moving the monitor closer.
Take a look at the area immediately around the monitor. The light source should be indirect and continuous. Using “up-lighting”(an example would be wall scones), rather than overhead florescent lights can achieve this. Paint the area behind the monitor with a matte or non-reflective shade that is darker than the display. If the room has a window, install blinds over it, and make sure that the monitor is not placed with the window as a backdrop or facing the window. If the monitor is directly in front of the window, the light will be too much of a distraction. If it is facing the window, there will be additional glare. The easiest way to check this is to look at the screen and see what is reflected when the monitor is off. If it is impossible to alter the position of the light sources, consider investing in a monitor hood. Mesh filters are an alternative option, though they restrict the viewing angle considerably, do not always eliminate glare and can cause whites on the screen to look dull and dark.
Make sure you take “eye breaks” from your computer approximately every 20 minutes. Focus on a distant object or look out a window for a couple of seconds. Take a couple of minutes every hour to stand up and stretch, focusing on the muscles in your neck and upper back. If possible, switch to non-computer work for a bit. If you are typing from paper, place the document at an equal distance from your eyes as the monitor.
These tips should help to make your workplace more people-oriented. Your employees will appreciate the concern over their working conditions and you’ll likely experience increased productivity and satisfaction.
—Hilary Spencer
