Office Ergonomics

Office ergonomics – whether we realize it or not – directly or indirectly affects every one of us. It is the study of the work we do, the environment we work in, and the tools we use to successfully perform our jobs.

Office ergonomics helps us be comfortable and safe at work, which reduces the risk of injury, lowers stress, increases personal engagement, and raises overall work performance. This book embraces and addresses the new reality of the traditional ‘office’ work, which is ever changing and evolving, and offers tactical recommendations on how to make non-traditional office settings more comfortable.

This book suggests how to

• Set up the office, wherever that may be – at a company site, at home, at a corner café, on a commuter train
• Interact with colleagues
• Organize and pace work
• Select and arrange equipment and furniture
• Maintain the physical climate – lighting, sound, heating and cooling

The book is a practical one, based on sound theory and solid research. Written for non-engineers as well as those in the industry, it has a conversational tone, reflects true-life situations that office workers face, and is adaptable to multiple office settings. While budding ergonomists will find it educational, office managers and designers will benefit from it as well. You will find ten fast-paced chapters, augmented with brief case studies and illustrations, and capped off with a series of practical design recommendations. Three appendices delve into ergonomic topics with more thorough details.

This book suggests how best to achieve a harmonious work scenario by optimizing the ‘fit’ between the person and his or her environment. This, in a nutshell, is what ergonomics is all about: working with ease and efficiency.