Office ergonomics – a chair that supports your back and a mouse that fits to your hand generally covers it for most people, but there is a lot more that can be easily incorporated into your workspace without having to study the science behind it.

As well as the basic support functions for ensuring the body remains comfortable in a seated, desk-based position, ergonomics focuses on the wider environment – in particular how far you have to reach while working.

Ergonomic zones help people to visualise and control how easy it is to access the objects they might need to use throughout the working day.

The focus remains on protecting the body and minimising the chance of suffering aches, strains and pains from assuming an uncomfortable position, repeat movements or over-stretching.

What is the right ergonomic zone/s?

Ergonomic zones are used to split the desk (or wider working area) into primary, secondary and non-working zones. The idea is that these should be used as guidelines to lay out an effective workspace that reduces strain on the body. The zones are defined by how far they are from your body and the frequency of use of the items within them.

Primary Zone

This is the area closest to the body that can be reached without needing to move your arms away from the side of your body. Essentially it is the part of the desk directly in front of you if you fan your arms across the desk without reaching out – around where the keyboard should ideally rest. Within the primary ergonomic zone you should have all the items that are essential to you getting your job done – keyboard, mouse, pen, paper.

Also known as the neutral zone, this area incorporates the area just above or below the primary zone – such as desk draw immediately under the keyboard.

In a well set up desk space there should be little reason to reach outside the primary area throughout the day.

Secondary zone  

The secondary zone is defined as the area of your workspace that you can still reach easily but with your arms stretched out. This is the area to store reference books, the phone (if only used occasionally), specialist tools, drinks etc.

Tertiary zone

To reach this area you will be required to bend forwards or even stand. To minimise strain on the musculoskeletal system the tertiary zone should be used for items that are not generally used in the course of the day, such as stored documents and less frequently used reference books. It is also a good place to add personal effects, such as plants and photographs.

Any parts of the office beyond this area should be used as storage or decoration as accessing them will require repeat movements or extra effort.

Taking care to make sure your body is protected and you are comfortable when working will help to ensure you are efficient and productive at work – and remain free from strains and pains.

How does your home office measure up? Maybe its time to have a rethink to make life a little easier for yourself and to protect your body by reorganising your desk into zones.

Virtual admin support

New Dawn PA has more than 10 years of experience offering administrative support in a virtual working environment.

If you need extra support for a wide range of admin tasks – or need help setting up more effective systems, New Dawn can help.

For support on either a long-term, short-term or ad hoc basis New Dawn can help – please get in touch to find out how we can support your business and make sure you work in the right ergonomic zone 🙂