Why a desk assessment matters

The Importance of an Ergonomic Desk Assessment for a Healthier Workspace

In today’s work environment, many people spend hours sitting at desks, often hunched over computers. While technology boosts productivity, it can also lead to physical strain if your workspace isn’t set up correctly. A well-designed ergonomic workspace can help prevent discomfort and long-term health issues like neck pain, lower back pain, and shoulder strain—issues that affect many workers.

A recent study of 121 workers highlighted the prevalence of these issues:

• 60.3% had neck pain
• 59.5% had lower back pain
• 49.6% had shoulder pain (Gosain et al., 2022)

The numbers are concerning, but it’s not just workers who are affected—low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), global estimates suggest that 1 in 4 adults are affected by low back pain at any given time. This statistic underscores how widespread the issue is in the modern workforce.

The impact goes beyond discomfort—musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which include conditions like back and neck pain, are one of the most significant causes of work-related disability. In fact, MSDs cost the global economy hundreds of billions of dollars every year in terms of lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and compensation claims. The U.S. alone sees an estimated $213 billion annually in direct and indirect costs due to musculoskeletal conditions.

At We Go Ergo, we believe that addressing these issues through ergonomic desk assessments can reduce both personal discomfort and the broader economic costs. Our approach includes three key steps:

1. Equipment Check (Section A):
We begin by identifying which equipment in your workspace can be adjusted and which cannot. For example, if your desk is fixed and cannot be raised or lowered, we adjust other elements like your chair height, monitor position, and keyboard placement to ensure you are set up for optimal posture and comfort.

2. Smart Desk Arrangement (Section B):
Next, we focus on the arrangement of your desk. We prioritize the placement of frequently used items so that they are easily within reach. We also consider the function of each piece of equipment and how they are used in sequence. This minimizes unnecessary movements and helps reduce strain on your body, which is key for long-term comfort.

3. Ideal Work Area (Section C):
Finally, we ensure that your visual and physical reach zones are optimized. Your monitor should be at eye level to avoid neck strain, while your keyboard and mouse should be positioned at a height that prevents shoulder and wrist discomfort. Everything you need should be easy to access without having to stretch, which reduces muscle strain and promotes a healthier, more efficient work environment.

By following this approach, we create a personalized ergonomic workspace that promotes better posture, reduces strain, and enhances productivity. If you want to start working more comfortably and avoid the pain and cost of musculoskeletal disorders, contact We Go Ergo today to schedule your ergonomic desk assessment and make your workspace work for you.