An office desk needs to act as a functional piece of furniture, yet in turn must also play a crucial role in comfort, be aesthetically pleasing and provide an area for a user to be creative and productive with their work. Below are some important factors that should be considered when buying an office desk.
Poor office ergonomics has been shown to have not only negative physical and mental effects on office workers. In a recent study, 68.5% of desk workers reported suffering from lower back pain citing the ergonomic set-up of their workspace as being the main contributor to their pain. As a Physiotherapists believe passionately that good sitting posture is essential at work and where better to start than finding a desk that can accommodate this? Considerations such as desk height should be determined by floor to elbow when sitting or standing with optimal posture. If the desk is not at the correct height, the client often elevates their shoulders to use the keyboard, ultimately leading to pain and fatigue in the upper to middle back regions. To accommodate all requirements, ideally look for a desk that has different heights to potentially allow for standing and working but mainly to be able to be adjusted to match the computer screen with my eyeline, to prevent straining of the neck, back and shoulders. Office workers spend long hours at their desk, so this adjustment flexibility would be important for optimum productivity.
The style and design are critical factors in choosing the right desk. It must be aesthetically pleasing, which would help enhance the overall office space and provide an encouraging environment to continue a productive work pattern. Minimalist and modern style of desk that fits in with the rest of the office space are popular these days. It is important to consider the materials that the desk is made from. When considering desks, look for durable materials that won’t scratch, or stain and are built to withstand daily use. Metal, glass and melamine are all superior materials for desks, and this should play a part in any decision-making when choosing a new desk.
Desks in small and other shared spaces are often small and cluttered, meaning their desks are not flexible and versatile, which has been shown to contribute to awkward postures. Consider the size to be another important factor to consider when choosing an office desk. The desk must fit within a certain measurement to make sure the space is not overcrowded (which would occur if the desk was too big) yet it must also be of the right size to suit your requirements.
I consider the ease of assembly and installation a crucial factor when considering buying an office desk. In the current age of flat-pack, an easy-to-construct design is a must, particularly as people have busy schedules and want the ease of a simple-to-follow assembly instruction book when setting up their workplace. This is a key factor that you should consider, as some DIY skills are not as good as others, and I use online reviews to get an idea of the assembly process.
Lastly, consider a purchase that represents good value for money. Value is something that most people look at these days. Look at reviews of suppliers and products online so that you can be confident that you’re making a good investment.
