Set Your Comfort Standards In 2017

Do you have standards for your personal comfort in the workplace? You should! As the new year gets underway, now is the perfect time to commit to ergonomic operating. Today on the OfficeAnything.com blog we'll provide you with the tips, product suggestions, and advice needed to make 2017 your most effective year ever. From mastering your chair's features to avoiding bad posture habits, we've got you covered.

First things first, you have to get to know your office chair. If you're unfamiliar with your chair and its features, you won't be able to operate it correctly. To get the most out of your chair, it needs to be synchronized to your body and workstation.

Go ahead and pull out your chair manual and give it a read. Refreshing yourself on your chairs components will help you set high quality comfort standards you can maintain. If you can't find your chair manual, visit the manufacturer's website. Most of them are available online. You can download it a file on your computer.

Once you've looked over your manual, you're now ready to start mastering the features. Memorize the functions of the levers on your office chair mechanism will have you ready to adjust at a moments notice. To set effective comfort standards, you can't take a "set it and forget it" approach.

Throughout the day, you'll likely need to adjust your ergonomic office chair a few times to stay posture perfect and true to the standards you've set. Each time you lean forward, your chair needs to tilt with you. It's absolutely essential to keep your back in contact with the chair at all times to stay properly supported.

The height of your chair should be set to a point that allows you to work with your feet flat on the ground and facing forward. The days of using your chair base as a foot rest need to come to an end as quickly as possible. Set the standard for correct operating by painting paper chair height and feet alignment. Perching on the base of your swivel chair will result in poor blood flow that leads to cramping and fatigue.

Operating comfortably in 2017 is more about you than your chair. Good habits go a long way, but you can also set up your office workstation to be more ergonomically correct. You'll want to start by getting your computer screen up to eye level. If you find yourself looking at a down word angle to see the monitor while typing, raise it up. Investing in an ergonomic monitor arm will get the job done professionally. That being said, if the budget is tight a stack of books or a shoebox box will do the trick.

Last but not least, you'll want to make a posture chair that highlights your personal operating goals to keep them fresh in your mind throughout the work day. Place your chart within eye sight of your computer screen. Believe it or not, studies have shown that workers who utilize posture tip charts report positive results. It's hard to memorize perfect sitting tips and comfort standards throughout task filled days. That's why a simple posture chart is a must.

Tips For Your Posture Chart:

Sit with feet flat on the ground and facing forward.
Don't use the base of the office chair as a foot rest.
Keep the computer screen at eye level for proper spine and neck alignment.
Keep your back in contact with the chair at all times to ensure proper support.
Take a 10 minute break once every hour to stay refreshed and avoid extended sits.

The last tip is a real biggie! You can't allow yourself to work for hours at a time without standing up. Studies show that this bad habit leads to serious health problems. Commit to comfort and productivity standards in 2017 by keeping your body refreshed. Stand up, go for a short walk around the office, stretch those muscles, and drink some water to stay hydrated.

5 Ways To Kick Off The Summer In Comfort

Today marks the official start of Summer! That being said, it's time to take action and start getting comfortable. Don't settle for workplace fatigue, muscle cramps, and poor blood flow in the second half of 2016. We've got you covered. Today on the OfficeAnything.com blog we're highlighting 5 ways to kick comfort into high gear. Enjoy!

1.) Smart Chair

Smart chairs are the latest ergonomic craze. The ability to achieve top notch comfort with minimal level pulling and adjusting is incredibly appealing to chair shoppers. To make a long story short, smart chairs minimize the ergonomic learning curve. If you're looking for ways to improve your posture without the headache, a smart chair is the way to go. 

Popular Smart Chairs:

• Global Total Office G20 Chair
• Mayline Living Chair
• RFM Preferred Seating Verte Chair
• Eurotech Seating iOO Chair

2.) Sit To Stand Workstation

As the song says, "you gotta get up to get down". Sit to stand workstations promote continuous movement in the workplace and improve blood flow. The ability to quickly switch from sitting to standing positions at the touch of a button will make you incredibly versatile. Sit to stand workstations are great for private office, training room, and classroom applications. Brands like Mayline, ESI Ergonomic Solutions, and Global Total Office offer best selling sit to stand workstations that should be considered by furniture shoppers looking to boost comfort this summer.

3.) Compute Correctly

It's as simple as this, compute correctly and enjoy a more efficient work day. Those who compute and type at incorrect angles commonly suffer from joint pain in the hands that greatly reduces productivity. Purchasing an articulating keyboard tray will set you on the path to typing success. A high quality keyboard tray will offer you the ability to increase usable desk space while improving your typing posture.

In addition, consider integrating a dual screen monitor arm into your space. Dual monitor mounts will improve the rate at which you compute. They'll also help you get your screens to eye level. If you're looking down at your monitors when typing, you're neck is paying the price! A dual screen monitor mount is the professional solution.

4.) Avoid Extended Sits

Sitting for long periods of time can actually shorten your life span. You've gotta stand up at least once every couple of hours to stretch out those fatiguing muscles. Take a few minutes to walk around. Allow your eyes to adjust from staring at the computer scree. Get a drink of water to stay hydrated. In the long run, short breaks are they key to a comfortable work day. Even when you get busy and the tasks mount up, force yourself to take short breaks. They're an absolute must if you want to stay energized at work and operating at peak performance levels! 

5.) Posture Reminders

Studies have shown that placing a list of helpful posture reminders within eye sight of your computer screen will improve comfort levels. Let's be honest, it's hard to remember a long list of ways to sit correctly during busy work days. In most cases, posture is the last thing on our minds! The being said, simple reminders will go a long way towards improving comfort. Keeping helpful tips fresh will ensure you remain comfortable for longer periods of time.

Helpful Posture Tips:

• Keep Back In Contact With Chair
• Avoid Leaning Forward
• Don't Slouch
• Keep Feet Flat and Facing Forward
• Don't Use Chair Base As Foot Rest
• Take Short Breaks
• Stay Hydrated
• Raise Computer Screens To Eye Level

8 Ways To Stay Energized At Work

Unless you work at a power plant, work and energy aren't regularly mentioned in the same sentence. Silly jokes aside, it's really hard to stay energized in the office. With a long list of daily tasks and obligations that need completing, how do you keep your energy levels high? If you're grasping for answers, you're not alone! Luckily, we're here to help. Today on the blog, we're highlighting the tips and tricks you'll need to stay motivated and effective all day.

1.) Get Good Rest

It's hard to beat a good 8 hours of sleep. If you want to stay energized at work, you can't stay up all night in your recliner watching old movies and eating junk food. Be responsible! Commit to a reasonable bed time that ensures you wake up refreshed and ready to roll without rushing through your morning.

2.) Eat Healthy

Staring your day with a heaping pile of pancakes and bacon will have you feeling groggy before you even make it to the office! Start your day with fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, and energy packed foods. The same principles apply at lunch. Skip the double cheeseburger and fries. Instead, pack your lunch the night before work. Be sure to include some fresh veggies and protein packed goodies. You can't go wrong with foods like salmon, brown rice, salads, and even peanut butter when you need a quick snack!

3.) Stretch Regularly

It's very important to stretch regularly throughout the day. If you don't have time for a full deskercise routine, at least stand up once very hour to shake out those tightening muscles. Sitting for long periods of time is never a good idea! Avoid this bad habit by standing up from your office chair as often as possible to stretch. A few minutes of quality stretching will have you feeling energized in no time.

4.) Improve Blood Flow

To put it simply, poor blood flow causes fatigue. Fatigue causes energy levels to drop! To improve blood flow, use a task chair with a waterfall seat edge that takes the pressure off your knees. If blood flow is a big problem, you may consider making the switch to a sit to stand desk that promotes continuous movement in the workplace. Other free ways to improve blood flow include exercising, taking short walks, and propping your feet up.

5.) Take Short Breaks

To stay energized, you've got to avoid boredom, stress, and fatigue. Taking short breaks will help you do just that. Take the time to walk around the office. If you can, walk outside to get some fresh air. You'll return to your workstation refreshed, rejuvenated, and energized. When you feel body cramps and strain setting in, stand up immediately and walk it off! Short breaks are the key to a successful and energized work day. If it feels like your days are never ending, you've likely been stuck at your desk all day long with no change of scenery. Take short breaks and enjoy the energizing benefits!

6.) Promote Collaboration

Collaborating with your coworkers is just plain smart! In fact, many businesses are making the switch from cubicle systems to open desking layouts for just this reason. Cubicles are closed off and private, while open desking layouts encourage teamwork and group engagement. When you're collaborating with your coworkers, you're being productive and avoiding down time that results in energy drops. Collaborate as much as possible to stay at peak performance levels.

7.) Avoid Bad Posture Habits

Bad posture habits are hard to break, but not impossible! Start by posting a list of good posture reminders within eye sight of your computer screen. Studies have shown that this simple practice yields big time results. Next, synchronize your office chair and workstation to achieve a better sit. Adjusting your chair regularly is a must. Be sure to keep your back in contact with the chair at all times when working. Each time you lean away from your chair, your posture suffers. Additionally, you'll want to keep your feet flat on the ground and facing forward. Avoid propping your feet up on the base of your chair or extended out in front of you. Simple practices like these go a long way. Before you know it, you'll be posture perfect and enjoying increased energy levels.

8.) Stay Hydrated

When you exercise, you hydrate. Why? Because you need fluids to stay energized! The same principles apply when working. If you grind through your work day without hydrating, your energy will levels will be quickly depleted. You should always have water at your desk. According to the experts, you should be drinking about 8 eight ounce glasses of water per day. Here's an idea, take a short break, stretch out those muscles while walking around. Visit the water cool to get a a quick drink and return to your desk. Now that's what we call energized multi tasking!

5 Free Ways To Improve Your Office Today!

Looking for great ways to improve your office space without breaking the bank? We've got you covered! Today on the Office Anything Blog we'll highlight free ways to kick corporate comfort and productivity into high gear. From purging your file drawers to decluttering your operating surfaces, these DIY tricks are a must try.

1.) Purge File Drawers

The odds are, you're filing cabinet drawers are filled with old documents that need to be purged. If you regularly fight with your drawers to properly situate files, take the time to do a thorough cleaning. Start by removing all files from your cabinets. Go through them one by one to remove unnecessary drawer clutter. Once complete, replace the remaining documents into your drawers in order. This free tip is sure to clear up usable space that will really come in handy. We recommend doing a file cabinet purge once every quarter.

2.) Adjust Your Chair

We've said it once and we'll say it again, office comfort starts with the chair! To operate at peak performance levels in the workplace, you'll need to properly adjust your office chair throughout the day. Start by setting your chair to the correct height. If your chair is too low, you'll likely be working with your legs extended out in front of you, or propped up on the base of your office chair. Set your chair to a level that allows your feet to be planted flat and facing forward. Next, adjust the angle of your chair back to ensure you're able to stay in contact with it at all times. Taking the time to master your tasking chair features is a must. Don't take a set it and forget it approach to office comfort! The best part is, good ergonomic sitting habits are free.  With a little bit of practice, you'll be sitting correct in no time.

3.) Post Posture Reminders

Studies have shown that placing a simple list of posture reminders within eye sight of your workstation will yield big results! When it comes to posture, there's lot's of tips to remember. During busy days at the office, these tips are likely out of sight and out of mind. A list of simple reminders will help to keep you sitting ergonomically correct. Posture charts and tips can be found for free on the web. Print one out and post it as close to your computer screens as possible.

4.) Raise Computer Screens

If your computer screen is mounted on the factory base, it's likely sitting too low. Ask yourself this simple question to find out... Do you find yourself looking down at your screen when typing? If you answered yes, you're putting your neck under a lot of stress throughout the work day. This problem can be quickly resolved without spending a dollar. Grab a stack of books and place them underneath your computer screen. You can even use a cardboard box. It doesn't have to be pretty to be effective. In the long run, comfort comes first! While an ergonomic computer screen mount is the preferred choice of industry professionals, if funds are tight, you can achieve many of the same benefits with this free screen raising tip.

5.) Clean Work Surfaces

Take the time to clean off your workstation before leaving the office today. Desk top clutter will greatly hinder productivity if unaddressed. Collect all pens, post it notes, and stationary. Organize them in drawers. If you don't have drawer space, find a cool jar, remove the label, and re-purpose it into desk top storage container. Clearing and cleaning off your work surfaces should become an everyday habit. It ensures you return to a space that's ready to rock and roll the next day. Cluttered interiors seldom allow users to reach their full potential!

Office Life: Taking Ergonomics Seriously

It can be hard to take ergonomics serious in the workplace. These days, ever product on the market seems to bear the ergonomic label. Never the less, being ergonomically correct is a big deal. If you want to operate comfortably and at peak performance levels in the workplace, you'll need to take ergonomics seriously. In today's Office Life article we'll highlight ways that you can become more ergonomically efficient. Take control of your work day with the tips provided here!

We all know that ergonomics is important. That being said, we often struggle with bad habits that keep us from being at our best. The biggest ergo killer in the workplace is bad posture. Sitting incorrectly in your office chair will make you susceptible to back pain and major health issues. If you truly want to solve the posture epidemic, you can't be afraid to regularly adjust your office chair.

Most ergonomic specialists will tell you to adjust your chair multiple times throughout the day to meet the demands of any specific task. Need to turn on your computer, don't bend over and strain yourself to do it. Simply lower your chair height! Getting something out of your overhead hutch? Don't over extend to get it. Raise your chair seat to make it more accessible.

There are other key adjustments that must be mastered if you want to improve posture and take ergonomics seriously. First and foremost, don't slouch in your chair or hunch over your keyboard tray to type. When seated, keep you back in contact with the chair at all times. This may require multiple adjustments, but the benefits gained are well worth it. Let's put it this way, you can have the most expensive ergonomic office chair on the planet, but if you lean away from it's primary support center when working, it will provide minimal benefits.

You'll also want to keep your head aligned with your computer screen while working. Avoid looking down at the screen when typing. In most cases, this simple tip will require you to raise your monitor height. You can purchase an articulating monitor arm to make things easy, If funds are tight, use a box or stack of books. It may not look fancy but at least you'll be saving yourself from neck pain and eye strain!

Ever sit with your legs propped up on the base of your office chair? How about with your feet crossed? These are bad habits you need to fix quick. When operating at your desk, be sure to keep your feet facing forward and flat on the ground. This will improve blood flow and reduce fatigue throughout the day. It's also a great way to show you're taking ergonomics seriously!

Last but not least, take the time to get up from your workstation once every hour. As sitting for long periods of time can actually reduce your life space, this is one tip you don't want to skip. Stand up, take a deep breath, and stretch for a minute or two. Walk around and stay loose! Don't allow your muscles to tighten up on you when working. Staring at that computer screen for long hours is certainly no good. Standing up and taking a short break will allow your eyes to readjust properly.

Let's be honest, posture tips are hard to remember when your in the middle of a busy project at work. To help, make a tip chart and place it within eye site of your workstation. Studies have shown that this simple practice yields major results.

Taking ergonomics seriously in the workplace doesn't mean you'll need to invest large sums of money. Most of the best ergonomic office accessories on the market cost around two hundred bucks, and you don't need them all at once.

Start with a good office chair. We recommend the Cherryman Industries iDesk Ambarella chair for shoppers on a budget. It's available now for just $206.50. Next, get your keyboard off the surface of your desk. Purchase an articulating keyboard tray to free up desk space and keep you computing at correct angles. Additional products like a dual screen monitor mount will help you reduce eye strain and the rate at which you compute. Excellent models are available from brands like Global Total Office, ESI, and Symmetry Office. Purchasing ergonomic products one at a time will provide you with the time needed to master each before purchasing another.

In the long run, if you take ergonomics seriously you'll be improving life in the office. You'll be more comfortable. You'll be more productive. You'll be more effective. When combined, these three valuable attributes mean you'll be more happy, and that's what it's all about. Take the time to make ergonomics a priority. You'll be glad you did.

Success At Work: Planning Makes Perfect!

A well planned work week will set you up for success. From getting good rest to staying well organized, planning plays a key role in improving productivity and effectiveness in the office. In today's post we'll highlight 5 great ways to plan properly. Enjoy!

1.) Plan Rest

Don't stay up all night watching movies and eating junk food. This bad habit is a recipe for an unsuccessful work day. Instead, plan a good sleep schedule that ensures you receive your full 8 hours. Leave the late nights for the weekend! Go to bed early enough that you wake up feeling refreshed instead of slow and groggy. In the long run, a solid work week starts with a good nights rest!

2.) Plan Breakfast

Most of us skip breakfast because of common excuses like "I'm in too much of a hurry". That being said, if you make breakfast part of your weekly plan, you'll be healthier and more productive for it. The key is to get your metabolism working and your body energized. Even a piece of fruit, multi grain bar, or bowl of cereal will get the job done. If you're too busy to eat at home, make sure you give yourself 15 minutes in the morning to get something in your tummy. Eating breakfast will help wake you up, and provide you with a solid foundation for your work day. Plan for breakfast each week. You'll be glad you did!

3.) Plan Daily Goals

While you're at your desk enjoying your morning breakfast, take the time to write down a list of goals for your day. Next to each goal, write an estimated time of completion. Your goals can be anything form responding to emails, preparing for a presentation, and making sales calls. As simple as your goals may be, planning them out on paper will help you stay on task throughout the day. Don't fly through your workday with no plan. This is sure hinder your effectiveness. As you cross your daily goals off the list, you'll no doubt enjoy little boosts of motivation.

4.) Plan Lunch

If you fail to plan lunch properly, you'll likely find yourself in line at a fast food restaurant ordering the dreaded bacon cheeseburger and french fries. Take the time to plan out your meals each week. If eating healthy is a chore for you, make Friday a cheat day and treat yourself for being good all week. On Sunday night, sit down and come up with ideas for what to eat for lunch. Literally, millions of ideas are available online for easy lunches that won't leave you wanting to take a nap in your office chair when you're finished eating them! If you don't like bringing your lunch to work, you'll likely be visiting a local restaurant. Check out their menu before arriving and make a selection in advance. This will help you avoid making an impulsive food choice with little to no nutritional benefits!

5.) Plan To Organize

If you want to operate a peak performance levels, you'll need to allot a little time each day for organizing. If you clear the days post it notes off your desk and reorganize your file cabinet at the end of each day, you'll be set up for success the following morning. Creating an organizational plan for your workspace is really quite simple. Make a little checklist of tasks to complete before rushing out of the office. Tasks may include taking out the trash, cleaning off your desk surface, reorganizing files, and logging out of password protected accounts on your computer for security. Go down the list and check them off each day. Avoid leaving the office and remembering you forgot to send an important email once your halfway home. This will leave you feeling anxious and stressed out until the next morning. They say, a little organization goes a long way. And we couldn't agree more!

7 Ways To Improve Your Weekly Work Routine

A quality routine will set your work week up for success. From getting a good nights rest to incorporating goo eating and organizational habits, the tip highlighted in today's post are sure to improve the quality of your work life. Enjoy!

1.) Get A Good Nights Rest

A quality work day starts with a good nights rest. You can't very well operate at your best when you're falling asleep in your office chair at work! Commit to a weekly sleep schedule that ensures you get a full 8 hours of pillow time. Cut out the late night movies that keep you up into the wee hours of the morning. Save that stuff for the weekend.

2.) Eat A Nutritious Breakfast

Take the time to eat a good breakfast before leaving the house, or when you arrive at work. While you'll likely be rushing off to the coffee pot like most, don't forget to provide yourself with the solid foundation needed to make it through the day effectively. Get that metabolism in gear as soon as possible. A muffin, yogurt, piece of fruit, or healthy bowl of cereal will do the trick.

3.) Create A Daily Plan

Another great habit to incorporate into your work day is strategic planning. When you arrive at work, make a list of daily goals you hope to accomplish. Write out your list of tasks and estimated completion times for each. If you have a white board cabinet or tackboard, that's even better! Throughout the day, cross out completed objectives and give yourself a little pain on the back. You deserve it!

4.) Get Organized

With your plan laid out for the day, it's time to get organized. Go through your emails and delete the junk. Print out important notifications and check your voicemail. Don't go through have the morning realizing you've missed an important message from your boss. You may find yourself up against a tight deadline that's sure to cause you stress. That being said, if you're well organized throughout the morning, it will translate throughout the day. Being organized at work means knowing where your important documents are so that you can operate comfortably and effectively. Commit to good organizational habits. They'll pay dividends in the long run!

5.) Deskercise!

You read that right, deskercise! As one of the hottest trends sweeping the nation, deskercise is a great way to work out and stretch right at your workstation. Tons of awesome stretches and desk workout tips are available online that are definitely worth a look. Taking a 10 minute break once every hour to stretch will get your blood flowing and reduce fatigue. As sitting at your chair for long period of time can cause major health problems, deskercise can really help!

6.) Eat A Healthy Lunch

Eating fast food at your desk 5 days a week provides exactly 0 benefits. Get out of the office and eat a healthy lunch with your coworkers. If you bring your lunch to work, be sure to pack healthy stuff to provide you with the energy you need to make it through the remainder of the day. Take your lunch outside and enjoy some fresh air. Lunch should be used as much for eating as breaking up your day. You'll come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the goals on your daily list. That sounds a lot better than over gorging on french fries that leave you feeling defeated and exhausted at your desk.

7.) Clean Before Heading Home

Before you rush out for the day, take the time to clean up your workstation. Organize your files, take out the trash, and wipe down your computer screen. These simple tasks will have your office in tip top shape when you arrive each morning. That way you can get right down to business! In the long run, it's all about forming good habits. Good habits lead to a good work life, and a good work life leads to less stress and increased happiness. That sounds great to us!

7 Home Office Hacks You'll Love

Whether you're headed to a party, seeking to win a game, or even just getting dressed in the morning, the internet is filled with tons of helpful tricks to get you there faster and smarter. In the office, there's plenty of places where hacks can come in handy - and in the home office without a boss looking over your shoulder, you have complete creative freedom! So get ready, and enjoy these awesome hacks and make the most of your home office!

Plants and Animals

This first one may not seem like much of a hack, but in the home office, plants and animals can make some of the most productive coworkers around. Poor air quality is something that unconsciously plagues many office workers, both in and out of the home, and especially around cities. Toxins in the air can negatively affect workers' breathing, general health, focus, and energy throughout the day. Adding a VOC-reducing plant to the mix cleans the air, keeping you in top notch health. Some of the best low-maintenance house plants include air plants, peppermint, english ivy, and lemon balm.

In addition, pets like dogs, cats, and even fish have been known to reduce stress. Letting your pet sleep under your desk while you work not only keeps your feet warm, but reaching down to scratch a furry head can be a saving grace when tensions are high. Taking Fido for bathroom breaks and short walks on your lunch hour keeps you fitter and energized. Best of all, these necessary lapses in the tedium of office duties are major brain boosters! Don't believe us? Scientists say pets like dogs have been known to lower resting heart rate levels, reduce blood pressure, and even lower the risk for depression and heart disease! Just ask a doctor.

Declutter

Taking the time to declutter your workspace offers a host of benefits for the devoted office worker. Not only are things easier to find in a clean office, but the look and feel alone can do wonders for psychology and health. Adding a few simple products for office organization can keep the office clear of clutter, increasing efficiency, reducing stress, and offering a much needed sense of accomplishment. But don't stop there! Taking an extra minute to defragment, scan, and sort the items in your computer can also increase work speed and improve computer health!

Bonus Tip: Got a dirty keyboard tray? Nothing a little strand of tape between the keys can't fix!

Lighting and Color

One thing many office hack websites take for granted is the importance of physical surroundings. If you're unhappy with your home office, perhaps it's time for an upgrade! Color plays a major role in the productivity and psychological health of office workers according to color theory. The color blue is even backed by scientific evidence as the best color for office environments as it reduces stress and slows the metabolism, reducing hunger to produce a calming effect - it also makes the room appear bigger!

Feng-Shui Furniture 

Rearranging furniture is another way to improve the psychological effect of your home office. Set your desk facing the window; a view into the outside world offers greater health benefits. Choosing furniture that combines functionality with user health is ideal in a home office. Even things as simple as ergonomic executive chairs, height adjustable office desks, or dual purpose lighting fixtures can help make a home office more like a personal haven. After all, you're at home. Why not take full advantage of it?

Wallflowers

If storage is a problem in your home office, one of the best solutions is thinking outside the box - or, off the floors! Few amateur designers know how to make full use of a room's walls as a place for storage and organization. Adding useful presentation boards helps users keep track of papers and daily tasks without making a mess of the desk. At the same time, cabinets and stylish wood bookcases offer shelving for easy, clutter-free storage. You may even decide to DIY a few crates or boxes for clever, attractive office storage!

Discomfort

Hacking workplace discomfort is perhaps the most important thing you can do as an office user. Too many Americans suffer from unhealthy working habits, which can result in terrible bodily pain. Some of the most common office-related conditions include pain in the neck, back, or legs, stiff joints, aggravated arthritis, and even carpal tunnel syndrome. Thankfully, ergonomic furniture and tools can save the day. Outfitting your workplace with monitor arms, retractable keyboard platforms, and high tech desk chairs to enforce proper posture do wonders for health. The benefits include maximized efficiency, improved workplace productivity, and a better outlook on life!

Clip Ons

One organizational hack that's been sweeping offices all over the nation are the clip ons! Ever since someone figured out that a few binder clips hooked to the edge of a desk makes perfect cord organizers, the trend has exploded to do all sorts of amazing things! Clip on wire organizers, cup holder, baskets, and even high tech tools like the Symmetry JUICE-POW-JUC-CC clamp on power module are all available for sale. Of course, DIYing your own is an option too. Just super glue some binder clips to a stylish desk organizer and voila! Not only have you maximized usable desk space, but you've also cleaned and organized.

Here's How The Wrong Office Chair Will Affect Your Work Day...

If you're using an office chairs that's not right for your body type, the odds are, you're dealing with discomfort in the workplace. That being said, operating a chair that's not suited for your individual needs can detrimental to your work day. Here's how...

1.) Cause Fatigue

Using an office chair that doesn't adjust effectively will cause you to reach higher levels of fatigue quicker when working. A good ergonomic chair will adjust in a variety of key ways that allow users to minimize body movements and maximize efficiency. A poor quality chair with limited ergonomic features won't be providing you many benefits at all. In fact, it will be contributing to a drop in performance that should be avoided at all costs. Avoid fatigue and stress in the workplace by selecting a new office chair to that's equipped with the features needed to work at peak performance levels.

2.) Reduce Functionality

It's important to be as versatile and functional as possible in the workplace. That being said, operating in the wrong office chair for your body won't help you achieve either. Office chairs with fixed backs, arms, and bases are far from effective in intensive use work environments. If you're sitting for long periods of time, it's absolutely essential to provide yourself with a chair that's ready for the demands of a long work day. Functional office chairs from brands like Global Total Office, Eurotech Seating, and the Cherryman Industries iDesk collection should be highly considered for your personal seating needs.

3.) Affect Office Appeal

Your chair is a main focal point of your workspace. A stylish chair will do wonders for your decor, while a lack luster office chair will not. Having a good looking office chair sitting behind your desk will earn your workspace the compliments it deserves. This year, trending options like the iOO Ergonomic Executive Chair by Eurotech Seating and the Layover from Ergo Contract Furniture are ready to help you give your office interiors the style boost they deserve. Don't settle for a boring, non adjustable task chair that drags down the appeal of your space. The right office chair isn't hard to find!

4.) Cause Back Pain

Back pain is a productivity killer in the workplace. If you're constantly fidgeting in your office chair do to upper and lower back pain, you're not alone. In most cases, office back pain is caused by sitting for long periods of time in an uncomfortable chair with little support. When sitting, you'll want to keep your back in constant contact with the chair at all times. If the angle of your chair back doesn't adjust, you're in the wrong chair! If you're hunching over your keyboard to type and operate at your desk, your gaining little ergonomic value from your chair. Consider upgrading to a chair with a syncro-tilt mechanism designed to move with your body.

5.) Create Health Problems

Operating the wrong office chair can actually cause you severe health problems. A non ergonomic chair with few adjustment features will reduce blood flow and certainly contribute to back pain. Common problems like knee pain, wrist pain, and neck stiffness can also be directly related to using the wrong office chair. So how do you know which office chair is right for you? You test them! Visit a local showroom, or several! Test out multiple chairs with various features to determine which functions are most beneficial to you. Check out reviews online as well. They can be very helpful. In the long run, the right office chair for you, may not be the right office chair for someone else. That's why it's so important to test out ergonomically correct office chairs with various back heights, arm features, height adjustments, and mechanisms to find out what chair will best accommodate your body type.

6 Ways To Boost Productivity In Your Workspace

It's tough to stay productive at work day-in and day-out. Luckily, our team is ready to share 6 awesome ways to keep you and your coworkers operating at your best. From promoting collaboration to eating healthy, these diverse tips and strategies will no doubt boost performance levels around your office!

1.) Promote Collaboration

When your locked up in your own private workspace, you're solely relying on yourself to remain productive. That being said, if you promote collaboration with your teammates you'll be far better suited for business success. Try hosting weekly strategy and planning sessions with your coworkers. Throw out ideas, ask for advice, and set goals. Doing so will take productivity to a whole new level! If your business is in need of a makeover, consider removing those old cubicles and replacing them with open desking configurations. While cubicles are great for privacy and noise reduction, open desking promotes collaboration and boosts productivity levels! Brands like Mayline and Global Total Office offer excellent open desking solutions that should be considered by any business looking for a performance boost.

2.) Reduce Fatigue

Fatigue is a real productivity killer! Commonly related to poor sleep the night before, if you're feeling fatigued and groggy at your desk, it's time to shake things up a bit. Commit to a good sleep schedule and ensure you get your full 8 hours. Make sure you eat breakfast every morning and avoid pounding multiple cups of coffee. To further fight fatigue, consider a deskercise routine. As one of the hottest workplace trends of 2015, deskercise involves using your desks, computer chairs and office surroundings to grab a few minutes of exercise right there in the office! Simple stretches and deskercise activities can be found online to help you conquer fatigue once and for all.

3.) Limit Distractions

If you're easily distracted around the office, the odds are you're not that productive. To be at your best and achieve your workplace goals, limiting distractions is a must. When you arrive at work each morning, create a list of daily tasks and assign them completion times. If you commit to staying on task and following your daily list, distractions will slowly fade away. Avoid those long chats at the water cooler and in the break room. Stay off the cell phone and away from productivity killing social media sites. Use your lunch break to catch up online and with your coworkers. By the end of the week, you'll have saved so much time by limiting distractions that you'll have accomplished all your goals. When this is the case, feel free to chat away!

4.) Commit To Ergonomics

A proper education on the value of ergonomics in the workplace will greatly benefit you and your coworkers. We all hear the "E" word dropped daily around the office, but are we really putting what we hear into affect? A real commitment to ergonomics will boost your productivity, save you time, and keep you operating far more comfortably. Before you can fully commit to an ergonomic plan, you have to assess your personal workplace needs. Determine your areas of discomfort and move forward accordingly. As office comfort starts with the chair, consider an upgrade that will better support your key areas. Take things a step further by accessorizing your workspace. Ergonomic CPU holders and adjustable monitor arms will go a long way in your productivity quest. Once you've taken your work environment to the next level, spread the word. Help your teammates commit to ergonomics and your business will be all the better for it!

5.) Reduce Stress

Stress is another productivity killer that can be found around every corner if you're not careful. Stress at home can easily affect your work day and vice versa. So how do we combat such a ruthless foe? By staying focused on the tasks at hand and striving to create happy surroundings. Do your best to eliminate stress in the workplace by staying organized and ready to work. If you arrive at work each day to a messy workstation, it will be difficult to remain productive, but incredibly easy to get stressed out. In addition, take a few minutes each day to simply go outside and take a walk. Get some fresh air. You can't very well enjoy your work day if you're stressing behind the desk. Don't cram too many goals into a single day. Break up your week with effective planning and strategies designed to distribute the work load. If stress is still challenging you, consider talking to your family members, coworkers, or professionals about your issues. This mental and physical problem can be be beat. Stay positive, we know you can do it!

6.) Eat Healthy

The days of gorging on greasy burgers and fries at lunch are over. No more crawling back into your office chair groggy, over fed, and ready for an extended nap. It's time to start eating healthy! Plan your weekly meals with the help of the internet, coworkers, and friends, and family members. Ask for healthy meal ideas and find a wide variety of recipes you're actually interested in trying. The mental hurdles are the hardest part of committing to a healthy lunch routine. Don't convince yourself that the only healthy options are salads! There are simply too many tasty and healthy options out there that will have you feeling rejuvenated and energized when you return to work. A healthy eating routine will save you money, boost productivity, and have you feeling better about your self and your work day.

5 Ways To Better Survive The Holiday Hangover At Work

With the holiday season behind us, it's time to get back to the real world. That being said, many of us suffer from the dreaded holiday hangover and find it hard to focus at work. Luckily, in today's post we'll be sharing 5 awesome ways to help you transition smoothly back into the grind. Enjoy!

1.) Get A Good Nights Rest

A good work day starts with a good nights rest. Starting your first day back to work after the holidays feeling tired and groggy will no doubt set you off on the wrong track. Be sure to hit the sack at a reasonable hour and prepare for your day in advance. Pick out your clothes the night before, set the coffee timer, and minimize the morning tasks. These simple things combined with a good nights rest will help you enjoy a much better return to cubicle life.

2.) Eat A Nutritious Breakfast

A good hearty breakfast is sure to fill you up, but can also leave you feeling tired during your first days back to work after the holiday break. Plan in advance for your first days back with a trip to the grocery store. Pick up some nutritious fruits, yogurts, breakfast bars, and other tasty treats that will provide you with the energy you need to start your morning right. A nutritious breakfast will help you lay a strong foundation for your day and will no doubt put you in a better mood.

3.) Get A Breath of Fresh Air

All that quality time at home with your family will no doubt leave you feeling bummed to be stuck back in the office. Do yourself a favor and get outside for a breath of fresh air. Roll back the office chair, step away from the paper work, and get outside. It will really do you good! Consider taking a walk with a few coworkers to stretch your legs. You can even eat lunch outside. Rest assured, some sunlight and clouds is a far better holiday hangover remedy than your computer screen.

4.) Have Lunch With The Family

Eating a microwaveable meal at your office desk is lonely and no cure for the holiday hangover! Give the family a quick call and go out to lunch together. Remember when you are at lunch to order something healthy. After all the holiday feasting you've no doubt endured, it's time to start transitioning back into quality, healthy meals that don't leave you ready for a nap when you've finished them! A little family time at lunch will help you break up the work day and set your mind at ease.

5.) Plan A Relaxing Weekend

After all the holiday hoopla, going back to work can be mentally and physically exhausting. Give yourself something to look forward to like a relaxing weekend to rest and recover. A little reward for a solid week back at the office will have you motivated and operating far more efficiently the following week.