People + Process = Performance

office workstations

Product Review: VARIDESK –a sit-stand computer workstation device

With the fairly recent identification of “sitting disease” and the focus on improving employee performance, health and wellness there has been a number of sit-stand computer workstation devices to hit the market.  Recently I had the opportunity to see, experience and evaluate a relatively new computer workstation sit-stand device called the VARIDESK.  I’ve seen the VARIDESK online before but never in person until now.  The VARIDESK website describes it as an “adjustable height stand-up desk that allows you to transform your workspace by switching from

Free Online Ergonomic Tools

Everyone loves free stuff—especially if it of value and makes our lives easier.  I’m always looking for tools that can make my job and/or that of my clients’ easier and quicker to assess ergonomic risk.  Auburn Engineers offers free versions of three common ergonomic assessment tools—REBA, RULA and NIOSH lifting equation which they call eREBA, eRULA and eLift respectively. 

Pros and Cons of Active Workstations

“Active” workstations, such as treadmill desks, have become popular recently, especially since the emergence of “sitting disease”.  The negative effects associated with prolonged sitting are pretty well established, increasing risk of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer.  Because people hear that sitting is “bad” they automatically think that having an active workstation, i.e.

“Standing Be Good”—Did Dilbert Get It Right?

There was a recent Dibert comic that poked fun at ergonomic consultants and the benefits of standing that gave me a good chuckle.  I think when you read it you’ll agree it has the wit and humor that we’ve come to expect from Dilbert.  I had a couple clients send me the link telling me about it and that they thought it was funny as well.  Let’s take a closer look at the statement from the Dogbert Ergonomic Consultant Company “Standing Be Good”.  Is it true?  Is standing—good?  Is it that simple?  If so, everyone should be standing all of their waking hours each day, right?  Obviously, that’s

Are You Suffering From Computer Eye Strain? 5 Tips to Eliminate It

Staring at the computer monitor several hours each day can have a detrimental effect on one’s vision.  Common complaints and symptoms of eye strain are dry and itchy eyes, blurred vision, headaches and neck/upper back discomfort.  There is a direct correlation between the amount of discomfort and the amount of computer, i.e. the longer you are on the computer, the more symptoms you have.

Impact of Lighting on Productivity

Light—it’s necessary for humans.  It effects people mentally, physically, physiologically and their overall performance.  The impact of lighting in the workplace is very important to understand—not only to achieve energy savings but also to influence worker performance.  Intuitively we know that lighting is of value but it is often overlooked in the workplace, especially the value related to productivity.