How to Position Your Monitors for the
Best Ergonomics
Computer screens are the bane of our work lives, and the source of neck pain for many. Whether you are using one, two, three or more monitors, size and placement directly impact your posture. Developing the correct ergonomics for your computer monitor is crucial for your comfort and overall health.
The exact position of your monitor is based on your setup and your own body proportions, and you should pay attention to your neck and head to make sure that viewing your monitors doesn’t make you crane your neck or twist your head.
Let’s prevent that by correctly placing your computer monitor. Get started with these simple five steps.
STEP ONE
Pretend to read a book – notice that your eyes naturally gaze downward, not straight ahead.
STEP TWO
Adjust the top of the screen to align with your eye level.
STEP THREE
This allows your eyes to gaze downward to the center of the monitor and decreases stress on the neck.
STEP FOUR
Make sure the top of the screens align and use matching monitors, when possible.
STEP FIVE
If your monitors are positioned correctly, your head should be in a natural position atop your neck with a plumb line down from your head through your spine and no overextension forward, downward or sideways.
- LAPTOP + NOTEBOOK SET UP
Use an external mouse, keyboard, and raise the level of the screen with a laptop stand. If possible, use a large external monitor.
- DUAL MONITOR SET-UP: OPTION A
If you use a primary and secondary screen – place your primary screen directly in front of you and position the secondary screen to the side most natural for you
- DUAL MONITOR SET-UP: OPTION B
If you use both screens equally – center both monitors directly in front of you, the monitor edges should meet, and angle them inward
With the steps mentioned above, you can make a significant difference in your personal comfort and productivity. Above all, take breaks when necessary. Your body is not designed to spend extended periods of time in any single position. Take a few minutes every hour to stretch, move and get the blood flowing again through your body.
CHOICES YOU’LL APPRECIATE
We understand that sitting properly can prove to be somewhat difficult at first, but we’re sure that you’ll have peace of mind when you incorporate the recommendations offered above.
America’s leader in commercial office ergonomics.
