Purchasing ergonomic desks for your office requires a considerable project budget. However, the benefits of these desks may very well outweigh the initial cost. Ergonomic desks decrease the chance of your employees suffering repetitive motion injuries, which can decrease insurance costs.

There are numerous factors that affect ergonomic desks pricing and costs to consider when you convert to an ergonomic office. Consider the following guidelines when planning your budget:

1. Determine the cost of the ergonomic office desk you need.

2. Add up the cost of accessories needed to make the desk as functional as possible.

3. Include the cost of an ergonomic chair in your budget to reap the full benefits of your ergonomic office.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider the cost of the ergonomic desks

The majority of the budget you set for converting an office to an ergonomic office will be spent on the ergonomic work station. The amount you pay is dependent upon the style of desk you need. Obviously, a larger desk will be more expensive than a smaller one. Generally, a metal desk is more expensive than a plastic one. However, splurging on a desk that is functional, even if it is more expensive, is usually a good idea.

I recommend: EnableMart.com sells different types of ergonomic workstation furniture. Prices range from $800 for basic adjustable ergonomic workstation models to higher than $10,000 for a deluxe supine ergonomic workstation. Overstock.com has various ergonomic computer desk models for sale, including a child's desk and an ergonomic laptop desk. Prices range from $150 to $1,300 depending on the model chosen.

Factor in the cost of add-ons to increase desk ergonomics

Adding features to your ergonomic office desk will increase the cost of the desk. Filing solutions, lights and extension arms are some of the add-ons you should consider. Adding lights to the desk adds a significant one time charge for the light fixture. However, you should also ensure that your budget can accommodate regular light changes.

I recommend: WorkSpaces has ergonomic office desk add-ons for sale. These accessories vary in price. For example, you can expect to spend around $75 for a halogen task light and around $40 per bulb when it is time to change it. A laptop arm starts around $320. Ground Support Equipment offers numerous upgrades for the ergonomic computer furniture it sells. However, many of these items can be used with any ergonomic computer desks. A weighted ergonomic task light costs around $225. LCD monitor arms start at $225.

Include the cost of ergonomic computer chairs

When you buy an ergonomic computer desk, you need an ergonomic chair to go with it if you want to reap the full benefits. Many of these chairs are made specifically for certain body types. For example, there are chairs made for people who are tall or weigh more than 250 pounds. There are also chairs available for petite people. Because of this, when you order chairs, you should take the specific needs of each employee into consideration, even if it means putting a bigger dent in your budget.

I recommend: Anthro offers three types of ergonomic computer chairs. The price ranges from $300 to $500 depending on the model. These chairs can support up to 300 pounds. ErgoStoreOnline has a varied selection of ergonomic chairs. Executive chairs and task chairs start at $300. Task stools start at around $150. Intensive use chairs, which are made for big and tall users start at $400. These chairs can accommodate a person up to 500 pounds.

Desk ergonomics combine functionality with employee productivity. The marketplace continues to grow as more businesses realize long-term savings. An ergonomic computer desk creates an environment with less office type injuries while accommodating physical abilities.

Computer desk ergonomics focus on fitting the desk to the employee. Features include adjustable surface heights with the option to sit, stand or maintain a supine position while working. Keyboard trays and shelves within arms reach add to the comfort and safety of the worker. Choose wood, laminates or metal construction. When locating suppliers consider the following:

1. Choose an ergonomic office desk based on sitting, standing or supine positioning.

2. Pick a price range for a computer workstation that varies by material and features.

3. Select mobile or stationary laptop/notebook ergonomic desks and tables based on functionality.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate an ergonomic computer desk by function

Ergonomic desks provide proper body and arm support for reducing contact stress. The desk layout includes easy access from the sitting position.

I recommend: Choose from a wide selection of sitting or standing ergonomic computer desks at AliMed. For discounts from the manufacturer’s suggested retail price click the type of ergonomic office desk you’re interested in that includes computer, stationary, writing and wheelchair accessible desks at zEarth.com Corporation. See the nice selection of interactive desks by placing your mouse over the different photos at Biomorph Interactive Desk or by clicking “desk features comparison chart.” Go to Office Organix for their selection of electric and crank adjustable desks.

Find the right ergonomic workstation for your business

The best ergonomic workstations provide round edges or padding where the wrists or arms rest, with easy access to computer, shelves, files and mouse. Height adjustable models give the right fit underneath or allow raising high enough for standing positions when working.

I recommend: Get an electric height adjustable workstation at Rehab Solutions with optional metal finishes, laminate colors and different ergonomic workstation shapes. See the wide selection of high-end workstations including supine positions, sitting or standing models at EnableMart. Select by width and depth from the models providing desk ergonomics for 1 to 2 people at Hertz Furniture Systems. These units also contain semi-recessed monitor tubs for comfortable viewing.

Choose a stable and lightweight ergonomic laptop desk

Obtain maximum comfort while reducing body strain with ergonomic laptop desks. Choose products for desktops or mobile portability in a variety of construction materials and models.

I recommend: Check out The Ergonomic Store for a wide range of prices and selections including mobile laptop stands and mobile computer desks with adjustable features. Go to LapDawg.com to find their featured ergonomic lap desk. Click Ergo Solutions to find laptop docks, risers, notebook stations and portable laptop stands. Select either “Desktop Notebook Stands” or “Mobile Notebook Stands” for ergonomic products at American Power Conversion Corp.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask for discounts when ordering more than one ergonomic computer workstation or laptop desk.
• •  Ideally a computer monitor needs at least 20 inches of desktop space away from the viewer.

Ergonomic desks are a good addition to any office where working on the computer or doing paperwork takes up most of the day. Not only do they make working more comfortable, they also help to minimize the risk of repetitive motion conditions, including corporal tunnel syndrome.

Once you decide to outfit your office with ergonomic desks, you have to decide what desks to purchase. With a seemingly endless selection of ergonomic desks types and styles, making a decision can be difficult. Consider the following suggestions to help you narrow down your choices:

1. Consider purchasing an ergonomic adjustable desk for each employee.

2. Keep special needs employees productive with supine ergonomic workstations.

3. Think about use-specific ergonomic desks.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Invest in interactive ergonomic computer desks

Interactive ergonomic computer desks are desks that feature various adjustable components that enable the user to adjust the desk throughout the day. When you are looking at this type of ergonomic desk, it is important to consider the ease of doing the adjustments. This is especially important if you have more than one employee who will use the desk.

I recommend: Ground Support Equipment offers ergonomic computer desk models that have been featured in OSHA publications. This company offers corner desks, in addition to straight line desks. Anthro sells a varied selection of ergonomic computer furniture. Some of the models are wall mounted and others are traditional desk models that have features like fully adjustable work top heights. WorkSpaces has various ergonomic office desk models. With numerous extender peninsulas and return arms, customizing these desks is easy.

Consider supine ergonomic workstation models for special needs employees

Special needs employees, such as those who have back problems and certain other medical conditions like arthritis may need to lay down periodically. In order to keep these employees productive, you have to think outside of traditional office furniture. This is where supine ergonomic workstation models come in. These allow the employee to work sitting down or lying down.

I recommend: You can find supine ergonomic workstations at EnableMart. Many of the models this company sells are fully adjustable so you can use them sitting, standing or laying down. Office Organix sells numerous ergonomic work station models made for people who are unable to sit or stand for long periods of time. With fully adjustable monitor holders and keyboard plates, it is easy to change positions frequently with these.

Check out use specific ergonomic desks

Specialty ergonomic desks are used for a specific purpose. For example, a school may need ergonomic computer desk for kids. A hospital may be able to use a laptop computer nook for visitors, and possibly for employees. Business travelers may find that an ergonomic laptop desk is a good investment.

I recommend: ErgoStoreOnline.com sells ergonomic laptop desk models. Most of the ergonomic computer work station models for laptops are mobile. However, this company does sell a nook model that is wall mounted. Overstock.com has a varied selection of specialty ergonomic workstations, including a model made for kids and several ergonomic laptop desks.

No matter what type of business you are in, you and your employees can greatly benefit from ergonomic desks. Ergonomic desks are desks that are designed to provide maximum comfort by being adjustable. When you are looking to purchase ergonomic desks for you business, make sure you know the meaning of the key terms sit-to-stand, crank desk, electronic workstation, adjustable keyboard trays, point of care cart, and desk footrest in order to help you make the best purchases for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Sit-to-stand

Sit to stand is a term used to define a desk that adjusts so that your employees can work in a sitting or standing position and can share equipment easily. The desk itself and the keyboard trays adjust separately to give employees the most comfortable working position.

I recommend: EnableMart describes the sit-to-stand positioning and how these ergonomic desks are a great way to accommodate more than one employee sharing a work space.

Crank desk

A crank ergonomic desk is a type of ergonomic desk that uses a crank to adjust the position of the desk. A crank is a hand operated mechanism attached to the desk that you would actually turn by hand to move the desk up or down to meet the best height and position for ultimate comfort.

I recommend: Explore specifications on how a crank ergonomic desk works at Ergosource.

Electronic workstation

To avoid having to adjust an ergonomic desk with a crank or a lever, you might want to consider an electronic workstation. An electronic workstation is an ergonomic desk that can be adjusted by height with the push of a button. The desk itself actually has a motor installed on the underside of the desk that helps to move the desk to your liking.

I recommend: Ergo In Demand has a detailed description of electronic workstations including specifications on the weight and speed of it's electronic workstations.

Adjustable keyboard trays

To add more comfort to your employees throughout the work day, consider ergonomic desks with adjustable keyboard trays. Adjustable keyboard trays are attached right to the desk and can be adjusted by height or can be tilted forward and backward for added comfort while typing.

I recommend: To learn more about adjustable keyboard trays and to view several styles, check out Fentek Industries.

Point of care cart

In the medical field, a point of care cart is a necessity for maneuvering confined spaces. A point of care cart is a mobile ergonomic desk that holds a computer and keyboard to allow health care professionals to input patient information electronically from the patient's room or exam rooms. Point of care carts can efficiently be moved from room to room and are easily adjustable for a sit-to-stand positioning.

I recommend: Humanscale explains what point of care carts are, while VSS Medical Mounts offers a description on the many capabilities of a point of care cart.

Desk footrest

Ergonomic desk footrests will increase your employees comfort even more. Desk footrests are designed to provide support and positioning to take pressure off of the lower back and thigh muscles, while increasing circulation and reducing fatigue.

I recommend: Rehab Solutions describes in detail how desk footrests can be beneficial to you and your employees, while Ergo In Demand offers an explanation on desk footrests.