My Manifesto: The Incoherent Ramblings of a Madman

Interior Design a.k.a Office Arrangement a.k.a OHS&R a.k.a Feng Shui

Workplace Layout

Workplace layout is important. Particular points of interest include entry and egress points. Cramped conditions should be avoided because they lower worker productivity and increase OHS & R problems.

The building code of Australia says:

“Adequate space should be provided for access ways to and from exits, workstations, and amenties. Passage and exit ways should be no less than 810 mm wide for workplaces with less than 100 workers.”

Workstation Layout

Workstation layout is important. Correct workstation layout:
•reduces clutter;
•improves worker productivity and efficiency; and
•reduces work place injury.

The building code of Australia says:

“No less than 2.3 square metres of floor space and 11 cubic metres of air space should be provided for each worker. This calculation is to be exclusive of any objects or encumbrance and should be considered as the minimum space required for each worker’s workstation”

Seating Arrangements

Seating arrangements are also important in an office. If you are not feeling on top of things, the chances are you are sitting too close to the door. If your experience is to always to be in the firing line, the chances are you are sitting directly in the line of the energy flow entering the room that is, opposite the door. To be in charge of your job you need to be in charge of your space and to position your desk so that it enjoys a "commanding view" of the room, particularly the door. A large, substantial desk is good: it conveys authority and success. However, it is not good to conduct client interviews sitting behind it because it is a barrier to communications, intimidating in fact. It is better to be ultimately—and metaphorically—on the same side as your client, in more relaxed seating, if you want a successful meeting with input from the client. However, if you want the upper hand, then the converse is true. (adapted from: http://www.nonde.freeserve.co.uk/Quest/Quest%20Physical/fslaw.htm")

Workstation Height

Workstation height is important for reducing RSI. The optimal height for a workstation is between 700 – 760 mm and should be located so the elbow is just acute of right angles to the surface i.e just above elbow level.

Work Surface Layout

The most frequently used objects should be within half-arm length reach. The following general rules apply:

•the phone should be on the submissive handed side of the person within the half-arm length arc;
•pens/pencils should be on the dominant handed side of the person within the half-arm length arc;
•Detachable keyboards are recommended;
•Keyboard should be located 60-70 mm from the edge of the desk surface – wrist rests are not recommended;
•The monitor and keyboard should be kept central so the body is not skewed when typing;
•The screen should be tilted 5 degrees upwards and placed side-on to windows to avoid glare;
•the computer should be centred, with the screen at eye-level 600-700 mm from the eyes; and
•the document holder should be on the dominant handed side of the person at eye level.