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Proper posture and comfortable furniture are essential to the long term comfort of the agents in your call center. Research has shown that sitting for extended periods of time can cause many of the common musculoskeletal injuries that have become so pervasive in our office based lifestyle.

Interior Concepts is a leading provider of ergonomic call center furniture. Recently the company offered several tips for a healthier, more ergonomic workspace for call centers. These tips are designed to improve the agent’s ability to work extended hours without strain or bodily injury.

The first suggestion IC makes is to have agents move their chairs up and down a few inches daily, this ensures that muscles never becomes too familiar with a certain position or become stiff after sitting for too long. 

The second word of advice is to use the 20/20/20 rule. That is have your agents focus their eyes on a spot at least 20 feet further than there monitors, every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. This exercise takes strain off the eyes and allows them to rest after focusing intently on work for the past 20 minutes. Good room lighting can also prevent eyestrain. Adjust your monitor to avoid reflections on the screen surface. Use task lighting can also reduce dilation of eyes between tasks, which will reduce eyestrain. 

 The posture you hold yourself in at your desk goes a long way in reduce your risk of strains like carpal tunnel syndrome. When sitting for long periods of time agents should make sure to lean back and let the chair support their back.  They should also keep their elbows at 90 degree angles and make sure their wrists are titled down when typing. Last but not least IC recommends a footrest, as they enable a new range of motion for your legs and can stimulate blood flow throughout your lower body.

You’re call center agents are probably well aware that they’re going to be sitting at a desk for a minimum of 40 hours a week. Impart these tips on them and you’ll make sure they’re at least more comfortable during that time.

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Chris DiMarco is a Managing Editor for TMCnet. He holds a master's degree in journalism from Quinnipiac University. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert) Chris worked with e-commerce provider Suresource as a contact center representative and development analyst. To read more of his articles, please visit his columnist page. Follow him on Twitter (News - Alert) @cpdimarco.

Edited by Juliana Kenny