Translator’s Workspace 1 – Basic Ergonomics

Welcome to the first installment of our new “Translator’s Workspace” series, where we are going to discuss a wide range of topics relating to the life of a freelance translator.

BASIC ERGONOMICS

As linguists you will be familiar with the concept of mens sana in corpore sano. The bulk of what we do takes place in our brains, but to make sure we are doing the best job possible, it is essential to take care of our bodies as well.

We all know how physically challenging it can be to spend long hours in front of a computer. The wrong chair, incorrect screen height and poorly-designed computer peripherals can cause pain or even long-term damage to the neck, lower back, shoulders and elbows, to name just a few.

The right angles…

The topic of desks and chairs is hotly debated in the freelance community and further afield: gaming chairs, kneeling chairs, fit-balls, sit/stand desks and even treadmills… the list is endless!

Whatever option you choose, the most important thing is to make sure you maintain good posture while working. Here are some quick tips:

Try to keep your hips, knees, ankles and elbows at approximately 90° by adjusting desk and chair height. A foot rest can also be useful to find a comfortable position.

Make sure your screen is at the right height and distance from you to prevent neck strain. The top should be level with your eyes and about an arm’s length away.

Try to move your arm, not your wrist, when using your mouse. We will look at peripherals in more detail in another newsletter, but remember how important it is to keep your wrist straight and relaxed to reduce the risk of painful conditions further down the line.

For a more detailed explanation of how to maintain proper desk posture, check out this video on YouTube.

Break it up!

And of course: remember that regular breaks, daily exercise, proper hydration and good sleep are the four pillars for keeping ourselves healthy, whatever our office setup!

What chair/desk combination do you use? Do you have any comments or tips for the rest of the STAR team?