Setting up an ergonomically efficient workstation for desk-bound workers is a huge task. They often need to rely on various ergonomic accessories to improve the functioning of their workstation and make them more efficient spaces. However, different accessories may come with various problems, and one such accessory we look at today is a monitor arm.
To keep your workstation functional and to avoid any inconvenience that can hamper your productivity, you must know all the potential problems you may come across when using a monitor mount. Moreover, you should also know about their potential solution to improve your workspace's functionality.
This article looks at the problems and solutions for monitor mounts and general information about monitor arms and why you should buy them.
So let's get started.
What Is a Monitor Mount?
A monitor mount is an arm that allows you to attach your screen to one of its ends, whereas the other end is attached to your workstation, ceiling, or wall.
The design of the monitor arm enables you to adjust your screen at an ideal height. Moreover, it also allows you to move your screen around and conveniently change its position (including the depth and height). Therefore, with a monitor arm, you can easily adjust the screen's position throughout the day to best suit your needs, whether you have a conventional sitting workstation or are using a height-adjustable standing workstation.
Monitor mounts like Intelligent Monitor Arm with Docking Station MD01 by Flexispot make an essential ergonomic office accessory whether you have an office job or are working remotely. And while it's only an accessory, you can significantly benefit from it in multiple ways.
Why Do You Need a Monitor Arm?
Before we delve into the common problems for monitor mounts that you may encounter in 2023, let's explore why you should get a monitor mount in the first place.
Investing in a monitor mount for your workstation brings the following benefits.
Allows You to Maintain an Ergonomic Posture
Depending upon the tasks you're involved in with your desk-bound job, your body may get into different positions, some of them may be ergonomic, but others may need to be more.
However, it can be challenging to change your position appropriately when you're working on a screen that's placed on your desk. In such instances, a monitor arm may help as it allows you to change your position and screen accordingly to fit your needs. You can raise or lower the height of your screen depending on the task you're doing, which helps avoid straining your neck and back.
Helps Reduce Eye Strain
Another critical reason to get a monitor mount is that it helps diminish eye strain. Prolonged exposure to a computer screen in the same position can lead to headaches and eye strain.
With a monitor mount, you can place your stress in an optimal position which helps reduce eye strain while working.
Serves as a Space-Saving Solution for Your Workstation
Investing in a monitor mount means you free up the space on your desk, which can be utilized for something else.
With some extra workspace, you can better organize your office supplies and enjoy an open space at your workstation.
Enables You to View Multiple Screens
One of the best reasons to get a monitor mount is that it allows you to view multiple screens at the same time. Moreover, all your screens can be viewed at the correct angle.
Enhances Your Productivity
A monitor mount at your workstation can immensely increase your productivity because it provides you complete control over your visual display while you're at work.
Instead of depending on the height of your desk, you can adjust the screen to ensure that you're viewing the screen at an ideal angle.
Common Problems You Might Encounter With Monitor Mounts and Possible Solutions
Although having a monitor mount at your workstation brings a wide range of benefits, it's important for you to be aware of any potential problem you might encounter with using a monitor arm and how you can overcome that problem.
Some of these problems and their potential solution include the following.
Problem # 1: Monitor Weight Incompatibility
One of the most common problems that users of monitor mounts may experience is the incompatibility of the monitor weight with the monitor arm. When the mount arm has the wrong weight capacity for your monitor size and weight, you can experience stability issues with your screen.
Your screen may sag if you have a low-weight-capacity monitor arm and a heavier screen. On the other hand, if you use a heavy-duty monitor arm for a lightweight monitor screen, it may bounce and result in instability.
An unstable monitor screen can hamper your productivity and work pattern, and you may need help keeping the monitor screen in the appropriate position. The problem is significant enough to offset all the benefits of a monitor mount.
Hence, you should know the solution.
The Solution
To avoid this problem altogether, it's best to learn about your screen's weight before you head out to purchase a monitor arm so you can get the monitor arm that can appropriately handle your screen's weight.
However, if you have already invested in a monitor mount and it's not compatible with your monitor's weight, you can try the following solution.
If your screen is light in weight and you experience bounce issues, consider replacing spring mounts with a post-mount. It is particularly helpful if you're using an adjustable monitor mount arm desk which is more compatible with more static mount arm options.
On the other hand, if you have a heavier screen and a lightweight monitor arm that is unable to support the screen appropriately, you can consider switching your screen to a more lightweight alternative. Moreover, you can choose a monitor mount with an extendable arm as it's better able to support the screen than a monitor mount with a fixed arm.
Problem # 2: Monitor Size Incompatibility
It is also common to experience the problem of monitor size incompatibility. Some monitors are wider than standard monitors, and ultra-wide monitors may not be compatible with standard-sized monitor arms.
Solution
If you have an ultra-wide screen, the unusually wider screen size can stress the regular monitor arms and affect its ability to tilt the screen.
If you cannot replace the monitor mount, consider fitting in a heavy-duty tilter, as a tilter is the component of the monitor mount responsible for raising and lowering the screen. With a heavy-duty tilter, you can prevent incompatibility issues.
Problem # 3: VESA Compliance of Monitor Mount Arm Desk
Before you invest in a monitor mount, you need to check whether or not your screen is VESA compliant. The VESA standard indicates the distances of the four mounting holes at the back of the screen so you can conveniently mount your monitor with the monitor arm.
Most monitor arms you'll find on the market are designed to be compatible with VESA-compliant monitor screens, yet there's always a chance that you realize that your screen isn't VESA-compliant.
Solution
If your screen lacks the necessary screw holes to connect to your monitor arm, you can look for alternative brackets that allow your screen to work well with the monitor arm of your choice.
However, if you attach a separate add-on bracket, now that it will contribute to additional weight, you should check the total weight of the brackets and the arm to ensure there are no weight incapability issues.
Problem # 4: Cord and Cable Management
It's critical for you to check that the monitor arm that you purchase features an integrated cord and cable management system. Since monitors tend to have a power wire, a video plug, and some other wires, they can quickly get messy or entangled, especially if you're working on multiple screens.
Without appropriate management, the cords and cables can take up unnecessary space at your workstation and create clutter you wouldn't like.
Solution
A quick solution to this problem is to use a wire tie that can hold all the cords together. The wire tie helps reduce clutter and saves space. You can also use a tube or wrap that keeps all your cables together.
Bottom Line
If you're getting a monitor mount for your workstation, it's best to know about potential problems beforehand to avoid them. And in case you have already purchased a monitor mount, knowing the solutions can help you maximize the utility of your investment.
With the insight you gained through this post, we hope you are now familiar with some of the obstacles you may have to go through following the purchase of a monitor mount and learn how to optimize the functionality of your workstation.
