Your seat is undeniably an integral part of working ergonomically at your desk. However, how you position your monitor screen can significantly impact neck and eye strain. So, while some stock monitor stands can offer great adjustability, you may need a monitor mount for the ideal position. There are different types of monitor mounts that you can buy for your home office or workplace. So, picking one that suits your needs can enable you to work efficiently and with minimal risk to your body. Thus, this article offers tips on how to pick the right monitor mount for your workstation.
Tips on How to Pick the Right Monitor Mount for Your Workstation
You don't have to buy the most expensive monitor mount available. Instead, you should make a note of all the features you need for your screen. After that, search for a screen that includes all of those features. With that said, here are some tips on finding a monitor mount that's best for you.
Understand What Features Your Monitor Mount Should Have Based on Ergonomics
The first thing you should do is understand workplace ergonomics. Workplace ergonomics is a practice in which you maximize your efficiency. You can manage that by how you sit at your desk. By sitting in a comfortable and optimal position, you can allow yourself to stay focused on your work.
At the same time, you can reduce the risk of pain and injuries by sitting in one position for long periods. That can also help you maintain your focus on your work because you won't be distracted by chronic pain. Also, if you sustain an injury because of poor ergonomics, you may be unable to work for some time. Thus, working ergonomically can benefit your well-being, health, and performance at work.
With that said, you should look for a monitor mount that can help you reach peak ergonomics. So, in order to do that, you will first need to know what is the ideal position. Below are some features a monitor mount should have based on adjustability features.
Ability to Increase or Decrease the Screen Height
You should make sure that your screen is at the correct height. So, you're the upper half of your screen should be at your eye level. This way, you won't have to look down or up to look at your screen. Keeping your neck straight can help reduce neck strain. You will also help reduce strain on your eyes by resting them in a neutral position, i.e., not looking upward or downward.
A screen positioned too low can force you to rest your hand on your arm to look at the screen comfortably. In turn, you may hunch forward, which can put a lot of strain on your back, leading to back problems in the future. Moreover, you won't have both arms free to work in the most efficient way possible.
Ability to Move Your Monitor Forward or Backward
The ideal position of your monitor is for the screen to be about arm's length from your eyes. Sitting too close or far can cause eye strain. For example, you may have to squint to read small text on your screen if you're sitting too far.
In addition to eye strain, your screen's distance can also lead to potential back problems. You may constantly need to move your head closer to look at some things on your screen. With the ideal distance, You won't feel the need to lean forward in order to read text on your screen. As a result, you can keep your back straight while still leaning on the backrest of your ergonomic office chair. You can help reduce the risk of lower and upper back pain as a result.
On the other hand, you may compromise your elbow placement if you're sitting too close to your screen. Consider this example: you don't have room but to place your monitor far back on your desk. Therefore, you sit farther away from the desk to keep the distance ideal. However, you may sit too far from your keyboard and mouse as a result. Ideally, your elbow should be about 90 degrees so that you're not straining your arms and wrists to reach these devices.
An ergonomic monitor mount can correct that problem by offering adjustability in the z-plane. So, you can move it further behind even if you don't have space on the desk. Thus, you can maintain the ideal screen and elbow positions.
Check for Size and Weight That the Monitor Mount Supports
If you already have monitors, check the box or search the model on the internet to determine the dimensions and weight of the screen. You should make sure that your ergonomic monitor mount can accommodate the weight and dimensions.
If you fix your monitor on a mount that cannot support the weight, it may be challenging for the monitor arm to hold the screen in the desired position. In addition to that, it may also get damaged with time. Moreover, look at the mounting fixtures at the back of the monitor. They should match the one on the mount you're considering buying.
Consider Mounting Options
There are a few different mounting options for your monitor stand or arm. These options include the following.
Clamping onto your desk
Mounting to a wall
Fixing onto the desk via a grommet mount
The most versatile option is the desk clamp style. For example, the MD01 ergonomic monitor arm allows you to securely fix it onto the edge of your desk. You also don't need a specific type of desk—any will do. On the other hand, you will need a desk with an appropriate hole to use a grommet mount.
Moreover, you can use a monitor mount without needing to be close to a wall. A wall mount limits where you can use your monitor. Moreover, you may need to drill holes in your wall to use it. That can be challenging if you live in a rented apartment.
However, one advantage wall-mounted monitor mounts have is that they can clear up space on your desk. That said, a desk clamp takes up very little space.
Choose a Monitor Mount That Does Not Take Much Space
A monitor mount that easily clamps onto your desk is an excellent way to save space on your desk. This way, you can free up a lot more space for storing accessories on your desk. This feature is especially useful to those users who have small desks.
Keeping your workstation neat and organized is crucial for good ergonomics. You'll know where everything is, and you won't have to deal with the stress of looking at a cluttered desk.
Consider a Dual Monitor Mount Only When Necessary
Unless your work requires the use of two monitors, you shouldn't waste your money on an ergonomic dual monitor mount. They can be more expensive than a single mount or monitor arm. However, if your work needs it, then make sure you can adjust both arms independently. This way, you won't be restricted by the way you can position your monitors.
The F7D dual mount by FlexiSpot, for example, offers excellent adjustability. You can use your two monitors in various positions, such as widescreen, both portrait, or one in portrait and the other in widescreen mode. In addition, the independent arms enable you to adjust two monitors of different sizes easily. These arms also include swivel and tilt adjustability.
If you're on a budget, you can use fixed mounts instead of arms. The difference between these two types of monitor mounts is that the arms allow you to adjust the heights of each monitor independently. If that's not a necessity, then you can stick with this more affordable option by FlexiSpot. You can still rotate the screens to put them in portrait and widescreen mode. This option also has cable management for a clean, organized setup.
Consider a Mount with a Docking Station
A docking station is not a necessary feature. However, if you use multiple devices for your work, then additional connectivity can be advantageous. For example, the ergonomic monitor arm MD01 has a docking station with a considerable number of ports for additional connectivity. Such a feature can be useful for professionals who do graphic designing, video editing, music production, etc.
Last Few Words
One final tip on how to pick the right monitor mount for your workstation that you should keep in mind is to get a mount that can be used on a standing desk. So, if you use a standing desk and consistently switch between standing and seated positions, your monitor arm should be able to accommodate the height and distance perfectly. So, just look at the length of the mount or monitor arm before buying it.
