Board 8 > I need advice about a work thing (desk/chair height)

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This isn't really B8's thing but I'm not sure where else to turn. Other people have requested job advice here so hey, maybe we have some ergonomics experts too.

My job remodeled the desk I sit at recently, and it is destroying my arms. It was just uncomfortable at first, but in less than a month my arms are now slightly numb and tingly all the time. It's worst at work but even over the weekend the feeling persists. I've done some googling (which I know to take with a grain of salt when it comes to medical stuff) and I've read some scary stuff about damaging a nerve in my elbows.

The thing is, my boss 100% won't give a damn unless I come with hard numbers (maybe not even then), and I can't find any. The desk is 32 inches high, my chair is roughly 20 inches, and I'm just under six feet tall. From what I've found on google, those are all within the normal range for chairs/desks:

plenty of desks are also available from 22 all the way to 33 inches tall

A seat height that ranges from about 16 to 21 inches off the floor should work for most people.

But I'm also finding stuff about how my elbows should be bent close to 90 degrees, and right now I need to lift them up very high to type, write on paper, etc. Like when resting on the desk they're almost as high as my nipples.

I feel like I need a chair that goes higher, but I can't ask for one when this one is apparently standard. None of the other chairs around my workplace go higher than this. I don't think there's any obligation that work needs to be comfortable, either, but the worsening numbness after sitting here eight hours a day is making me scared of lasting damage. Any advice would be appreciated.

What the fuck Numbness isn't discomfort, let them know and file a labor complaint if they don't help you lol

could you get a thick cushion for your chair? like a little booster

DoomTheGyarados posted...

What the fuck Numbness isn't discomfort, let them know and file a labor complaint if they don't help you lol

I'm just not sure if this is a failing of the workstation or just a me problem. I'm not even the only one who sits here and the person in the shift before me is a much shorter girl. She's gone before I arrive, I'm considering coming an hour early just to ask her about this, but as far as I know she hasn't complained.

MZero posted...

could you get a thick cushion for your chair? like a little booster

I've considered this too, but I'd need to bring it back and forth every day (difficult on transit) and I'm afraid it'd look silly, this is the company front desk

I can't make any recommendations, but in your case you'd be asking for reasonable accommodation for a medical complaint. I'd speak to a doctor to get recommendations and bring a note to your boss. You don't necessarily need a high-back executive leather chair, but there are ways to improve your situation.

I've considered this too, but I'd need to bring it back and forth every day (difficult on transit) and I'm afraid it'd look silly, this is the company front desk

can people see your butt zone behind the desk? Like, would they actually be able to tell? It might even look less silly than whatever uncomfortable arm stuff you have to do now.

I found this calculator and according to it I would need to be almost seven feet tall to even come close to needing a 32 inch desk

https://www.inchcalculator.com/desk-height-calculator/

This made me feel less crazy. I'll come in early enough tomorrow to see the morning shift girl and then I'll talk to my boss. Hopefully showing him this gets me a new chair and I guess some kind of footrest. Historically this guy doesn't like doing things for me but I'll give it a shot

Honestly I'd just go the doctor route and get a note rather than risk anything else

Uglyface2 posted...

I can't make any recommendations, but in your case you'd be asking for reasonable accommodation for a medical complaint. I'd speak to a doctor to get recommendations and bring a note to your boss. You don't necessarily need a high-back executive leather chair, but there are ways to improve your situation.

Yep, this would be the approach for where I work. Of course, I work for a big organization that takes this type of thing seriously. You don't need to show your boss your medical note, you're just showing HR, who work with you to find a reasonable solution, whether that's a different chair or a standing desk or whatever.

Of course, ymmv at a small, private business.

I probably should go the doctor route, but I don't know how long it'd take to get in and I'm genuinely afraid to leave this much longer. Today was day sixteen of sitting at that desk and it is killing me. It feels funny to rub my hands together. If I feel my arm, sliding down from my shoulder, there's a noticeable change starting at my elbow. It's hard to describe, it's like the sensation dulls, on both arms.

Before this I honestly wouldn't have thought a few inches would make such a huge difference.

Are you not allowed to stand or would you have to bend too low? And your new desk isnt one that has adjustable heights?

I dont get how your company isnt being more accommodating. Theyre setting themselves up for liabilities.

You could try seeing a physical therapist if the doctor route takes too long for you. I have similar issues with my hands feeling numb and tingly from elbow/shoulder inflammation putting pressure on my nerves. Didn't think too much of it when it first started but then it persisted over a couple days and my elbow was actually hurting too. Was able to set up a physical therapy session within a day or two and they have definitely helped with all that.

Not to hijack this topic but since we're talking about office chairs...

I've currently got some faux-leather $200 one I got at Costco that I've been using for maybe 5 years. It's starting to fall apart though and I really should get another chair.

I could probably just go get another one like this from Costco. Or, I could probably be smarter and buy something more expensive that will last longer.

I work from home, so I spend a lot of time sitting in the chair, whether for work or for personal/gaming time.

Any suggestions?

I was having numbness in my arms with my work setup at home.

changed my keyboard to one that splits so your arms at more of a resting position and it's been fine ever since.

Don't talk to your boss anymore, go straight to HR if you can.

ask someone to take pictures of how you seat and go to a doctor