This is not good. Talk to almost any certified professional ergonomist and central to his or her mantra is training designed to create a smarter worker. A smarter worker, they surmise, is a healthier – and less expensive – worker.

From the at-home worker to the road warrior, ergonomics - which matches workplace to worker - has a place in every business environment. Think about the graphic designer who works the mouse like a maven but never breaks to stretch the wrists. Or consider the keyboard junkie who easily taps out 10,000 keystrokes an hour. Without stretching the arms, wrists and hands, his or her muscles will teem with stress.

Ergonomics seeks to increase productivity and promote overall worker satisfaction by minimizing discomfort and cumulative workplace injuries, which cost U.S. companies almost $200 billion a year in lost time and insurance benefits paid. If you bemoan an achy back, shoulders, neck, or wrists, or experience headaches or eye strain, maybe you could use some ergonomic intervention.

The Solution

Here's how. Ergonomically designed chairs - with adjustable armrests, seats and backs - ease stress on the arms, shoulders and backs. Foot rests raise and comfort legs, and take weight off the lower back. "Ergonomic" computer keyboards angle a typist's hands toward one another in a more natural alignment, and wrist rests and mouse pads - or left-handed mice for southpaws - help ease lower-arm pain. Telephone headsets reduce neck strain. Screens on monitors cut distracting glare, and full-spectrum lighting overhead casts a soothing, sun-like glow on the entire workplace.

This doesn't have to be expensive: Some estimate that about 20% of all ergonomic changes cost nothing to implement. Create a footrest by stacking two telephone books beneath the feet. Use another phone book to create the proper angle for the computer monitor. Dust the monitor and desktop to get a better view and to reduce allergens.

Don't skimp on the chair, though. A quality ergonomic chair will run from $100 to more than $1,000. If you do buy a new chair, read the instructions on how to use all those knobs and levers. Don't have the dough right now for a new chair? Create temporary lumbar – or lower-back – support with a rolled-up towel, pillow or inexpensive lower-back pad. Some things that help keep a person healthy can't be bought at the office supply store. Common sense is about the best tool in the ergonomically designed office.