Whether you work at home or at an office, it’s important to make sure that your workspace is organized so that you’re able to ready quickly and get your work done efficiently. Most employers will be helpful in allowing you to adjust your computer and desk so that you’re in the best position to work. Even if you don’t think you need to worry about your reading speed at work, remember that every e-mail, every interoffice memo, every project report, and every business letter you send or receive will slow you down if you’re not reading at your top speed. Your speed reading practice will help, of course, but until you set up your desk so that you can take advantage of your speed reading techniques, you’ll be slowing yourself down.
Reduce glare on your computer screen and desk. Think about how you feel at the end of the day or the week – do you walk out of the office with a headache? One main cause of headaches is constant squinting against bright light. The glare from overhead lights or windows by your desk may make it difficult to read the words on your screen, or on the paper on your desk. Use desk lamps to provide indirect light, and position your computer so that you’re neither facing a window directly nor have one right behind you.
Adjust the position and brightness of your screen or monitor. Your computer screen should be approximately 20 inches away from your eyes, and you should be able to see the screen easily without tilting your head up or down. Use the brightness and contrast controls to make sure the letters are clear enough to read easily. If you find yourself leaning forward to read, increase the screen display to make the letters larger.
Take care of your eyes. Many office environments are “closed” – that is, the the air is recirculated through ventilation systems. As a result, there’s often very little moisture in the air, and that may make your eyes dry out. Take breaks to close your eyes to let them lubricate naturally from your tear ducts, or use eye drops to add moisture. Your eyes will also dry out if you don’t blink often enough, which can happen if you’re intensely focused on what you’re reading. Take short breaks from looking at the screen to focus farther away, close your eyes, then resume your work.
