But they’re not designed to be used as a chair and cause similar problems to sitting and standing, if you end up in a static posture for prolonged periods. Using them for five to 10 minutes at a time would be his maximum recommendation. Studies show that Neat could play a key part in maintaining our energy levels and body weight. In the new work-from-home environment, that means consciously tapping into work from home ergonomics these activities and making sure to move every 30 minutes – outside is great, but even a different room is suitable. The main goal is that you’re moving intermittently and varying your posture throughout the day to avoid strain. One advantage when working from home is that you have the opportunity to change postures at will without the awkwardness of being in the middle of an open office space.
- Some studies indicate that standing may be superior, while others show that sitting in the correct position is best.
- Stretching helps to alleviate muscle tension, improve flexibility, and promote blood circulation.
- As you type, your wrists should remain straight, and your upper arms should stay close to your body, without you forcing it.
- Standup desks are great, Davis says, mostly for facilitating frequent postural change without having to move away from the desk.
- With that said, let’s get into the ergonomics dos and don’ts of working from home.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which scored a direct hit on global business, millions of employees around the country have been sent home, and many of them are able to conduct business remotely. Employers should maintain regular communication with their remote workforce to assess their wellbeing and address any concerns related to ergonomics or remote work conditions. This proactive approach ensures employees feel supported and valued, ultimately contributing to a positive work culture. By fulfilling these obligations, employers demonstrate their commitment to the wellbeing and productivity of their remote workforce. From a legal standpoint, employers are responsible for safeguarding the health and wellbeing of their remote workforce. Embracing these responsibilities are a hallmark of responsible and forward-thinking employers.
Why Is Ergonomics Important While Working From Home?
Chair
If they do not have one already, employees should consider purchasing a fully adjustable chair. That allows the user to sit comfortably in an upright position for extended periods. Sitting for prolonged periods can have adverse effects on your health. To combat this, include physical activity in your remote work routine. Whether it’s doing quick exercises, like squats or jumping jacks, or taking short walks around your home or garden, staying active boosts energy levels and helps maintain a healthy posture. Ergonomics also contributes to a healthier work-life balance for remote workers.
- It’s of utmost importance to .properly setup the ergonomics in your home office.
- Even more, it can help you decrease the risk of developing repetitive strain injuries or any unwanted body pain.
- It may be helpful to set an alarm to ring every hour to remind you to sit up properly while working.
- As you type, your elbows should hang naturally by your sides without discomfort.
- It may place your back and neck in a forward-bent position, leading to excessive stress and strain.
- It’s easy to snack throughout the day instead of eating like you did in the office.
Ergonomic risk factors that can cause an MSD can be awkward and static postures, repetition, cold temperatures, etc. Awkward postures can overload the muscles and place too much pressure on the joints. When these factors are present individually or in combination, the risk of appearing or causing an MSD’s is much higher. However, it will last longer, all furniture will be customized according to your needs, and you will save a lot of money in the long run.
Support Your Spine
Here’s what you need to know about organizing a work setup that supports—rather than hurts—your health. Get on the road to a significantly higher quality of life by setting up an appointment today. No matter what kind of chair you use, you want something that will support your spine’s natural S-shape.
For most of us, gone are the days when well-designed offices took care of all these problems for us. Ergonomics in the work environment refers to optimising how we work. It brings together our anatomy, physiology, data, and engineering to help us design a work environment fit for those in it. It primarily involves designing the workplace in a way that is conducive for better productivity and wellbeing. This is why understanding ergonomics is so important when working from home because we don’t have occupational health around to assess us. Working from home is a new reality for many people during the pandemic.
Why is Ergonomic Working Important?
If you can correct your home office ergonomics, the best time to do so is now. Set a timer to remind yourself to move your legs, stretch, and give your eyes a break from the screen, Loesing says. The change happened so abruptly, there was no thought given to how our WFH setups and routines may affect our ergonomics—and, in turn, our focus and productivity. For every 20 minutes spent looking at a computer screen, you should spend 20 seconds looking at something else 20 feet away. If you don’t have the option of an office chair, there are some household items you can use to help you adjust.
Consider using the time you would be commuting to the office for social activities outside work. The chair should also allow the knees and elbows to be at right angles, to minimise unnecessary muscle strain. Boston University moderates comments to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, self-promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected.
It gives tips on how to work effectively when you don’t have ideal conditions and gives guidance on staying mentally fit too. Careful planning, for instance, getting up earlier to get through tasks before the rest of the household stirs, can reduce the likelihood of injury and improve productivity Oakman suggests. “Back pain is caused by work-related stress as well as work-related physical factors,” she explains. A comfortable work space can help keep you healthy when working remotely.