Furthermore, there is some evidence to suggest that curved screen monitors can also help to alleviate eye strain-related problems too. Many people are starting to find out that the remote work arrangements they once thought were temporary are becoming more long-term, and in some cases, maybe even permanent. Here, we’ll explain what ergonomics is and provide examples of ways to make your home office safer, comfortable, and more efficient. Varying your posture throughout the workday is really important.

An optimized workstation allows a worker to focus on their task and not be distracted by discomfort or a lack of organization. The more focused your employees are, the higher the level of productivity they can have.

Positioning Your Computer Screen

Ergonomics in the workplace can help lower your insurance costs by reducing the risk of employees suffering from work-related injuries and illnesses. By reducing the number of Workers’ Compensation claims, you could be able to save on insurance premiums. It is also a good idea to ask your employees about what hazards they see in their environment. By asking for their input, you’re showing interest in them.

BOSTONtec provides ergonomic workstations and custom solutions designed to increase productivity, ROI, and employee satisfaction. Ergonomics in the workplace can help improve employee satisfaction by reducing physical and mental stress. As a result, your employees will enjoy coming to work more than they did before, affecting those around them. When you’re feeling comfortable, you can focus better on your work.

Why Are Home Office Ergonomics So Important?

A makeshift desk at the kitchen table or a temporary bedroom office are common. These new work arrangements combined with the additional stressors of working at home may be taking a toll on our health. Here are some tips to optimize your telework environment and help manage stress during these challenging times. Buying an external keyboard and mouse is a great, and relatively affordable, investment that will help you a long way.

This decreases the risk that you might develop leg, foot, or, you guessed it, back pain. When you use a laptop, you should use the same ergonomic setup for the screen. This means propping your laptop up on something to bring the top of the screen to eye level. Of course, this makes it harder to type, which is why you should use an external keyboard and mouse when Remote Work Ergonomics Tips to Use you must use a laptop for extended periods. Using this guide and picking the right products to complement your work setup will help protect your body from the negative effects of poor office ergonomics. Remember to pay attention to the needs of your own body and transition slowly if you decide to go with an alternative to a traditional desk like a standing desk.

What is Ergonomics?

This makes it easy to point out habits and areas in your workspace that need improvement. Pin your checklist on the wall near your computer or place it somewhere visible to keep ergonomic principles top of mind. According to a recent study, two out of five Americans felt new or increased pain in their shoulders, back, or wrists since they began working from home. Blinds can help, so can moving your workstation to a different area where there’s less glare. The goal is to make sure your eyes can easily see what’s on the screen. It’s good to take at least one long break after working for extended periods—and you probably already do so with lunch! Use this time to improve your health by going for a walk, stretching, or rehydrating either before or after eating.

The top line of text on the screen should be at eye level. If the monitor is not adjustable, try stacking books or cardboard cartons under the monitor to bring the screen to an optimal height. Like the million of other Americans, Chambers has also been working from home. She tries to practice what she preaches about ergonomics by incorporating activity breaks throughout the day and by using a sit-stand desk to alternate her posture. People working from home should also build more activity in their workday in order to improve their home ergonomics, says Chambers. Movement can include short activity breaks like walks, stretching, or physical fitness. Be Fit Pitt, an initiative of the School of Education’s Healthy Lifestyle Institute, is providing online content to assist with increasing movement throughout the workday as well.