Ergonomwhat? Helping your remote workforce set up a home office

Ergonomics matter. Whether you’re a seasoned work-from-home pro or new to the reality of remote working, it’s important your workspace is set up correctly. Your health and wellbeing — as well as productivity — are counting on it.

Working from home may be an existing perk for some employees, but for others, this could be new territory — especially if your company is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and asking employees to work remotely in the wake of coronavirus.

Set Your Employees Up for Success

No matter the reason, if you want your remote workers to be effective, they should not only have the proper technology, programs, and a secure connection, but also a thoughtful and strategic workspace. Poor ergonomic design can lead to fatigue, pain, and a reduction in productivity. Think of this time as an opportunity to renew focus on employee health and wellbeing by rethinking work station design, at home and in the office.

“Ergonomics is especially important when working from home,” Todd Norwood, Director of Clinical Services at Physera, explained. “Companies could see an increase in musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions if remote workers have poorly designed at-home workstations. Promoting proper ergonomics while working from home will help employers maintain a healthy workforce, given the current global state.”

5 Tips for an Ergonomic Workstation

To better support your team, here are five ergonomic workstation tips from Physera’s licensed physical therapists. Share them to help your people remain healthy and productive while working from home.

1. Posture — Your teachers were right, it’s not good to slouch. At your workstation, slouching can quickly lead to muscle fatigue, sore backs, and stiffness. So, when seated, it’s best to keep an upright spine. Your feet should be planted below the knees. And your knees, hips, and elbows should be at a 90-degree angle.
2. Screens — Neck stiffness and eye strain are two of the biggest complaints when working from home. Whether you’re working in a laptop or a desktop (or both), your computer screens should be at eye level and a reachable distance from your body. If you’re using more than one monitor, each should be set up side by side with no gap.
3. Devices — Tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even arthritis can make working from home a real pain. For relief and prevention, position keyboards and mouses about one or two inches above your thighs and shoulder distance apart. Ideally, you’re setting up your devices so they support that perfect 90-degree angle in your elbows.
4. Stand Up — According to a Texas A&M University study, employees who use standing desks are 50% more productive. It should come as no surprise that many report feeling better, too. Best of all, you don’t have to choose one or the other — moving between sitting and an adjustable standing desktop gives you a terrific way to break up your day.
5. Chair — A proper chair ties together all your ergonomic updates. What do we mean when we say a “proper” chair? We’re glad you asked! Your chair should offer good lumbar support as well as some space between behind the knees and the chair itself. To keep your feet squarely on the ground, adjustable chairs are a great option.

With virtual care for common workplace musculoskeletal conditions and ergonomic recommendations for a remote workforce, Physera offers many ways to help keep your employees healthy at work and at home. Learn more here.