Most of us have been working from home for several weeks now. While working from home a couple of days here and there is fine for most of us, we now run into an odd situation that we really need to think about having a proper workplace while working from home. Still, a number of people are working either on the kitchen table or on some sort of desk. While this is the case, most companies have strict policies when it comes to deskwork, especially on the ergonomics aspects of the job. We need adjustable tables, adjustable chairs and adjustable screens. This all to make the job less demanding for the body. However, while working from home, we don’t always have all these tools at our disposal for working ergonomically.
The Table
Most of us are working either on the kitchen table or on a non-adjustable desk. We can debate about why we should work on these types of tables, but most people don’t have room to create a proper home office. However, when you work from home, try to find a way to adjust the height of the table. You can put some wood or books underneath the table legs to change the height of the table. Again, it’s not ideal, but we need to work with what we have.
The Chair
This one is much trickier, especially when the chair is non-adjustable. At least find a position, which relaxes the body somehow. Also try to use a pillow to support your back when you sit in the chair. Unlike the table, it is much easier to buy an adjustable chair. They don’t take up lots of space and will help a lot to sit comfortably and prevent back pains.
The Monitor
The height of your screen is important to prevent neck pain. Looking straight at your screen makes sure you have a good position for your neck. You can either buy an adjustable screen or simply use a book to levitate the screen. Try to come as close as possible to the configuration above.
The Accessories
This is probably the most neglected part of working from home. Most people work on a laptop and simply use the trackpad and keyboard that comes with the laptop. A separate mouse and keyboard allows much more degrees of freedom, because you can configure it yourself. The keyboard and trackpad are fine for working an hour or so, but not to work on them hours on end.
Also a lot of people are used to working with a second screen. Just use your old laptop or an old desktop screen to work with a double screen or maybe buy a new one. Because this working from home could take a while and maybe you like it so much, that in the future you work one or two days at home instead of in the office. Some of our employees are more productive back at home, because there are no distractions from colleagues. Just think about it, how is working from home working for you?
In the end it is important to have a proper workplace at home, which gives the least possible physical problems. We need our body for the rest of our lives, so just make sure you treat it accordingly.
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