6 Ergonomic Remote Work Tips for Maximum Comfort & Productivity

This allows the laptop screen to be elevated to eye level. Also, the small footprint of a laptop keyboard poses ergonomic posture issues that can lead to discomfort even with short duration use. A task chair with adjustable seat height is preferred to allow comfortable and neutral sitting postures. Whether working onsite or telecommuting, proper workstation ergonomics are important for safety and well-being. All staff should take care to properly set up and adjust their workstation to allow neutral ergonomic postures to the extent possible. Laptops are often the primary work tool for remote work, but pose postural concerns if used without external devices for extended periods of time. Crucially, employers should communicate the importance of taking regular short breaks.

It’s a lot easier to find that sweet spot if you can try out different items and return the ones that don’t adjust to your liking. Bad ergonomics, how your body moves and grooves at work, can contribute to a variety of factors including an injury at work—and now with telecommuting, also working from home.

DON’T turn your couch into a workstation

All the solutions offered here are do-it-yourself solutions, but there are plenty of items you can purchase online as well. For example, you can look for an ergonomics keyboard and mouse or purchase a sit-stand laptop stand. Increase productivity by 20-30% using two or more screens. However, achieving these Remote Work Ergonomics Tips to Use goals also means adjusting the screens properly not to strain your neck as you move your head back and forth across the screens. A monitor arm or monitor stand is a practical solution to find the perfect position for your workstation. I am a Health ergonomist and the founder of Inspired Ergonomics.

• We can use some pillows to make the chairs more comfty or even cleaning the table or desk to work in a nice place.
• Mixing standing and sitting into your work is a great way to relieve stress on your body.
• As your eyes tire, you might also start hunching, squinting, and pulling your screen closer than what’s recommended.
• If they have an ergonomist on the payroll, it also makes sense to have you send a video or photos of your office for a complete reevaluation.
• Spend on average $442,000 in excess healthcare treatments and lost work time.

For every 20 minutes spent looking at a computer screen, you should spend 20 seconds looking at something else 20 feet away. You have an obligation to ensure the home office set up of your employees is safe.

Ergonomics & Safety When Working Remotely

The main problem with a laptop is that the screen and the keyboard are connected, making true ergonomic placement of the laptop keyboard and screen impossible. That means at the top of your spine, near your neck, your spine curves in . In the middle, your spine curves out, and your low back curves back in. While you’re working https://remotemode.net/ at home during the pandemic, that may not be the case. You can’t run out to the office supply store and buy what you need. And, even if you can, you may not want to drop the money on it, or take the health risk. Position frequently used materials and equipment close to the front of the body to avoid twisting and reaching.

Your employees are one of the most important parts of your business. So, going the extra mile to ensure their safety and well-being will always be smart business. Staying stationary all day is one of the worst things you could do to your body. It’s unnatural to remain seated and in front of a screen 24/7, so it’s important to move around a bit during the work day.