The Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers

This lets you view the entire screen at once—meaning you won’t have to move your head from left to right. Depending on how many monitors you use, you’ll need to place them at different points on your desk. However, there are a few things you should do, no matter how many monitors you use. 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.

• Larger screens may need to be farther away than “arm’s length” for you to see everything properly.
• No matter what kind of chair you use, you want something that will support your spine’s natural S-shape.
• Working from home can be really tough sometimes, because of the never-ending distractions from your family members.
• Glare can be reduced by ensuring adequate light and making sure that the light in the office is indirect.
• This will promote better wrist alignment rather than impingement or carpal tunnel stress.

Addressing pain quickly may help you recover from injury relatively more quickly. This tip sits at the top of our guide on ergonomics dos and don’ts of working from home for good reason. It helps you work more efficiently and helps you protect your body from pain and injury. There are multiple aspects to maintaining the correct posture, so we’ll provide a quick overview of the most important ones. Even though ergonomic issues and working in awkward positions may seem harmless now, you may get problems in the future.

DO customize a space to fit you

It gives tips on how to work effectively when you don’t have ideal conditions and gives guidance on staying mentally fit too. With less risk of strain in specific areas of your body, such as your back and neck, you can also remain focused on your work. Therefore, good ergonomics not only helps you work better but also helps you stay fitter in the long term.

• Understanding office ergonomics and arranging your workspace accordingly can help you feel good throughout the workday.
• Research shows that almost 25% of people working from home say finding adequate workspace is difficult.
• Adjust the height of the chair so that your feet rest flat on the floor.
• Working at kitchen tables or other hard surfaces can strain your wrists and elbows.

Consider investing in a standing desk to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. A standing desk allows you to work in an upright position, which can reduce the risk of back pain and improve circulation. Experiment with different desk heights to find the most comfortable standing position for you. Studies have shown time and again that good ergonomics in the workplace produces happy, healthy, and productive employees. Many business leaders have thus invested time and money to create an ergonomic office and reap its benefits.

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Work-life balance and flexibility are two benefits of hybrid work arrangements that have remained for some Australian workers post-pandemic. Ms Clements explains why breaks are important while working remotely, along with tips for those feeling guilty taking them. When it comes to learning how to work from home properly, certain smaller steps can also be adopted, in order to take care of your body and your overall well-being. Many of these steps can complement ergonomic design principles, such as taking regular breaks and engaging in some basic stretching exercises over the course of your working day. This illustrated quick guide helps with setting up your workspace and creating the right environment for working at home.

Having a dedicated workstation (that enables optimal working posture) outside the bedroom can help separate rest from work, which helps the mind visualize the difference and stay on task. If you don’t have an office chair in the home, consider adding a cushion to the back of the chair you’re using to help keep you from slouching. It’s easy to snack throughout the day instead of eating like you did in the office. Making a meal and staying hydrated gives you the opportunity to stand up, walk around, and let your eyes have a rest from the computer screen.

How to Optimise Your Home Office for Ergonomics

Calorie blasting aside, some people like a standing desk because it’s something different, or it gives their back a rest from sitting in a chair all day. However, if you are going to use a standing desk, be aware that it does come with its own ergonomic risks. For example, if you need a higher chair so you can reach the keyboard, your feet may not rest on the floor.

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. The change happened so abruptly, there was no thought given to how our WFH setups and routines may affect our ergonomics—and, in turn, work from home ergonomics our focus and productivity. In a 2020 survey from the American Chiropractic Association, 92% percent of chiropractors said patients reported increased neck and back pain among other musculoskeletal issues since they began staying at home. For remote workers, embracing ergonomics takes on even more significance due to the challenges working from home can pose.