An Ergonomic Home Office Is Worth It
Working from home sounds good to the ears, you don't have to dress up, and you can stay in your favorite pajamas while you get your tasks done. But even though you're sharing your home and office space, that doesn't mean you can skip an office-like setup. In fact, the answer is a firm yes: what you need is an ergonomic work-from-home setup.
Many studies have shown that ergonomic design in a workspace can boost productivity. Remember that you are the most important business tool, which is why your welfare and convenience should be the top priority. The good news is that you can customize your workspace to fit your needs, here are the factors to consider when designing an ergonomic and friendly home office.
Choose the Right Chair
Finding the most suitable ergonomic chair is the most important piece of your setup. Studies have shown that 50% of people working from home suffer from back pain, mainly because of poor seat design. Consider that you may spend 8 to 10 hours a day in that chair, anything less than ideal invites back and neck pain.
A few factors to weigh when choosing a chair: height, so your feet touch the ground flatly and comfortably; backrest and lumbar support, with a chair that reclines and tilts and a backrest with a natural bend to support your lower back; armrests that are adjustable and can rotate to support your arms while typing; and material, favoring a breathable mesh fabric that supports your weight and movement without irritating your skin.
Find the Right Desk Height for You
From an ergonomic point of view, the most important feature of your desk is its height. If you're in front of your computer for a desk job all day, your desk is the heart of your workspace. Desk designs vary widely in shape and height, choose poorly and you'll pay for it: a desk that's too high causes muscle strain on the forearms while typing and can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, while a desk that's too low causes hunching, which can lead to neck pain on flexion, extension, and side flexion, along with back pain and tense shoulders.
Position Your Monitor Correctly
The position of your monitor matters too, placed incorrectly, it raises the risk of migraine and can trigger neck and shoulder pain. Two factors make the difference: distance, keeping your monitor about 20 inches away to avoid eye strain that can trigger migraine, and angle, tilting the screen 10 to 20 degrees to avoid neck flexion and back pain.
Invest in Comfort
Investing in good tools and equipment can make your work life far more comfortable. Consult us to learn more about how you can work efficiently and ergonomically, and to get more tips on setting up your home office space.