10 Ergonomics Dos and Donts for Those Now Working from Home BU Today Boston University

For example, if you need a higher chair so you can reach the keyboard, your feet may not rest on the floor. So, try out some shoes (flat heels only!) to see if some combination of chair height and shoes gives you the proper support for your feet. If shoes are out, try a footrest, step stool, or even a pile of books to achieve the right sitting posture. Some desks let you adjust the height of the desk (or keyboard tray).

Now that we’re in the thick of the global Covid-19 pandemic, with hundreds of millions of people abruptly forced to work from home, it’s an urgent topic. Many of us are finding ourselves hunched over laptops on sofas or beds, perched on hard dining room chairs or subjecting our arms and wrists to ill-placed keyboards. For most of us, gone are the days when well-designed offices took care of all these problems for us. Proper screen display settings can help minimise eye straining and fatigue. Adjust the brightness and contrast of your monitor to suit the lighting conditions in your workspace.

Ergonomic Tips for Working from Home

Ergonomics is about fitting the tasks being performed to the capabilities of the human performing them. To this end, key ergonomic concepts can be summed up with one word ‘N-E-W’. Remembering this acronym will help people working at an office or home maintain productivity and more importantly, reduce injury risk.

• For some, a standing desk is the ideal combination of work and exercise—without the trip to the gym.
• In this section of the article, we’re going to discuss the steps to take to write an effective cover letter.
• The monitor should be positioned directly in front of the worker and at a comfortable viewing distance, approximately an arm’s length away.
• Remote workers should keep their workspace organized and free of unnecessary items.
• If your monitor doesn’t adjust height (or you can’t raise it any more), consider propping the monitor up on a riser (or books) to achieve the right height.

When writing about your experiences in your remote cover letter, make sure you use the appropriate keywords that are in line with the job description. Ideally, when the software detects an issue, employees will have a way to take immediate actions, such as contacting someone at their organization or an external safety expert. It is important to note that these solutions will only be effective if they are sophisticated enough work from home ergonomics to work with employees rather than creating resistance. For example, activity-based reminders are better-received than time-based ones. Ensuring that employees can continuously assess their ergonomic risk exposure and make small adjustments in how they work helps to create a culture of continuous improvement. Supportive and comfy shoes will help increase your back comfort if you are standing for an extended period of time.

Remote Cover Letter Sample 2

Set up your laptop or computer at eye level using stuff you already have at home, such as boxes or books, to reduce the amount of tension on your neck and head. Keeping your neck and head in a relaxed position will be easier if you place your display at eye level. Your elbows must be at the same height as your desk, bent at a 90-degree angle.

If the monitor is too high and won’t lower, adjust your chair up. Contrary to what you may think, a neutral spine isn’t one that is perfectly straight. When doing the above, always make sure the experience is in line with the requirements in the job description further proving you’re the right fit for the job. Introduce yourself by briefly explaining why you’re applying to the position. Then proceed to summarize your experience with similar roles or duties and subtly give information on how well you excelled at them.

Ergonomics Recommendations for Remote Work

While working on a laptop for a short time is fine, using one for longer periods (like the full workday), will not do wonders for your body. However, there are things you can do to improve laptop ergonomics when you work on it for long periods. And, even if you use a desktop with a detached keyboard, mouse, and monitor, you still have to place everything correctly, so you don’t injure yourself. Employers should maintain regular communication with their remote workforce to assess their wellbeing and address any concerns related to ergonomics or remote work conditions. This proactive approach ensures employees feel supported and valued, ultimately contributing to a positive work culture. By fulfilling these obligations, employers demonstrate their commitment to the wellbeing and productivity of their remote workforce.

Okay, so we all rolled our eyes when our mothers snapped at us to sit up straight and warned that if we slouched, our spine would get stuck that way (just me?). Incorrect posture can have disastrous consequences, especially over extended periods of time. Keeping your back straight can help you avoid serious issues down the road. Remote work offers a vast array of benefits, whether you work from home (WFH) or work from anywhere (WFA).

Adapt to Your Environment

If you are the only person using the space, customizing will reduce the time and discomfort of sitting at a station that does not fit you. If it’s too bright in the room, it may speed up eye strain or give you headaches. If it’s too dull, you may end up in an awkward position as you try to read your screen.