With the coronavirus affecting countries across the world, many people have transitioned to the work-from-home method. With this opportunity, people are using dining tables, beds, kitchen counters, etc., as their workspace.
However, such workspaces are not ergonomic. For example, many people pair up a kitchen chair that is too low with a high table, while others use their bed or couch to complete their work.
Poor ergonomics can damage your work productivity as well as your health. Here are some dos and don’ts of home office ergonomics you need to consider:
Ergonomics Dos and Don’ts
DO Ensure That Your Seating Posture Is Straight
Your posture should be correct because that will ensure you put a minor strain on your joints and muscles. When you are slouched on a couch, it causes back pain, muscle tension, reduced flow of blood, and joint pain.
For a proper posture, your back should be straight, and your feet should be flat on the ground. You can get an ergonomic chair to help with this.
Do Acknowledge the 20/20/20 Rule
Eye strain can cause burning, itching, and watery or tired eyes. It can even make your vision blurred. To prevent this, use the 2/20/20 rule.
When you have spent twenty minutes looking at the computer screen, you should look twenty feet away for twenty seconds. This will help you in reducing eye strain.
Do Take Regular Breaks
When working in the office, you usually have colleagues to take a break or have, lunch with. However, when you are alone at home, it can be easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of work and not take any breaks. =
Not taking short breaks from work can drain you. To avoid this, make sure that you take regular breaks for 15 minutes. Use that time to walk around or exercise a little or get some coffee for yourself.
Don’t Work From Bed
While working from bed is no doubt comfortable, it is neither healthy nor productive. If you have tried working from bed, you may have realized that it isn’t as practical as it seems.
When you are on the bed, the head is forced to be downwards to look at the screen, which causes pain in the shoulder and neck.
Don’t Skip Meals
Avoid skipping meals and keep yourself hydrated. While you may find yourself snacking more at home than in the office, having proper meals is essential. So quit snacking and make sure to have proper meals every day. Also, preparing meals allows you to take a break and give your eyes some rest from the screen.
Get Help from a Professional For Your Ergonomic Evaluations and Requirements
Ergobility, Ergonomic Consulting, and Assessment Services, San Francisco, CA, enables you to get Virtual Home Office Evaluations. We are expert, certified professional ergonomists who can make a difference in your life. Contact us now.
