Maximize Productivity With These Ergonomic Home Workspace Tips

DON’T LET WORKING FROM HOME BE A PAIN IN THE NECK – OR BACK – WITH THESE ERGONOMIC TIPS from the Workplace Experience team.

 

WORKSPACE TIPS

1. Create a dedicated workspace. Set up a safe, ergonomically sound workspace to consistently revisit each day.
2. On a laptop? Use books or small boxes as risers for your laptop, and place a wireless mouse and external keyboard directly in front of your monitor.
3. Place your monitor for maximum comfort. The top should be at or slightly below eye level and roughly arm’s distance away.
4. Stand during Webex meetings. Try setting up a standing workspace and stand for 20-30 minutes at a time.
5. Move around! Take a short walk around your living space or – if you have one – your yard or garden.

GOOD POSTURE TIPS

1. While sitting: Keep your wrists as straight as possible, elbows and knees bent 90 degrees. Use pillows to support your lower back as needed.
2. While standing: Stand straight, keep your feet shoulder width apart and your weight evenly distributed.

STRETCHING TIPS

Take breaks to stretch! It will increase blood flow and relax your muscles. Practice stretches* for your neck, your sides, forearmsand wrists to prevent stiffness.

1. Forearm/wrists: Using your left hand, pull fingers towards your body, while keeping your right arm straight. Repeat for both wrists.
2. Neck: With shoulders relaxed, shoulder blades pulled straight down your back, looking straight ahead, lower your left ear to your left shoulder until you feel a slight stretch in the right side of your neck. Repeat on right.
3. Shoulder and sides: Reach hands to the sky. While keeping pelvis locked, SLOWLY bend to the left from the waist and reach arms to the left until a slight stretch is felt in the right side of the body. Repeat for other side.

*If you have a pre-existing condition, consult your doctor for specific stretches tailored to your condition.