If you’re one of the millions of people who are now working from home much more than you ever have before, you’re probably still adjusting to the new setup. From creating a comfortable workspace to making sure you feel a work/life balance, there are many things to consider when working from home. At ErgonomicsDoc, we understand that a comfortable working environment is key to success, so we’ve rounded up five tips to help you adjust to the new reality.
1. Create a Dedicated Workspace
While we know that conditions may not be ideal, a dedicated workspace can help to decrease fatigue and improve productivity. If you have a laptop, consider using an external keyboard, mouse, and larger external monitor. Making sure your desk is at the correct height is also important: you don’t want to be craning your neck all day to be able to see what’s on the monitor, nor do you want to be hunched over your keyboard. Small adjustments like these can improve your posture and decrease your risk for developing musculo-skeletal dysfunctions.
2. Get Dressed for Work
It’s important to get up and get dressed for work, whether or not you’re going to be hopping on and off Zoom meetings all day. Working in something other than what you slept in will help to change your mindset and get you ready for the day. It will also help fight the mid-day fatigue and help to differentiate “work time” from “personal time.”
3. Keep a Regular Schedule
Write down your schedule for the day to help keep you on task. When working from home, particularly in non-traditional times, it is important to make sure you can do whatever you can in order to stay productive and on-task. A shared calendar is a great way to help you show your co-workers when you are planning on working for the day, and when you will be spending time with your family members.
4. Take Exercise Breaks
Typically, when in an office setting, you will take breaks. Whether that’s walking over to co-workers, visiting your car or breakroom for lunch, or heading to the copier or printer a few times a day. When working from home, mimicking at least that level of activity can help to increase your energy levels and decrease fatigue on your eyes. When working on a computer, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends taking a 5-minute break for every one hour of heavy computer work. Turn that break into a quick dog walk or yoga break to help reduce fatigue from working at home.
5. Schedule an Ergonomic Assessment
If you’re doing all of these things and still find yourself struggling to get through the work day or are dealing with pain and discomfort from sitting at the computer, consider scheduling a professional ergonomic assessment. An ergonomic consultant like ErgonomicsDoc can help you understand what behaviors are leading to your pain and help you make the right adjustments to prevent further pain and injury. Call today to set up an appointment: (404) 430-2912
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