3 Steps for Creating an Ergonomic Workspace at Home
Is your remote workspace working for you? Regardless of how long you’ve been telecommuting, creating an ergonomic workstation is essential for your health and your productivity. Ergonomics in the Workplace instructor and founder of OneErgoNet.com, Susan Tingley, has three steps for creating an ergonomic workspace at home.
Learn more about ergonomics
Want to gain a solid foundation in workplace ergonomics that you can apply at home or at your office? Check out Susan Tingley’s course, Ergonomics in the Workplace.
1. Have a Dedicated Workspace
Dedicating a specific space or spaces in your home for work will help put you in the right mindset. Keeping a consistent schedule, minimizing distractions and dressing for work can also help you get in the work mode.
2. Set up Your Computer Workstation to Fit You
Your keyboard and mouse should be close to your elbow height with your shoulders relaxed and the top of your computer screen should be close to your eye level. If you’re just using a laptop, you’re likely working in an awkward position, so separate what you’re looking at with what you're reaching for by using an external keyboard/mouse and raising your laptop to eye level. Get creative to see what you already have available at home to create an ergonomic workspace that fits you.
3. Stretch and Move
Regardless of how perfect your workstation is, you still need to get up and move around at least once per hour to counteract being sedentary. Anywhere from 30 seconds to 3 minutes is enough to get those muscles moving and the oxygen and blood flowing throughout your body. Postural stretches once every half hour can also help reduce the impact of awkward postures.
Watch her video below for the full the details on creating your ergonomic workspace.