Health Services
Student Health & Wellness
 ERGONOMICS 
WORKING FROM HOME

With the advancement of improved communication, faster internet connectivity, and development of video software, people are finding themselves spending more time working from home. 


Fundamentally the rules for home ergonomics remains the same as the office, however there are some advantages and some drawbacks. 


Advantages

  • You can get up and move around frequently
  • Do stretches and exercises more freely without office culture restrictions
  • Take breaks and even have a short nap
  • Temperature and lighting levels to your preference

Disadvantages

  • Furniture not usually designed for office type work
  • Higher potential for distraction
  • Reduction in intra-office communication

Good Practices

The single most important aspect to reducing muscle strain and potential injury is forming good habits and identifying simple factors that help limit stress on the body.

Move frequently
Being at home gives you greater freedom to move around. Take advantage of it. Limit static positions whether standing or sitting. Get up and move every 30-60 minutes.

Posture awareness
As often as you can, try to sit or stand in a more erect posture. Just ‘lift the chest’ (do not worry about pulling shoulders back or tucking in the chin). Sitting up gets tiring after a while and so we slouch to relax – don’t worry that’s OK! For more information click here.

Stretch and exercise
Sustained postures or repeated movements (i.e. typing on a keyboard) tighten muscles and stress ligaments. Unwind with some exercises – For more information click here.


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