Post-pandemic work-from-home jobs are on the increase. Modern office trends have shifted to serving remote workers and those working in work-from-home or hybrid employment. In maximizing productivity at home, one word comes to mind – ergonomics.
At home, we spend hours sitting at our work desks. More than ever, we are getting even less exercise. Normally, sitting wouldn’t be such a problem except office desks and office furniture contribute to aches and pains from being in odd positions and not prioritizing a healthy sitting posture. When we sit for hours at a time, the likelihood of a musculoskeletal disorder increases.
See the Impact Work-From-Home Sitting Has On Your Body
Musculoskeletal disorders can be from slouching, hunching over a computer, and other prolonged posture holds.
MSDs account for roughly 6.5 million hospital visits in Canada every year. It can be as straightforward as a sore neck or as complex as long-term chronic back pain. Musculoskeletal disorders can also lead to diagnosed conditions like Forward Head Posture or Upper-Crossed Syndrome.
It is costly not only to our healthcare system but also for employers who lose over $1.4 billion annually. Here are three ways an ergonomic work-from-home office can help.
- Increase and maintain productivity.
- Reduce the risk of developing a chronic condition.
- Minimize the aches and pains you feel after work.
What Is A Work-From-Home Ergonomic Desk Setup?
Ergonomics allow you to sit comfortably. Ergonomics position office elements in places that support a more natural posture, eliminating the need for you to hunch over, bend, or strain to work.
This type of workstation is built around a work-from-home ergonomic desk. A height-adjustable desk can rise up to a standing position and back down to sitting. This allows you to change positions throughout the day and also means you can customize height according to your preferences or body type.
As we sit in awkward positions – even if they don’t feel awkward at the time – our muscles and joints compensate. They overstretch, eventually becoming sore and rigid. This is exactly what’s avoided with a sit-stand desk.
Combine this with your chair at the right height. Your thighs will ideally be parallel to the floor, elbows at roughly a 90-degree angle, and lumbar support for your lower back muscles and to protect the curvature of your spine.
Additional work-from-home office accessories such as a monitor mount can also be extremely valuable. A monitor mount lifts your screen so that strain in the upper back and neck are eliminated.
If you do nothing else for your work-from-home office setup this year, invest in ergonomics. The future of working from home is here. Prioritize your health. Increase your longevity. Minimize unnecessary stress put on your body. Shop ergonomic office desks and more at PrimeCables.ca.