Ergonomics For The Home Office

WORK LIFE

Women sitting at desk working on computer.

If you are working from home, either full or part-time, you should ensure your home office is set up ergonomically. A set-up that is not designed for efficiency and comfort can lead to wasted time and poor posture.

Do a quick assessment of your work space and see if it meets ergonomic standards.

Things to check when seated at your desk:

*  Are your head and neck balanced and in line with your spine?

*  Can you sit upright in your chair with your lower back fully supported?

*  Are your shoulders relaxed and forearms parallel to the floor?

*  Are your wrists straight when using the mouse or keyboard?

*  Is your monitor an arm’s length away and in direct line of sight?

Home office considerations:

*  Are you working in a comfortable location?

*  Can you alternate between sitting and standing?

*  Do you move regularly to stretch and change position?

*  Are your most used items within easy reach?

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine