Pandemic Remote Work Surge Spurs Need for Ergonomic Setups
The shift to remote working has seen an exponential growth in the past few years, with the number of American remote workers more than tripling from 2019 to 2021. As of 2022, approximately 35% of Americans have the flexibility to work from home five days a week. While this change has brought about numerous advantages, including shorter commutes, increased productivity, and improved work-life balance, it has also highlighted a significant problem – excessive sitting. The average American is seated for approximately 6.5 to 8 hours a day, which can lead to strain and discomfort.
Fortunately, working from home provides the opportunity to customize your workspace to suit your needs. You have the power to invest in ergonomic products that can significantly improve your health and comfort. Even if you’re required to work in an office, you might be able to persuade your employer to consider an ergonomic setup.
An ergonomic workspace is designed to maximize efficiency and comfort while minimizing potential health risks. As Dr. Matthew Cavanaugh, a chiropractor based in Lafayette, Louisiana, explains, a poorly designed workspace can contribute to a range of health issues. These include musculoskeletal problems like tendonitis and bursitis, caused by excess stress on ligaments and joints due to improper support. It can also lead to poor posture and decreased productivity due to discomfort.
Dr. Gerda Maissel, a board-certified rehabilitation physician and founder of My MD Advisor, adds that a non-ergonomic setup can cause issues in the neck, hips, back, hands, and wrists. Common health problems include strains and carpal tunnel syndrome.
When setting up a home office, it’s tempting to use existing furniture like kitchen tables or even working from your bed or couch. While this might seem comfortable initially, it can lead to long-term harm. Investing in an ergonomic workspace will not only improve your comfort but also contribute to your overall health and productivity.
One of the key components of an ergonomic setup is a good chair. Dr. Maissel recommends an ergonomic chair with adjustable armrests that provide proper support. When sitting, your feet should be flat on the floor, with a hands-width space between your knees and the seat. Good lumbar support is essential, and your armrests should allow your elbows to be at a 90-degree angle and level with the desk.
Another crucial aspect of an ergonomic setup is the desk. The best sit stand desk can help you avoid sitting all day long. A popular guideline, known as the 20/8/2 rule, was developed by Dr. Alan Hedge, a professor of ergonomics at Cornell University. It suggests that for every 20 minutes of sitting, you should stand for eight minutes and move around for two. An electric height adjustable standing desk can help you follow this rule without leaving your workspace.
Choosing the right mouse and keyboard is also essential for maintaining good posture and avoiding issues like joint stiffness, fatigue, and numbness in the hands.
If you’re looking to set up an ergonomic workspace at home or in the office, there are several products available that can help. For instance, VariDesk Converters for Desktops are a cost-effective alternative if you’re not ready to invest in a standing desk. These converters can transform any desktop into a standing desk without any assembly and can even accommodate up to two monitors.
An ergonomic chair like the Steelcase Gesture Chair is another excellent investment. It features a contoured back and comes in various colors. You can choose to have it with or without a headrest, depending on your preference, and it also has wheels suitable for carpet or hardwood floors.
For those using laptops, the Rain Design Laptop Stand is a simple yet effective tool. It raises your laptop screen to eye level (5.9 inches), has a cable management hole at the back, and provides space underneath for your external keyboard.
In conclusion, an ergonomic workspace is not a luxury but a necessity, especially for remote workers. It not only improves comfort and productivity but also contributes significantly to your overall health. So, whether you’re choosing the best standing desk, looking at the health benefits of an electric stand up desk, or considering a TV lift for your home office, remember that investing in your health is always worth it.
