How to Apply Office Ergonomics in a Work from Home or Hybrid Workplace
Applying Office Ergonomic Principles When You Are Not at the Office
Many of us, including the HSPI team, work hybrid or entirely remotely. The office can now be in the comfort of your home or even on the road if your job requires frequent travel. With this shift from traditional office settings to more flexible working environments, it is important to ensure that office ergonomics is applied no matter where your office may be. Whether working from home, in a coffee shop, or on the go, applying office ergonomic principles can make a difference in your physical and mental well-being. This article explores practical tips and strategies for incorporating office ergonomics into your non-traditional workspace.
How to Set Up Your Home Office
When setting up your home office, the same ergonomic principles we follow in traditional offices still apply. Ergonomic recommendations, both at home and in the office, are based on the principle that the job should be fit to the person and not the person to the job. Essentially, the most important rule is to put your needs at the forefront when setting up your home office.
The first thing we suggest starting with is the chair. Well-designed chairs include adjustable armrests, a contoured front edge, fabric that breathes, adjustable backrests with lumbar support, adjustable height, and a tiltable seat. Next, arrange the items based on how often they are used (i.e., the items used most often should be within arm’s reach), sequence of use (i.e., items used together should be placed together), importance of use, and force requirements (i.e., do not place heavy items in locations where extended reach is required). If your hybrid or work-from-home office is not adequately addressing your unique needs, contact your employer. Talk to your employer about supporting your work-from-home setup.
Since our team works primarily in remote models, we decided to ask how our colleagues prioritize ergonomics in their home offices. Here is what they said:
“I mostly work at the office; however, there are times when I work from home. My home office is very carefully set up, keeping all the ergonomic principles in mind, but it is not as pristine as my main workplace office. That means I limit my work from home to a few hours a week. When I work from home, I choose an area that has the best chair. I also take more frequent breaks when I’m at home.” Louise Caicco Tett, President
“One of the key strategies for preventing MSDs is incorporating regular breaks to stretch and move around. In the summer, I love to walk or run with my dogs in the morning or during breaks. Even if you don’t have pets, I encourage everyone to take breaks outside. Reach up to the sky, enjoy the sun, and do some light stretching exercises to reset your posture. A little gardening will work too. Even small tasks like watering plants or light weeding offer movement.” – Sandy Ibbitson, Health and Safety Specialist
“I am grateful to HSPI’s investment in my home office ergonomics, providing me with a sit-stand desk and ergonomic chair. I’ve further personalized my space with a vertical ergonomic mouse to avoid wrist strain and will soon be adding a footrest, ensuring a comfortable and productive work environment. “- Joel D’Souza, Communications and Operations Manager.
“To prioritize my home office ergonomics, I make small adjustments to my setup as required. If you have an office chair with a lot of adjustable parts, many people want to set it up and leave it forever. That is not ideal. I am always making micro-adjustments to meet my current needs.” – Matthew Budau, Health and Safety Consultant.
“As someone with neck and back pain, I rely heavily on my office chair for support. My chair has lower lumbar support and a neck rest, making sitting easier. I also prioritize frequent breaks to stretch and get moving.” – Brianna Smith, Communications Coordinator.
Is a WFH Office Economic Injury Compensable?
An employer must take every precaution reasonable for the protection of the worker. This duty does not cease if a worker is working remotely or hybrid. For example, if you work at home and develop carpel tunnel from typing on your keyboard all day, that is a workplace injury. It is important to note that workplace injuries must occur while work is being carried out. For example, if you are working from home and trip over a carpet in your living room while doing something unrelated to work, then it is not compensable. WSIB encourages individuals to report work-from-home injuries even if it is unclear whether the injury is work-related.
Setting Up Your Hybrid Work Employees for Success
The first step in setting up your hybrid or WFH employees for success is to provide education and training on office ergonomics. Training teaches employees to identify hazards and optimize their workstations based on ergonomic principles. To help your workplace along its ergonomic journey, we recommend using pre-existing assessment tools and services, if you don’t have the ability in-house. HSPI has a variety of assessment tools, and we specialize in office ergonomic assessments. A registered nurse (RN) will evaluate your workspace, delivering a comprehensive report and practical suggestions for enhancing its ergonomics. To learn more about our services, view our website or connect with us now.
