With so many of us working from home post-pandemic, it’s more important than ever to have a comfortable office set up. According to The Guardian, there’s been a “rise in back pain and long-term sickness linked to home working” and that “the number leaving the labour force because of neck and back problems rose by 62,000”.
Having your workspace set up correctly will make sure you’re comfortable and supported during the working day – reducing the risk of back and neck problems arising.
Here, we look at several ways you can create a comfortable workspace at home.
Create a dedicated workspace
First things first, it’s important to have a dedicated workspace at home where you can be productive. When deciding where to work, try to avoid areas you typically relax or unwind – like your bedroom or on the sofa. Not only will it be harder to concentrate, but you won’t get the back and neck support you need while working.
If you have a spare room you could set up an office in there, but if not, you could choose to work on your kitchen table or a nook under the stairs. There are clever and convenient under stair storage solutions that can help you stow away your office equipment at the end of the day, so you can switch off!
Make sure screens are at the right level
Once you’ve chosen where to set up your workspace, you need to make sure your screens are at the correct height. The top of your monitor or laptop screen should sit around your eye level, with your gaze slightly downwards when looking at the midpoint of the screen.
This will stop you from slumping down or straining your neck while you’re working, which can lead to pain and discomfort. Your screens should also sit around 50 to 100cm away from you to protect your eyes from straining.
Invest in a supportive chair
Another important factor when creating a comfortable working environment is your chair. It’s worth investing in an ergonomic desk chair that supports you during the working day. This will help to reduce potential neck and back pain and the pressure on your hips as you sit for long hours.
Choose a chair with comfortable cushioning and adjustable features like seat height, armrests, lumbar support and headrest. This will mean you can set the seat up to suit your unique size and shape.
By taking the time and effort to set up your home office correctly, you can ensure you have the support and comfort you need to work efficiently at home.
