In recent years, many people have transitioned to remote work or adopted a hybrid work model, blending home and office environments. This shift often led to quickly assembled workspaces, from uncomfortable chairs to makeshift desk setups, many of which were not designed with long-term use in mind.
Whether you chose a remote position for convenience or have been working from home for a while, now is an excellent time to reassess your workspace arrangements. This is where the principles of ergonomics come into play.
Whether you are working from home, in the office, or following a hybrid model, creating a safe and effective work environment is essential. Ergonomics is the study of human characteristics and the application of this knowledge to design tasks, equipment, and environments to ensure an appropriate match. The main goal of ergonomics is to improve performance while simultaneously protecting an individual’s health and safety.
At home versus in the office
If you have previously worked in an office environment, you are likely not a stranger to ergonomics programs. The problem is the standards developed for the office are not always easily transferable to homes due to the spaces being so different. Some individuals do not have an adequate amount of space to devote to a home office setup. Others may be sharing space with children, parents, or a partner. Not to mention, those with special accommodations due to injuries or disabilities do not always have those same options at home.
Musculoskeletal disorders at work
These factors can lead to awkward working postures and increase repetitive motion, both of which are occupational risks for developing a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). The CDC defines musculoskeletal disorders as “disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs.” They are often “caused by sudden or sustained exposure to repetitive motion, force, vibration, and awkward positions.”
MSDs, if not diagnosed and treated early, can be severe. According to OSHA’s Safety Pays Program, the cost of one carpal tunnel syndrome case can be as much as $64,953, including both direct and indirect costs.
Further, our recent experience concludes when employees begin working from home, we see fewer claims reported. This is especially true for those in the fall/slip/trip and strike/struck categories. But the claims that are being reported – especially the repetitive motion/cumulative trauma claims – tend to be more severe.
Common mistakes
When setting up both an at-home and in-the-office work environment, there are several factors that are not always considered. These primarily stem from the assumption that all employees have a dedicated office space, while some may be forced to use their laptops from their bed, floor, or couch.
From our experience, we have witnessed:
- Worksurfaces that are too high, including both desks and kitchen tables. This can encourage typing with raised shoulders, bent wrists that are resting on the front edge of the worksurface, or both.
- Laptop screens and monitors positioned too low or off to the side, leading to bent and twisted neck postures.
- Perching, or leaning forward for long periods while working. This could be due to any number of reasons, but primarily we see this because of poorly fit chairs or a computer setup in need or proper positioning.
- Feet unsupported by the floor or a footrest.
Next steps
To help reduce the risk of MSDs and other related injuries, the first step is to revisit ergonomics for both employees and employers.
Questions to consider asking:
- Do you have an ergonomics program in place? If so, is it current and does it address processes for those permanently working from home, from the office, and/or following a hybrid model?
- Does your company have measures in place for educating all employees in ergonomics and encouraging self-assessments of workstations?
- If you have remodeled your corporate offices, have you considered providing additional training to ensure that employees know how to adjust their new equipment?
- For home-based employees, how are you prepared to assist them with their set up?
- Is your laptop or monitor at eye level with your keyboard and mouse at a relaxed reach?
- Are your wrists, feet, and back supported through a proper seat and desk level?
- Do you actively take breaks throughout the day to pause from repetitive motion as well as to stretch frequently used muscles?
For employees following a hybrid work model, ergonomic and computer equipment that was designed for travel may be beneficial. Individual ergonomic evaluations can be performed remotely, and often, many adjustments can be made during the evaluation with the employee’s existing furniture.
While musculoskeletal disorders are long-term and hard to endure, revisiting the basics of ergonomics is simple and can be perfected through relatively quick fixes. When is the last time you checked in on your ergonomics at home or in the office? There is no better time than now!