Office Ergonomics
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us have found ourselves working from home for some time. Now that things seem to be getting closer to normal, we will be returning to our office spaces. That means no more comfy pajamas, sprawling out on the couch, or freedom to get up and walk around our house whenever we want. This does not mean we are back to being resigned to sitting at an uncomfortable desk all day. There are ways to maintain your comfort in the workplace. I will be sharing a few tips for utilizing office ergonomics.
Don’t strain your eyes. Making sure your monitor is directly in front of you and at least an arm’s length away is a simple way to avoid straining your eyes through constant movement and bright lights.
Rest your eyes periodically. Staring at a screen for long periods can cause real damage. That is why it is so important to give them a break. The 20-20-20 rule is a great way to do this. Every 20 minutes take 20 seconds to look away from your monitor at something 20 feet away.
Have your feet on the floor. You do not want your feet to be hanging when sitting at your desk. Your feet should be planted flat on the floor and your knees parallel to the ground (adjust the seat as needed). If your seat is not adjustable, look into getting a good footrest that can help do this for you.
Keep key objects close. We all have important things that we cannot live without throughout our workday. Those things such as a stapler, telephone, notes, etc. should be kept near you to avoid extensive reaching which might cause damage.
Invest in a headset. I understand the need to multitask, but you should not have to sacrifice your comfort in doing so. Having a headset rather than holding the phone between your shoulder and your ear will help you avoid the discomfort that comes from holding that position for too long.
Avoid slouching. Slouching sometimes just happens naturally as we get tired throughout the day, but you should try to be aware of your posture at all times. Slouching can put more pressure on the discs and vertebrae of your back and have devastating long-term effects.
Make sure your arms are being supported. If your arms are not being supported, all the weight will be carried by your neck and shoulders and that can be painful over long periods. An easy way to fix this is by using your armrests or scooting your chair up so that your arms are sitting on the desk.
Pick the right chair. Because we are sitting most of the time we are at work, we must have the right chair. You want a chair that aligns well to the curve of your back while also providing a good cushion, armrests, and adjustable height.
Get up and move around. Take the time to get up and stretch your legs about every hour or so. There is no need for a whole workout routine, but a little stretch here and there would not hurt. Even using the longer route when taking a restroom break is a good way to do this.
We work our best when we feel our best. So, it is incredibly important to have your workspace be the greatest tool in accomplishing that. These are simple and effective tips that will have your body thanking you in a few years!
Agents
We hope this information on office ergonomics is helpful to you.
Empower Brokerage is dedicated to helping you educate your clients on the insurance they need and staying on top of their health. Whether it’s through webinar training, one-on-one calls, seminars, or marketing plans. We want you to be successful. Give us a call if you have any questions 888-539-1633.
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Kayla is a graduate of Texas A&M University and joined the marketing team at Empower Brokerage in early 2021. She creates content for the company websites and assists with various marketing campaigns. LinkedIn Profile
