Many companies have recently implemented remote work measures. While they were initially deemed temporary, these measures are now likely to last several more weeks. As such, several thousand people suddenly found themselves having to work from home, without any real preparation. Despite the hard circumstances, all employees should arrange a nice, productive and ergonomic work space at home.

 

Let Lib. give you some useful tips to help you better organize yourself to work efficiently and safely from home.

Set up a home office

In order to be productive and creative, you need to be comfortable even if you don’t have a room entirely dedicated to your work.

Install a desk area on a table or desk that will allow you to be correctly positioned in front of your computer screen, whether in the kitchen, bedroom, dining room or living room. Banish the sofa, the bed or the coffee table in front of the television.

If the size of your home allows it, take your office space to a closed room, away from family life and as far as possible from the many passages of your loved ones. To be productive, it’s important to establish a separation between work and family life, especially in the presence of children.

If possible, choose a workspace close to a window with adequate light to avoid procrastination. Also, make sure you have a well-adjusted (not too strong or too weak) light source that illuminates your face (not your screen) so people can see you well during video conferences.

Your work surface should come with discreet storage and electrical outlets if you need them.

On the technical side, try to get set up with two remote screens, a good office chair, an external keyboard, a desk lamp with a flexible rod, and try to have all your supplies close at hand.

Think of the end of the day, as you did at the office, putting away your work corner. You can use trays to collect the most commonly used accessories and set them aside.

Organizing the most ergonomic workspace possible

Take care of yourself and your body by working safely.

You must therefore think about adopting a good posture in order to avoid musculoskeletal disorders, low back pain, tendonitis, microtrauma or extreme fatigue.

You can make some very simple adjustments that will help you to have good posture.

Regarding the table or work surface, make sure it is not too high, that your elbows and wrists are at the same height and that the majority of your forearms can be supported on it.

The adjustment of your office chair is very important:

• The armrests must be at the same height as the work surface

• Your knees and thighs should be parallel to the floor and placed at a 90-degree angle

• Both of your feet should touch the ground

• Your back should be well supported

When it comes to your screen, make sure that it is at eye level to keep your head straight, that there is a minimum distance of one arm between the screen and you and that the screen is straight in front of you. If possible use an external screen and mouse.

Finally, remember to take regular breaks, get up, walk, and stretch.