A good home office setup is a game changer!
Studies have shown that sitting for long periods and bad ergonomics can lead to many health problems such as poor posture, chronic fatigue, increased risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease, weight gain, and musculoskeletal disorders. Examples of musculoskeletal disorders are carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, rotator cuff injuries, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), trigger finger, and muscle strains and lower back injuries.
An effective way to prevent these costly, sometimes debilitating, and easily preventable problems is to have better ergonomic workplace setups. A proper setup such as a desk and chair at appropriate height, with equipment (mouse, screen, and keyboard) correctly spaced and positioned, can ensure a comfortable and efficient work flow. According to OSHA, “Adapting tasks, workstations, tools, and equipment to fit the worker can help reduce physical stress on a worker’s body and eliminate many potentially serious, disabling work-related musculoskeletal disorders.” Most people spend 70% of their work day sedentary, usually while sitting down . Sitting improperly for extended periods is one of the largest ergonomic hazards in the office and having a height-adjustable desk can manage that risk and reduce injuries. It can provide a better fit that encourages proper posture, and it can add movement to a work day that would otherwise be predominantly inactive.
Better ergonomics while working creates a domino effect of improvements that can quantifiably benefit employees and their companies. Good ergonomics improves a worker’s physical health, preventing or alleviating musculoskeletal disorders and other physical ailments. It also helps with mental health. By being physically comfortable, a load is lifted from the mind and allows for better mental insight and productivity. Better productivity from healthy and comfortable employees leads to higher quality output and increased productivity, which in turn leads to improved profitability and happier customers, and clients as well.