Ergonomics Tips: On Working In Bed

Ergonomics Tips: On Working in Bed

An estimated 59% of workers say they would prefer to work from home than at the office. Given the current circumstances in the world, it’s highly likely that the trend will continue to grow in popularity.

Of course, given how many employees want to work from home, this presents a few questions that need answers. For example, while comfortable, is working in bed a good idea for remote workers?

According to the ergonomics experts, there are a few pros and cons. If you’re interested in whether or not it’s a good idea to work from your bed, learn all the facts below from the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc.

Working in Bed as a Remote Worker

Grabbing your laptop, a few comfortable pillows, and throwing on your pajamas, sounds more like getting ready to watch a movie than it does preparing for work. Working in bed sounds like a dream, no pun intended. However, things like posture and fatigue while working are factors you should keep in mind before doing so.

The truth is, remote workers would have to be very careful about how they would go about working from bed. For example, just finding the right position in bed will be a task. There are also injury risks to consider, but could the right pillows, sheets, and mattress help make a difference?

Read on to learn what our home office and ergonomics experts have to say about it.

Why You Shouldn’t Work in Bed

Starting with the cons, according to the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc., working in bed can present some problems. First, laying down naturally releases certain chemicals that can cause drowsiness. So, for that obvious reason alone – it might be harder for remote workers to concentrate while working in a bed that they normally sleep in.

There are a few countermeasures for this problem, though. You can, for example, buy a specialized pillow for sitting up. A pillow designed to help you sit up while working in bed would help position your head properly, which reduces fatigue.

The other issue involves body posture, of course. A horizontal position while working, over an extended period of time, will likely result in back and neck pain. Here, though, the same pillow can help prevent symptoms. However, finding the right type of pillow for this could be difficult and ultimately not as helpful as sitting in an ergonomically designed home office chair with an ergonomic desk.

If the reason a remote worker is considering working in bed is due to lack of comfort at their desk, invest in an Ergonomics Assessment. Ergonomics experts perform this assessment to ensure a remote worker’s workspace is comfortable. Every business owner or human resources professional should ensure their remote workforce is working in comfort.

In fact, many companies now offer Virtual Ergonomics Office Assessments for Remote Workers, which can be done with a smart phone and may be a more affordable option.

Related Article: “3 Tips to Keep Remote Employees Happy”

There’s still some hope for people that want (or need to, due to an injury) to try working in bed, though! That is if you have the proper equipment.

Besides a special pillow for sitting up, remote workers might consider using a desk designed for working in bed, which can be found at many online retailers like Amazon.

However, using a bed desk means workers won’t be entirely horizontal, which is an injury risk. A bed desk does put one in a sitting position, while simultaneously allowing easy access to a keyboard and mouse. It also promotes a safer head and neck posture, making it easier to keep eyes on the screen for longer periods of time.

There’s another benefit that’s often overlooked, though. Working in bed may improve mental health. Specifically, it may greatly reduce anxiety and improve creativity!

Due to the risks and benefits, perhaps, remote workers may consider working in bed only occasionally for an hour or so. You can use the time to relax while catching up on e-mails or working on other simple tasks.
That said, ergonomics experts always recommend that employees move around and take many breaks no matter if they’re sitting, standing, or lying in bed.

Related Article: “Home Office: 3 Tips to Prevent Muscle Cramps and Aches”

Consider These Tips When Trying to Work in Bed and Remain Proactive in Home Office Safety for Remote Workers!

It’s important for remote workers to consider their physical and mental health before working in bed. Body posture is of utmost importance, and workers should have the right ergonomic equipment before giving it a try. This includes a desk designed for working in bed and a pillow for sitting up in bed.

However, it should only be done occasionally and not routinely due to the fact the risks of working in an awkward, horizontal position and in a space that isn’t truly designed for working. On the other hand, it offers a few benefits that may make it fun to try occasionally on an easy day just for a little while.

Contact our ergonomics experts if you’re considering working in bed and looking for new ways to work in comfort. The experts at Solutions Northwest Inc., help you get the right ergonomic equipment to ensure proper posture!

Effectively utilizing remote employees is key to your success! If you want to help your remote employees set up an ergonomic home workspace, contact the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. for more information. You may also want to consider an affordable virtual ergonomics assessment, which can be done remotely (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone).

At SolutionsNW.com we value the importance of a positive workplace culture. Part of a positive workplace is a safe workplace, Contact Us to schedule an ergonomics consultation or ergonomics assessment for your office today.

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