Seattle, WA: 206-521-5676 Olympia, WA: 360-236-8748 Portland/Salem, OR: 503-768-9742 Info@SolutionsNW.com
How to Prevent Knee Pain When Working from Home

How to Prevent Knee Pain When Working from Home

by | Oct 27, 2022 | Ergonomics, Ergonomics Assessments, Ergonomics Solutions, Home Office Design, Office Design, Office Ergonomics, Remote Workers, Work Safety, Working From Home, Workstation Assessment

How to Prevent Knee Pain When Working from Home

How to Prevent Knee Pain When Working from Home
Do you suffer from knee pain during the workday? You’re not alone. A new study reports that one in every four Americans suffers from chronic knee pain.

Many people experience pain or discomfort in the knee joint. Some even end up requiring several surgeries if the knee pain is left unaddressed.Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.

Knee pain can occur when working from home because of a sedentary lifestyle, environmental change, poor office ergonomics, or job stress.

This guide from the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc., explains the causes of knee pain at work and how you can reduce symptoms. Keep reading to learn how you can prevent knee pain.

What Causes Knee Pain While Working?

Knee pain can happen to anyone at any age. Usually, knee pain is a result of lifestyle habits more so than a genetic predisposition. This is good news because it means with empowered decisions you can reduce, reverse, or prevent your knee pain.

Below are some common causes of knee pain:

  • Intense exercise or overexercising
  • Running “runner’s knee”
  • Unaddressed injuries
  • Being overweight
  • Poor workplace ergonomics
  • Bending your knees too often/for prolonged periods
  • Placing heavy weight on your knees 
  • Crossing your legs for extended periods of time

One or a combination of these factors can cause your knee pain, below are five knee pain solutions to prevent knee pain.

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.1. Set Up Your Workstation Ergonomically

Since you spend about a third of your day at your workstation, how you sit while working from home has a huge influence on your knee pain. Keeping your knees bent for extended periods of time is not good. Make sure to stretch frequently or consider a standing desk.

Setting up a workstation with proper ergonomics can be a daunting task. Most workplace managers or human resource managers will hire an Ergonomics Consultant to design their employees’ workstations, whether in-office or remote. Contact your management today to see if this is something they offer. Or consider a virtual ergonomics assessment, which can be affordable enough to invest in for remote workers.

2. Strengthen Your Hips and Glutes

When the muscles surrounding the knees are weak, it puts all of the pressure of your body weight on the knees. Work on strengthening your hips and glutes with strength training twice a week. Doing so will build the surrounding muscles to protect your knees.

3. Improve Your Posture

Posture impacts everything from your vagus nerve to your knee health. It’s often overlooked.

The mid-day slump is a common cause of chronic pain for desk workers. Be mindful of your posture at all times.

Your feet should evenly touch the floor and your screen should be at eye level. Your shoulders should be relaxed on your armrests throughout your workday. Poor posture, if not addressed, will also strain the neck, back, arms, and legs.

Related article: “4 Tips to Improve Your Posture at Work”

4. Move Every Hour or Half Hour

Even if you’re sitting in the best position with the best posture, your knees “lock” into a position. This is never good for them. Keep things fluid by taking 250 steps every hour (about 2 minutes of walking).

Consider setting a timer on your phone to remind you to take a break.

Related article: “5 Reasons Work Breaks Boost Productivity”

5. Incorporate Self-Care

The workday puts a lot of stress on the body. Make sure to incorporate self-care into each work week. Go for walks, swim, get a massage, or try knee acupuncture.

Use Proper Ergonomics to Design Your Home Office Setup

Remote work is a luxury to be enjoyed. If you feel that working from home has worsened your knee pain, take charge.

Speak with your office manager or human resources manager and ask them to schedule an ergonomics assessment for your workstation.

You may also consider a virtual ergonomics consultation where a professional ergonomics consultant will advise you on simple changes that can prevent knee pain (all you need is access to e-mail or a smart phone). They’ll also address any other issues such as neck pain or carpal tunnel. Once your workstation is comfortable, you will likely find yourself working not only pain free, but in a timelier and more productive manner!

If you or your remote employees need to design an ergonomic home workspace, contact the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. for more information.

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.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

Virtual Ergonomics Assessments for Remote Workers in the U.S.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessments for Remote Workers in the U.S.

by | Sep 12, 2022 | Ergonomic Home Office Design, Home Office Design, Remote Workers, Virtual Ergonomics Assessment, Working From Home

Virtual Ergonomics Assessments for Remote Workers in the U.S.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessments for Remote Workers in the U.S.Remote Worker Ergonomics Assessment

Remote working is here to stay in the United States. Now, more people than ever before are setting up a home office to work out of and nearly 60% of Americans say they can do their job from home. As the desire for more flexibility grows, it is only natural that a growing share of workers will operate remotely.

One issue is that employers have spent years emphasizing and investing in their office safety, but how will this translate to a home office? It is crucial for businesses, office managers, and human resource managers to provide their remote workers with the tools to design their home office with proper ergonomics in mind.

In this blog we have gathered tips from the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc., an ergonomics consulting company. With these tips, you can improve the situation for your remote employees.

What Is Ergonomics?

Before diving into tips for redesigning the home office, it is essential to briefly define ergonomics. Simply put, ergonomics is the study of how a person operates in their work environment.

It involves designing the workplace to make a worker most efficient and comfortable as possible. Many different human factors are considered in ergonomics, such as personal health, safety, and job performance. Not every workplace is the same, which is why many companies will hire an ergonomics consultant to perform an ergonomics assessment on the workspace.

Why Is Ergonomics Important for the Remote Worker?

Due to recent events and technological advancements, millions of people are now doing remote work in the US. However, with this being a relatively new style of working for many Americans, there was little time to ensure that their home office was ergonomically designed.

This leaves many workers operating under inefficient conditions. These workers may have gone from standing desks to dining room tables, fold-out chairs, or even couches and beds!

Remote Worker Ergonomics AssessmentWithout the careful planning and execution that companies have done for years, remote workers are vulnerable. They are exposed to adverse outcomes such as long-term back and neck injuries. Now that remote work is here to stay for millions, it is imperative to incorporate ergonomic design into the home office.  

What is a Virtual Ergonomics Assessment?

Here, an ergonomics consulting firm performs a mini-ergonomics assessment on your home office. The benefit of this is that a virtual ergonomics assessment does not need to happen in the remote worker’s home and can be done via phone or video.

During an assessment, the ergonomics consultant starts the review with your general working space. They will look at your desk, computer, office chair, and other tools or devices that you use for your daily tasks.

Their objective is to make sure your workspace keeps you pain-free and efficient. Afterwards, the ergonomics consultants will make recommendations on how to improve your workspace.

For example, an ergonomics expert may recommend a keyboard that reduces pressure on your wrists while typing. They may suggest a new office chair to improve posture and relieve the burden on your back and neck.

Some suggestions may be related to employee safety. Ergonomics consultants are trained to identify safety hazards that place the employee at risk. Other recommendations are performance-based, with suggestions made to help improve employee efficiency.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessments for Remote Workers

Proper ergonomics must be considered in the new remote work environment. Unfortunately, the transition to remote work was hasty and did not adequately address ergonomics. This has left too many remote employees vulnerable to injury and inefficiency as a result.

The good news is that a virtual ergonomics assessment can provide solutions for a worker’s home office. If you are interested in a virtual ergonomics assessment for remote workers, contact our ergonomics experts today to schedule an appointment.

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.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

What to Expect from A Virtual Ergonomics Assessment

What to Expect from A Virtual Ergonomics Assessment

by | Jul 15, 2022 | Ergonomic Home Office Design, Home Office Design, Remote Workers, Working From Home

What to Expect from A Virtual Ergonomics Assessment

What to Expect from A Virtual Ergonomics AssessmentRemote Worker Ergonomics Assessment

Did you know that about 83% of workers in the U.S. suffer from work-related stress? So many people in the U.S. are overwhelmed at work for a variety of reasons, ranging from workload to general discomfort. 

Employees should feel comfortable and appreciated while at work. Scheduling a virtual ergonomics assessment can be just what you need. These assessments are useful for both remote workers and in-person workers since it is convenient and affordable.

Are you ready to ensure your employees feel comfortable at work? Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from a virtual ergonomics assessment.

What is an Ergonomics Assessment? 

A virtual ergonomics assessment has the same goals as an in-person assessment. An ergonomics consultant is hired to evaluate and discuss every aspect of an employee’s working setup during an ergonomics assessment. During this process, an ergonomics expert will assess and design an environment that caters to a worker’s comfort in a way that makes their job easier and improves work productivity.

After the ergonomics assessment, the ergonomics consultant will give advice on how to improve a worker’s setup for comfort and productivity. They will even recommend products and workspace suggestions that will minimize pain and maximize comfort at work. 

Why Ergonomics Assessments Are Important for Every Industry

Ergonomics assessments are important in every industry, from office workers to warehouse workers and everyone between. For example, over 15 million people suffer from chronic joint pain in the United States. An ergonomics assessment would help relieve, or even prevent joint pain for workers.

Ergonomics experts look for a “neutral posture” in their clients. This is a sitting or standing position that puts the least amount of stress on your body and joints. 

When your body does not have a neutral posture, trauma injuries may occur in your joints and other parts of your body. These small, cumulative trauma injuries may take an extended period of time to occur, and so you may not even notice that your posture is injuring you before it’s too late. 

Remote Worker Ergonomics AssessmentSome factors that can affect a worker’s posture and workspace layout are chair height, desk height, computer or laptop screen height, keyboard and wrist positioning, and chair comfort. At Solutions Northwest Inc., for example, our ergonomics consultants take all of these factors into consideration. Through this, we can create a workspace plan that will suit you and your needs. 

Your Virtual Ergonomics Assessment: What to Expect

Using a video chat platform that works best for you, your ergonomics consultant will observe a worker’s work habits, workspace, posture, positioning, etc. They will discuss pain and comfort levels and take any previous injuries or pain into consideration. 

Once the ergonomics consultant has a good idea of the working arrangement, they will come up with a plan tailored to the worker’s needs. The ergonomics consultant will guide the client in altering the height of the chair and work surface to avoid strain on the back, neck, and joints. If the worker is a computer user, they will guide the client in altering the height of computer screen and other computer equipment. 

The ergonomics consultant may recommend more accessible office supplies to reduce strain on the body and joints. They will also likely recommend options that worker’s can get creative with.

An ergonomics consultant may even recommend working lifestyle changes. Moving positions frequently and standing sporadically throughout the workday, if possible, are two key recommendations that one of our ergonomics experts may suggest. 

Speaking first-hand, the methods we use at Solutions Northwest Inc. are effective and work for our clients. To hear what others have to say, read some of our customer testimonials.

The Bottom Line on Virtual Ergonomics Assessments

An ergonomics assessment will help worker’s prevent pain and injury, as well as increase worker productivity. These ergonomic assessments are the perfect way to guarantee comfort at work and now that they are available as a virtual option – they’re more convenient and affordable than ever.

Are you ready to schedule your virtual ergonomics assessment? Contact us today to get started! 

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.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

5 Remote Worker Tips to Jump-Start a Productive Workday

5 Remote Worker Tips to Jump-Start a Productive Workday

by | Jul 8, 2022 | Ergonomic Home Office Design, Home Office Design, Remote Workers, Working From Home

5 Remote Worker Tips to Jump-Start a Productive Workday

5 Remote Worker Tips to Jump-Start a Productive WorkdayRemote Worker Ergonomics Assessment

Working from home requires self-motivation to be productive throughout the week. However, remote workers may struggle with productivity from the moment they wake up. 

Creating a morning routine will help set the tone for the rest of the day to ensure one meets the job’s needs and standards. 

Continue reading and share these 5 tips from our ergonomics experts on how to create a routine to jump-start a productive workday for your remote workers or for yourself!

1. Drink Water After Waking Up

One of the most important morning rituals for work productivity is to start your day with drinking water. As we sleep, our bodies cannot hydrate due to a lack of water. Therefore, you should drink water as soon as you wake up. 

The longer you go without water after waking up, your body suffers. According to ergonomics experts, your mental and physical capabilities weaken, leading to counterproductivity for work tasks. Your energy levels will also be much lower throughout the day if you put off hydrating. 

2. Exercise

Exercising is another great way to kickstart a productive workday. Physical activities will get your blood flowing, which leads your body to release endorphins. These endorphins create a better mood and more energy to start your day. 

Any activity that raises your heart rate is sufficient enough in the mornings. Many people use aerobic exercises to get a quick workout before starting work. For example, you can walk, run, bike, do yoga, etc.

3. Take a Morning Shower

Taking a shower in the morning is another way to have a productive day. Morning showers are a great way to wake you up, especially if you take a cooler one. Doing so will help relieve grogginess and sleepiness. 

Remote Worker Ergonomics AssessmentA shower will also help start your day freshly, as you’ll look and smell better overall. Your cleansed body will be ready to take on the day and can even help elevate your mood.

4. Plan Your Day

A work-from-home job can have many distractions. However, starting your day with a plan can keep you on track with your work tasks. Doing so will keep you focused on what needs to be done throughout the day. 

Start by listing out each task that must be done. Then, set aside sufficient time to get each duty completed.

5. Organize and Design an Ergonomic Home Office

When remote workers have access to an organized home office designed with ergonomics in mind, they will be setup to succeed.

In fact, it is important that every business owner or human resources manager ensure their remote workers have a properly designed home office to work in. When a remote worker can work in a space that is designed specifically for their daily work tasks, it will make it easier to jump right into a productive workday.

Consider hiring an ergonomics consultant to perform an ergonomics assessment on your remote worker’s home office. Ergonomic assessments are a great investment, as having proper ergonomic design will lead to improved workday productivity, happier workers, and less injuries.

You may also want to consider a virtual ergonomics assessment for an affordable and remote option.

How to Have a Productive Workday as Remote Worker

These tips will ensure remote workers have a productive workday and can work efficiently from home. Share these tips with your remote worker staff or use them yourself and benefit from adding these ideas to your morning routine!

If you need help creating a more ergonomic workplace for yourself or your employees 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.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

Ergonomics Tips: On Working In Bed

Ergonomics Tips: On Working In Bed

by | Jun 13, 2022 | Ergonomic Home Office Design, Home Office Design, Remote Workers, Working From Home

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?Remote Worker Ergonomics Assessment

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”

Remote Worker Ergonomics AssessmentWhen Does Working in Bed Makes Sense?

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.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

Home Office: 3 Tips to Prevent Muscle Cramps and Aches

Home Office: 3 Tips to Prevent Muscle Cramps and Aches

by | May 23, 2022 | Ergonomic Home Office Design, Ergonomics Assessments, Ergonomics Solutions, Home Office Design, Office Design, Portland Ergonomics, Remote Workers, Standing Desks, Working From Home

Home Office: 3 Tips to Prevent Muscle Cramps and Aches

Home Office: 3 Tips to Prevent Muscle Cramps and Aches

A whopping 90% of companies are planning to adopt either an entirely remote-work or hybrid model for workers in 2022. For some, this is a dream come true. The ability to get work done in your PJs, from the comfort of your kitchen, sounds great, right?Remote Worker Ergonomics Assessment

However, as many remote workers and employers have discovered, working from home isn’t always exactly what they might have imagined. The excessive time spent sitting (especially if sitting in an improperly setup home office) can cause complications like muscle cramps for remote workers. Furthermore, when a home office is not properly designed, remote workers will be at risk for many other preventable injuries.

A remote work model doesn’t mean the body has to suffer. Every company should be ensuring their remote workers are working in an ergonomically safe environment.

This blog contains tips from the ergonomic experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. to help guide you and your staff on how to work from home in comfort and prevent workplace injuries like muscle cramps and aches.

1. Maintain Proper Posture While Working

According to the ergonomics consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc., one of the most effective ways to prevent muscle cramping while working is to maintain proper posture.

Here are some tips to correct your posture while sitting:

·         Keep your back straight and shoulders back

·         Use a lumbar roll to help maintain normal curves in your back

·         Distribute your weight equally across your hips

·         Keep knees bent at a right angle

·         Keep both feet flat on the ground

A proper sitting posture won’t just help to alleviate your muscle cramps, but it will also provide added health benefits like increased energy levels and more. Maintaining proper posture while working can result in improved breathing, reduced back pain, and even optimal digestion.

Related Article: “4 Tips to Improve Your Posture at Work”

2. Move Around and Take Breaks

This one may seem obvious, but another great way to prevent muscle cramps while sitting for work is to take frequent breaks and move around. Although it seems simple, it’s hard to motivate yourself to go for even a quick walk if you’re overwhelmed with work. However, doing so can greatly improve your overall health and help with muscle cramping.

Taking breaks not only improves your health, but also boosts work productivity.

Related Article: “5 Reasons Work Breaks Boost Productivity”

3. Consider Proper Ergonomics when Sitting at your Desk

There’s a right and wrong way to sit at your desk. Here are some tips from the ergonomics experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. to optimize your workspace for ergonomic comfort:

·         Keep your monitor at eye level

·         Center the monitor in front of you, about 18 to 25

·         Ensure the monitor is away from windows (to reduce glare and eyestrain)

·         Sit with your back flush against your chair

·         Keep armrests at equal heights

·         Place your keyboard and mouse at forearm level

·         Keep your elbows relaxed

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.However, even following all these steps won’t combat the dangers of badly designed furniture. Setting up well-designed ergonomic furniture and ergonomic accessories will make it much easier to adhere to these recommendations. If you need assistance with this, reach out to ergonomics consultants at Solutions Northwest Inc. for help.

Related Article: “5 Reasons Work Breaks Boost Productivity”

Remote Workers Require Ergonomically Designed Home Offices

Investing in an ergonomics assessment to design a remote worker’s home office remains the best way to optimize a worker’s comfort. For this reason, every employer needs to ensure that their remote workers are provided the same ergonomic workstations that in-office workers receive.

An investment in an ergonomics assessment actually pays off, as worker’s will become happier and more efficient with less workplace injuries.

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).

Looking for More Tips on How to Create an Ergonomic Workspace? Contact us at SolutionsNW.com, we will be happy to help you!

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.

Subscribe to our ergonomics blog for more ergonomics tips from Solutions Northwest Inc., ergonomics evaluations available in: Seattle, WA, Tacoma, WA, Olympia, WA, Vancouver, WA, Kent, WA Renton, WA, Beaverton, OR, Portland, OR, Salem, OR.

Virtual Ergonomics Assessment available nationwide!

Contact the Ergonomics Experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. Below:

Multiple Locations

Corporate Office: 120 State Ave. NE #397
Olympia, WA 98501
Business Hours: 8am-5pm M-F
Corporate FAX: 360-866-4773
Email: Info@solutionsnw.com

Olympia, WA

360-236-8748

Seattle, WA

206-521-5676

Portland/Salem, OR

503-768-9742

Contact our Ergonomics Experts

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