Seattle, WA: 206-521-5676 Olympia, WA: 360-236-8748 Portland/Salem, OR: 503-768-9742 Info@SolutionsNW.com
Ergonomics for the Hybrid Worker: Balancing Office & Home Office Needs

Ergonomics for the Hybrid Worker: Balancing Office & Home Office Needs

Ergonomics for the Hybrid Worker: Balancing Office & Home Office Needs

In This Blog, You’ll Discover:

  • Hybrid Work Model: Navigating the blend of remote work and office work with an ergonomic focus.
  • Ergonomic Challenges: Tackling unique ergonomic issues in both home office and office settings.
  • Home Office Ergonomics: Tips for an ergonomic home office setup.
  • Office Ergonomic Compliance: The importance of ergonomic assessments and ergonomics consultation in the office.
  • Consistent Ergonomics: Strategies for maintaining ergonomic continuity between home and office.
  • Employer Support: The role of employers in fostering ergonomic practices.
  • Expert Solutions: How Solutions Northwest Inc. can help in enhancing ergonomic practices for hybrid workplaces.

Ergonomics for the Hybrid Worker: Balancing Office & Home Office Needs

“As of 2023, 12.7% of full-time employees work from home, while 28.2% work a hybrid model” according to Forbes.

As the work place continues to evolve, the hybrid work model has emerged as a popular compromise, blending the comfort of remote work with the structure of the traditional office. This model, however, brings unique ergonomic challenges as employees navigate between two distinct work environments. Ensuring ergonomic consistency is crucial for their well-being, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

What is the Hybrid Work Model?

The hybrid work model essentially allows employees to split their time between working from home and the office. Many employees love the freedom, but designing both an office and a home office that meets ergonomic standards can be challenging. When done right, a hybrid work model can enhance employee morale and efficiency but requires attention to ergonomic detail.

Related Article: “5 Benefits of Designing an Office with Ergonomic Furniture

Key Ergonomic Challenges in Hybrid Workplaces

The first step is to be proactive – ignoring ergonomics may be okay for a little while, but it will eventually catch up to you.

At home, workers may improvise with less-than-ideal setups, leading to discomfort, pain, and musculoskeletal disorders. In contrast, office environments may offer better ergonomic furniture but lack the customization possible at home.

Education is key and consulting with ergonomics experts is always recommended. Remain proactive not only for the comfort of the employee, but also for the productivity of the company. After all, a company with happy and healthy employees will be more profitable and productive in the long run.

Ergonomic Essentials for Home Offices

Designing an ergonomic home office involves more than just a comfortable chair; it’s about the entire setup. Solutions Northwest Inc. suggests investing in a proper desk and an ergonomic chair with lower back support. The height of the chair should allow feet to rest flat on the floor, and the desk height should ensure monitors are at eye level to prevent neck strain. Simple DIY hacks, like using books to adjust desk height or a towel for lumbar support, can make a significant difference.

Related Article: “The Ergonomic Way to Sit at Your Desk

Ensuring Office Ergonomic Compliance

In the office, ergonomics assessments are essential. Ergonomics assessments help identify potential issues and ensure that workstations meet ergonomic standards. Solutions Northwest Inc. emphasizes the role of ergonomics consultants in optimizing office workspaces, designing environments to individual employee needs, and providing consultation on maintaining ergonomic integrity.

Consider investing in an ergonomics assessment, as it will pay off in the long run with improved worker productivity and a happier and healthier workforce.

Bridging the Ergonomic Gap Between Home and Office

To maintain health in a hybrid work model, employees should be determined to take ergonomics seriously in both settings. It’s easy to get comfortable when working from home, but if ergonomics is ignored at home, it won’t be long until things turn to discomfort, pain, or even potential musculoskeletal disorders.

Regular breaks and physical movement are essential to counteract the sedentary nature of desk jobs. These practices help prevent conditions like digital eyestrain and chronic pain, irrespective of the work location.

If you’re unsure about inviting an ergonomics consultant into your home, you can look into a virtual ergonomics assessment designed with remote work in mind. In fact, we offer this service at Solutions Northwest Inc. – visit our website for more information on that specific service: “Virtual Ergonomics Assessments for Remote Workers

Role of Employers in Supporting Hybrid Ergonomics

If you’re an employee, you may begin to feel overwhelmed by the task at hand. Do not hesitate to reach out to your human resources manager, office manager, or direct employer about your home office ergonomics needs.

Employers play a crucial role in supporting ergonomic practices. Providing resources and training for office ergonomics success, both at home and in the office, is vital. This support not only helps in maintaining the health of the employees but also in fostering a culture that values well-being.

Elevating Work Environments with Solutions Northwest Inc.

 

As workers embrace the hybrid model, the importance of ergonomics in both home and office settings becomes more important than ever before. Prioritizing health is essential for the long-term well-being of employees and the overall productivity of businesses.

For businesses and employees looking to enhance their office or home office ergonomics practices, Solutions Northwest Inc. offers expert ergonomics consultations and ergonomics assessments. Whether it’s setting up and designing an ergonomic home office or optimizing office workspaces, our team is here to help. Contact us today for more information and explore our website and blog for additional ergonomic tips and resources.

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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

How to Prevent Knee Pain When Working from Home

How to Prevent Knee Pain When Working from Home

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.

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

An Ergonomics Guide for Workers That Use Computers

An Ergonomics Guide for Workers That Use Computers

An Ergonomics Guide for Workers That Use Computers

An Ergonomics Guide for Workers That Use Computers Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.
More than 1 in 4 people in America suffer from some form of back pain. The figures are even higher when you take neck pain into account.

So, why are these aches and pains so prevalent? Well, it may have something to do with a lack of knowledge and application of proper ergonomics for people that use a computer for work.

An ergonomic workstation plays an essential role when it comes to work efficiency and avoiding back and neck pain at work. If you’re interested in working on your workstation ergonomics, consider reading ahead.

Workplace Ergonomics: A Quick Look

Workplace ergonomics revolves around analyzing and understanding people in a working environment. Workplace ergonomic design focuses on improving the setup of a workplace, so that it better fits the worker’s needs. A workplace with proper ergonomics will reduce worker discomfort and increase worker productivity and efficiency.

There’s also a growing spotlight on ergonomics now for home office design, as becoming a remote worker is increasing in popularity

Creating and Designing an Ergonomic Workspace

It is highly recommended to start off with an ergonomics assessment before making any new purchases or starting your workstation design. Furthermore, the best way to ensure a proper ergonomics assessment is to hire an ergonomics consultant company to perform the assessment. This investment, like all investments in worker safety and productivity, will pay off in the long run.

Next, it’s important to invest in the right ergonomic equipment for the worker’s task. This is followed by learning to adjust how your worker’s work. These, along with a few other methods, can help reduce worker injury, pain, and other aches while improving their productivity.

Related article: “The Ergonomic Way to Sit at Your Desk and View Your Monitor”

Equipment for an Ergonomic Office

An ergonomic workspace requires the right equipment. This starts with getting the right ergonomic desk and chair. An ergonomic desk should be adjustable to ensure the worker’s arms can rest on it and have their wrists stay straight.

Ergonomics Consultants, Office Assessments, | Solutions Northwest Inc.There should be ample space below the desk for one’s legs, and a footrest may be used for support. An ergonomic chair should have back support and provide support along one’s entire spine.

The final essentials involve peripheral gadgets like an ergomomic keyboard, a keyboard tray, and your mouse. The keyboard should have adjustable parts underneath it. The keyboard tray helps with hand position. And, when possible, consider a wireless ergonomic mouse; a wireless mouse allows for freer movement.

These essentials are a great place to start, but there will likely be other pieces of equipment that will be required depending on a worker’s task. This is where investing in an ergonomics assessment from a professional ergonomics company can help you with the details of the setup.

Related article: “5 Benefits of Using an Ergonomic Mouse and Keyboard

Adjusting for Ergonomic Posture

Beyond equipment, employees need to be shown how to achieve the right posture while they work. When it comes to ergonomics for computer workers, there are a few key rules to follow.

First, you have to keep your head balanced directly above your hips and shoulders while relaxing your arms and shoulders. Next, you have to rest your back against your chair in a slight arch with your elbows at your sides. Your forearms and wrist should lay straight on your desk.

Finally, your knees should be straight in relation to your hips, with your legs slightly extended forward. If you feel some discomfort in your legs, you should consider using a footrest for relief.

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

Ergonomics for Employees that use Computers at Work

The growing need for employees to use a computer at work has resulted in a plethora of people reporting back and neck pains. And, the newly arising remote workforce must do their job on their computers as well. So, it’s essential for employers to perform an ergonomics assessment for their workers whether they are in the office or working from home.  

For optimal results, one should hire an ergonomics consultant to perform the ergonomic assessment and give specific recommendations for the space. You should be prepared to invest in getting the right desk, chair, keyboard, mouse, and footrest to start with.

If you wish to do an ergonomics assessment or a virtual ergonomic assessment for remote workers, our ergonomics consultants can help. Contact the experts at Solutions Northwest Inc. today to check up on the ergonomic risks of all your remote employees. This will pay off a great dividend for your company in the future. 

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

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

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

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