The current COVID-19 Pandemic has led to almost all TWU employees suddenly finding themselves working remotely for an undetermined period of time. Employees who have never worked remotely may find that they have an awkward remote workstation. In the quest to establish new routines in a time of abrupt change, ergonomics may be one of the last things on an employee’s mind.

Ergonomics, the science of designing the workplace to fit the worker, applies regardless of whether that workplace is an office or a remote location. Working remotely does not negate the importance of maintaining proper ergonomics, which is essential to maintaining employee health. Having good ergonomics is important to reduce the risk of chronic neck/shoulder injuries and repetitive stress injuries to hands and wrists.

Here’s what you can do now in your remote workplace:

Get up and move!

You should not stay in one static position all day, whether working in the office or at home. Change your position and stretch frequently throughout the day. Even micro stretches make a macro impact!  

Keep it neutral

Keeping a neutral posture is essential to good ergonomics. Computer use and other work duties should be set up in a way that ensures a neutral posture. See how to properly design an ergonomic remote workstation.

Seek professional advice

Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) can help you create a well-equipped, ergonomic remote workstation. Complete this form for a FREE virtual ergonomic assessment.

Please note: While EH&S does not furnish ergonomic equipment, an ergonomic assessment will allow EH&S to identify what beneficial changes can be made to an existing setup while providing professional recommendations about ergonomic equipment.

Visit the EH&S ergonomics site for more information, or email risk@twu.edu.