6 tips to make your home workspace more ergonomic

Niki Gay, MS

Athletic Training

More and more people are working from home, but propped up on your couch or slumped over your kitchen table is not the healthiest way to work remotely.

A more ergonomic set-up can help you stay comfortable and avoid injury. Athletic trainer Niki Gay offered some advice on easy ways you can improve your workspace.

1. Designate a workspace at home that has an adjustable chair with arms and backrest to help with comfort while sitting.
2. If using a laptop, get an external mouse and keyboard that fits your body size.
3. Raise the screen of the monitor or laptop to your eye level. You can use books or sturdy boxes. This will decrease strain on your cervical spine.
4. Use a footrest for more comfort while sitting.
5. Be aware of glare from in-home lighting and windows, and adjust the lighting to decrease eyestrain.
6. Use a phone with speakerphone capabilities or a hands-free headset for calls.

For more advice, check out the OSHA workstation checklist from the US Department of Labor.