Many of us have been working from home for a few weeks now, and have probably found our favourite spot to work in. But without our usual equipment and gadgets, we have also started to feel the physical effects of makeshift workspaces and hours spent sitting at the kitchen table.
Are you finding it difficult to sit still on your chair because you just can’t get comfortable? Have you noticed your shoulders getting tight from hunching awkwardly over your computer screen?
It’s time to take charge of your space and make sure your temporary setup is as ergonomic and kind to your body as possible. Here are a few hacks for utilising everyday household items to achieve a better, more ergonomic workspace.
Raise your screen
The ideal computer height is where the top of the screen is in line with your eyebrows. If you can’t find a work surface that elevates your screen sufficiently, you can raise it up with a laptop stand or a few sturdy books. If you’re working on the sofa, you can even use a cushion to help you to keep your shoulders in the right position
Raise your body
If you have the opposite problem, and you’re working at a dining or kitchen table that’s a little bit too high, use cushions as a booster to support your lumbar and pad the bottom of the chair.
Try occasionally standing up to work
A breakfast bar makes a perfect standing desk, but you can also improvise by using a chest of drawers, bookshelf, or even an ironing board!
Buy a lap desk
If you can’t find any suitable worktop in your home, use a lap desk to create a portable work surface that you can use while sitting on the sofa or a bed. The great thing about these is they are usually foldable so they can be tidied away at the end of the day if you’re short on space, and are often height-adjustable too.
Go for a walk during meetings
It’s always good to keep moving when you can even when you’re working in an office, but this can be quite difficult if you’re working from home, especially if home is a small flat. A great way to get your step count up even during lockdown is to walk around while you’re on a call. This will help to keep your energy levels up so you stay engaged in the meeting and motivated after the call has ended.
Change chairs
If you don’t have the budget or space to invest in an office chair for your home working, then an easy way to prevent getting backache from sitting in a less-than-ideal way is to change it up! Switch your seating around during the course of the day so you don’t get stuck in the same position for too long.
This news was brought to you by Morgan Pryce, a specialist tenant acquisition agent with offices in Oxford Circus and the City. Morgan Pryce specialises in search, negotiation and project management and works exclusively for tenants.
