To protect employees from experiencing these issues, here are some simple best practices to help workers adapt their home workstations. These can be shared with employees to help them follow ergonomic principles, avoid discomfort and stay productive.

Get up and move – Unless distracted by kids, roommates or pets, employees may sit too long while working at home — just like at the office. Check out this video and blog post that offer tips on working more activity into the workday.
Take a break from the screen – Staring at a screen for hours can create strain between the rod and cones in your eyes, creating a tension headache. Ideally, it's a good idea to look away from the screen for a few seconds every 20-30 minutes into the distance to let your eyes adjust. For workers struggling with light sensitivity or tension headaches, specialized filtered (FL-41) eyeglasses can help.
Aim for a neutral position when sitting for an extended period of time. It's an important rule of ergonomics to keep the body at a 90-degree angle to promote proper circulation in the lower extremities. There are several easy and low cost ways accomplish this such as:
- Position your computer monitor at an appropriate angle and height so that your neck is facing straight ahead. Employees can purchase an inexpensive riser or simply use a stack of books or other stable household items.
- Position laptops or computers and sit in a chair that allows you to lean into the backrest. This is to keep from bending your head forward, which is a common cause of strain and fatigue in the neck and shoulders.
- Prop your feet up when seated by using a box, suitcase, footstool or similar item.
- Use a pillow or roll up a towel and place it behind the back for support.
- Keep elbows level with or slightly higher than the keyboard.
- Try using a chair without armrests; this will allow greater flexibility to mitigate static postures.
Reduce distractions. Workers will continue to be challenged with an array of distractions in the remote environment – from kids to the neighbor's latest home improvement project. Sound abatement strategies can be put in place to help workers concentrate through the use of noise-canceling headphones or makeshift privacy walls. In addition, an Employee Assistance Programm (EAP) should connect workers with dedicated disability consultants who partner with neutral third party vendors to talk through employees' unique challenges, and brainstorm solutions.

These tips can help mitigate musculoskeletal and other issues, but sometimes employers need help addressing and accommodating workers' unique challenges. The Standard's Workplace Possibilities℠ Program offers a proactive, whole-person approach to behavioral health and disability management through customized solutions that help employees. The program's reasonable accommodation expense benefit, which covers an employer's approved expenses up to $25,000 towards worksite modifications, can enable much-needed support that would not otherwise be funded.

Instant Insights /

Ergonomic tips for adapting the remote workspace for healthier, more productive employees

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