Tips for Setting Up an Ergonomic Workspace at Home

Working from home became the norm for many people over the past year, causing folks to get innovative when it came to an at-home workstation.

While you may have gotten used to situating yourself on the couch in the living room from nine to five, we’re sorry to say that that setup might not be the best for your physical health.

To avoid putting your body through unnecessary stress or strains while working from home, check out the following tips for setting up an ergonomic workspace at home.

Put Your Monitor at Eye Level

Notice the angle of your head as you read this screen—do you have to peer downward in your lap or crane your neck upward at a tall monitor? Well, the best at-home work spaces utilize monitors that are at eye level.

Keeping your monitor straight ahead reduces your need to angle your head uncomfortably. Remember, the average noggin weighs about 11 pounds, which can cause severe neck and spine discomfort when you position it incorrectly!

Ensure That Your Seating Supports Your Back

Your workstation’s seating should always support your back. Don’t worry; we’re not about to promote some pricey, cushy work chair—adopting tips for setting up an ergonomic workspace at home shouldn’t break the bank.

Instead, we’ll simply explain how to tell whether you’ve got the right chair for your workspace.

First, choose a chair that is tall enough for your table and allows your elbows to stay at 90 degrees when typing or using your computer mouse.

Scoot back until you’re sitting all the way back in your chair, and use a pillow or rolled towel to support your spine’s natural curve.

Tidy Any Cables for Safety and Aesthetic Purposes

If you have a wired setup for quicker connection purposes, you can still optimize your space’s aesthetics and safety. Most of the basic house wiring safety tips for beginners double as tidying tips for proper cable management.

Avoid feeling overwhelmed by cords in your home office by investing in cable management accessories.

Keep Your Keyboard and Mouse Within an Easy Reach

Though it may feel natural to have your keyboard and mouse about six inches ahead of you, this placement can cause you to lean forward every time you go to use either.

Keep your mouse and keyboard closely in front of you so that your arms stay at an ideal 90 degrees throughout the workday.