Health Factors of Working From Home

The year 2020 has brought a new outlook to many aspects of our lives. As we continue to work from home, technology and ergonomics are revolutionizing our workplace behavior. “Work from Home” offers great aspects but also contributes to sedentary behavior which results in many health risks.

Sedentary behavior while working from home is using little energy for a prolonged period of time as you work. An example would be sitting and working throughout the day as you stay in the comfort of your home. Along with prolonged sitting, working from home results in higher screen time which can cause eye strain, headaches, and poor sleep. With the decrease of physical social connections, this year has brought a significant increase in health risks both during and after work. Small changes such as monitor and chair height adjustments can help to improve your overall physical health.

Desktops and keyboard devices come in many variations that can reduce wrist injuries such as, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Many keyboards and mice are now designed for all-day use that are comfortable and affordable. For the more ambitious home office worker, a Sit-Stand desk enables the user to elevate the monitor and keyboard to allow better circulation, reduce neck & back pain, decrease fatigue, and increase overall productivity.

Direct Apply, a job discovery platform, created a visual representation of a person working from home named “Susan”, Susan, is a caricature of what could be possible if we work from home with poor work habits.

“Sedentary behavior in many ways is a silent killer, If your remote working practices are leading to reduced physical activity, prolonged sitting, and increased screen time, then you have a trifecta of risk factors for poor health.” said >David Rogerson, a sports nutritionist and strength conditioning expert.

Below you can find Susan, the visual projection of a person using sedentary behavior while working from home

Preventative measures

Ergonomic solutions are made to prevent such outcomes when working from home or in the office. When good health is prioritized, using ergonomically correct keyboards, mice, desks, and chairs combined with a basic routine of chair exercises is beneficial in increasing productivity.

The Global Physical Activity Guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise throughout the week for adults ages 18-64. Most of us do not come close to the guidelines but with small exercises, you can create a better office experience. Below you will find several videos that can be shared with your team to introduce desk exercises. Imagine the team collaboration and productivity increase if everyone can video conference a team stretch once or twice a day!

1) Stretch At Work While Seated
2) Ten Simple Office Exercises
3) Five Minute Quick and Easy Stretches At Your Desk
4) Ten Minute Office Workout

Call Center Products and Headset.com have been a great asset to many individuals working from home in providing headsets, webcams, and other equipment to ease the transition from the workplace to home. We understand working from home can bring many health complications when no preventative measures are taken. While we provide items that help our clients connect and share with others without distance undermining them, we also want to provide preventative equipment to protect them from complications that arise from sedentary behavior and poor technology use.

With the addition of our new ergonomic and home office fitness equipment, you can create the perfect work from home solution with the headsets, webcams, ergonomic keyboards, and wrist pads and foot stands to ensure your health is not compromised when working from home.

Find all you need to optimize your work, at home or in the office, at our website headset.com