Realised that you’re less productive at home than at the office? Are you looking to perform better in the coming year?
If you think that this is a problem caused by your home office set-up, you might be 100% right.
A proper ergonomic set-up at home will increase your productivity and well-being, while taking care of your long-term health.
1: Get an Ergonomic Chair
You sit eight hours a day, so the most important part of your home office is that chair.
But if you’re looking for an upgrade, the ergonomic chair market can be confusing – which of these chairs suits your needs, fits your body and doesn’t strain your wallet?
Here’s what to look for in a good ergonomic chair:
Dedicated Lumbar Support
Does your back feel stiff when you stand up? A good lumbar support system moves with your body, so your back will always be supported as you work.
Adjustable Headrest
This adjustability protects your spinal columns even when you’re in recline and keeps your head and neck correctly aligned, whether you’re seated up straight or leaning back to chill out.
Cooling Mesh Upholstery
If you have to peel yourself out of that old leather office chair at the end of the day – opt for a breathable mesh upholstery instead!
As a bonus, mesh tends to be low maintenance, more durable and collect much less sweat than leather.
Adjustable Armrests
Why do we emphasise adjustability? Ensuring that your arms are supported at 90° allows you to work without straining your neck and shoulders.
But your arms won’t be the same length as the next person, so your armrests should adjust to fit you, right?
Find one such ergonomic chair here.
2: Invest in a Standing Desk
Want to stay active while boosting your focus at work? Look no further than a standing desk!
By standing and sitting at regular intervals, you keep your body active, avoiding stiff joints and stimulating your mind for greater productivity.
Some benefits of using a standing desk include:
- Reduces neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Increases energy levels
- Improves blood circulation and prevents food coma
One standing desk that stands out from the rest is the EverDesk, because it has these unique features:
Health Coach
Let’s be real. It’s not easy to remember to alternate between a sitting and standing position every 30 minutes or so, especially if you’re focusing on working some Excel magic.
The Health Coach controller not only saves your favourite table heights so that you can switch between them with just a few taps of the finger, it’s also capable of reminding you to switch positions at designated time intervals!
Don’t worry about when you should stand or sit to stay active – just focus on work and let your EverDesk take care of it for you.
UniGroove
With the UniGroove, your desk will never be cluttered again.
A built-in desk organiser that acts as a catch-all, store small items like your handphone and pens, secure your space enhancement accessories (we have a bunch of those as well) and keep your gazillion wires in check, all with the UniGroove.
3: Expert tips for an ergonomic set-up
To improve your ergonomics, experts recommend:
- Sitting with both feet flat on the floor and knees at 90° angle.
- When taking calls, put your phone on speaker or use earphones instead of cradling it between your shoulder and head.
- Ensure your monitor is one arm’s length away. The top of your screen should also be at eye-level, so you don’t have to tilt your head to read your screen.
Of course, this list is not exhaustible. Do your own research as well and make do with what you have at home if some of these items are out of your budget. Some simple fixes include using books to prop up your laptop higher or using a footrest to stop your feet from dangling in the air.
