The Beginner's Guide: How to Set Up an Ergonomic Home Office

With work-from-home becoming a norm in Singapore, setting up ergonomically home offices that are both functional and comfortable has become a hot topic amongst many people.  If you are wondering how to set up a home office that brings health and wealth, here are three simple steps to help you get started.

Step 1: Get a comfortable chair

The office chair is one of the most important assets in your home office.  A good chair reduces the chance for health problems such as musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue in the neck muscles, and helps you stay productive and focused during the workday.  This is why equipping your home offices with the best ergonomic office chair that offers premium support for your body is of utmost importance.

It may not be easy to find good ergonomic office chairs with back support in Singapore, before you decide to make a random purchase, here are some important tips to help you get the best buy:

• The chair should have an adjustable height that is 15 to 22 inches off the floor. When you sit on the chair, your feet should be flat on the floor, with your knees at a 90-degree angle to reduce any stress on the knees and lumbar region.
• Most ergonomic office chairs in Singapore should have a seat that is between 17 and 20 inches wide for best comfort.
• Select only ergonomic office chairs with back support in Singapore for best comfort. If you already have a chair, consider buying portable lumbar support that can be used with any chair.

Step 2:  Adjust your workspace

How to set up a home office that maximises productivity and comfort should be the top priority when designing a workspace.  According to the Mayo Clinic, a comfortable workspace can help you feel your best.  This can be achieved by making mindful yet minimum adjustments such as:

• Placing frequently used items such as the telephone or files close to you to minimise the chance of straining your body.
• Placing the keyboard and the mouse just far enough for your elbows to extend past a 90-degrees angle when typing.
• Adjusting the height of your chair to allow your thighs to be parallel with the floor. If the chair is too high, consider resting your feet on a footrest for support.
• Placing the monitor about an arm's length away with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye level. The monitor should be directly behind your keyboard.

Step 3: Remember to move

Our body is not designed for prolonged sitting, so don’t get accustomed to working at your desk for eight hours straight.  It is essential to make deliberate attempts to take a break every 20 minutes to do a simple stretch or take a short walk.  Consider placing your water jug further away so you can get off your chair periodically to get a drink or invest in an ergonomic adjustable standing desk that you can stand while you work.

Movement is one of the best ways to improve blood circulation, induce energy and make you more productive.  If your home office has limited space for you to move around, consider exercises that you can do at your desk.  Doing the cat-cow yoga pose with palms on the desk, stationery curls with a book or running on the spot, are creative ways to energise yourself without having to go to a gym. 

Set up your ergonomic home office today

Setting up an ergonomic home office can be a lot of fun since it lets you change things up at home with a revitalised look and offer a more conducive work corner. Don’t forget to include the best ergonomic office chair to improve your comfort and posture as well.  That way you’re bound to have a more productive and efficient work from home experience!

Not sure where to get an ergonomic chair? Atwood carries an extensive range of ergonomic equipment to help you work in comfort. Get in touch with us today to find the best ergonomic chair for your needs.