Your Work From Home Checklist

Working from home is hardly a new phenomenon, but the COVID-19 pandemic has made it an unplanned requirement for many. In addition to having the right equipment, the physical setup — the ergonomics of the workspace — is critical, especially for avoiding injuries that a lousy design can cause.

Is your office in a designated space?

• The space is roomy enough to hold a desk, computer, and essentials without feeling cramped.
• Your desk doesn’t have personal work mixed in, causing clutter, confusion, and inefficiency.
• If your space doubles as a private room, are there clear lines of separation – meaning you’re not working while still lounging in bed.

Is your workspace optimized for you?

• The industry standard for desk height is 29 inches from the floor to tabletop, but if you’re on the taller or shorter side, you may need to adjust this.
• Check your computer’s video specs and use a monitor whose display resolution matches its maximum capacity for best clarity and to avoid eyestrain.
• Invest in a quality desk chair that offers an adjustable height that can roll and that provides lumbar support—dining and deck chairs aren’t recommended.

Have you considered your peripheral equipment?

• If your docked laptop sits off to the side while using a monitor, consider a wireless keyboard and mouse.
• If you’re sharing your space, invest in a headset to ensure a quieter environment for conference calls and less neck strain during phone calls.
• Plug all your valuable electronics into a surge protector and have either a local or cloud backup.