Working from home ... how?

New additional measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus were announced on Sunday, March 15. Among other things, employers are advised to allow employees to work from home whenever possible. Sometimes this is easier said than done; after all, we don't always have the facilities available to us at home that we do at work. As an employer, how can you advise your employees about working from home so that they can continue to do their jobs well? And how do you prevent them from developing physical complaints due to incorrect work posture? If you ask De Arbodienst , key to successful working from home is communication, awareness of work posture and variety.

Working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years. However, the difference between working from home for a day or working from home for weeks is vast. Many distractions lurk at home. Especially if an entire family is working at home. In addition, working from home regularly increases the risk of physical complaints, such as neck, shoulder and wrist pain. The workstation at work is often multifaceted and adjustable, allowing an optimal working posture to be created. At the home workplace, these options are often lacking. Support your employees during this period, by making them aware of an optimal workplace and good posture. Sometimes this means struggling with what you have: therefore, be creative in solutions.

A good work attitude
Not everyone has access to a small office at home. The kitchen table then quickly seems to be the best solution... In that case, make sure that the arms can rest relaxed on the table at a 90-degree angle and that the knees are also at a 90-degree angle. Is the chair too low? Then place a chair riser or a firm cushion on the seat. Is the chair too high? No problem, a stack of old books or an empty crate of beer will work wonders. Place these our your feet so that your knees are still at a 90-degree angle.

In addition, make sure your computer screen is about an arm's length away. The top of the screen is at eye level. Is the screen not adjustable? Then raise it, for example, by placing a pack of A4 paper under the monitor or laptop.

A good workplace
Make sure the workplace is tidy; this will prevent a large part of any distractions. Make sure there is enough daylight in the workplace. One home working day with only artificial light is already tiring for the eyes, let alone when it comes to a longer period of time!

Keep the rhythm!
Rhythm often gets a little lost when working from home. When you go to work, there is a rhythm to it: shower, dress, eat and go. Try to maintain this rhythm even though you are not going to work. Keeping the rhythm provides structure and productivity. So put on your normal, everyday outfit or even your work clothes.

Keep moving
Prolonged static load reduces productivity, muscle tension and decreased concentration. Therefore, vary work postures to reduce static strain. In addition to varying work postures, the advice is to also vary movements. Consider physical movement and exercises. Alternate by standing or walking on the phone, for example. Or take short breaks where you take a walk or do some exercises to get the blood flowing again. For example: Shoulder blade contractions. You can do this exercise while standing or sitting
Pull the shoulder blades together 3 x 10 times;
Relax in between;
Repeat 2 times a day

Make clear agreements
Make good arrangements with your roommates. Just like when you are at work, you cannot always be disturbed by the home situation. By clearly letting everyone know when you are working, when you have a meeting via conference call and when you are taking a break, you create clarity and peace of mind for home. With children at home, things often work a little differently. In that case, break the day into pieces. The time in between you can spend with your children. Again, make clear arrangements with your housemates, such as alternating work hours or spreading them out. Also make good arrangements about the workplace. For example, find a quiet room where you can work undisturbed, such as the bedroom. Keep the correct working posture.

Keep in touch with your colleagues
It is important to keep each other well informed, especially when working remotely from each other. As a supervisor, ask if your employees encounter challenges while working from home and discuss how you can resolve them together.

You can find these and many other tips in our leaflet: First Aid for Working from Home

Of course, we understand that every home situation is different. This requires customized advice. In these uncertain times, De Arbodienst is happy to help you and your employees with useful advice and in creating a good home working environment, with the aim of preventing and, if necessary, reducing physical complaints.

Do you want to ensure that your employees return to the workplace vital? Then feel free to contact us for additional information.