In the last year, many employers have had to consider remote work for the first time; as a result, COVID-19 has caused many of us to work in the comfort of our own homes. This hybrid work environment is set to become a fact of life in Ireland. While this change certainly has its benefits, it also has its drawbacks. For one, many people are dealing with increased back and neck pain. That’s why ergonomics are so important. We’ve gathered together all the best products and tips for setting up your home office, so you can stay productive, healthy and happy.
Working from home in Ireland
Ireland now has the second-largest remote workforce in Europe. With Tánaiste Leo Varadkar and the government being an avid supporter of the work from home trend, it’s likely to become a permanent part of work as we know it. In Ireland in particular, the government has been fighting to enshrine measures like the right to disconnect, and giving people the right to the option of working from home. This is difficult to implement, however. As a new step in employment rights, this has featured in the news a lot lately. Many workers, employers and government officials support this shift into home work hubs.
Back pain and neck pain – the effects of working from home
Many people experience pain due to bad posture. Why? They’re not equipped to work from home, and are working in different areas of the house all day. Or maybe you’re dealing with the added struggle of defining boundaries at work or at home. And yes—stress can impact your spinal and physical health. There are a few ways you can reduce strain on your body:
- Reduce mental stress by setting clear boundaries with people in your home work environments. Be clear about what time you start and finish, and agree to a strict routine so you’re not checking your email app late into the night.
- Take time for physical activity so you’re not sitting in an office chair more than you need to be. If you’ve got chronic pain, book a consultation with your GP and seek their advice on what’s achievable for you: whether that’s getting up and stretching every hour, or doing regular workouts throughout the week.
The importance creating a home workspace
So, what’s the difference between your kitchen bench and a dedicated setup? While lumbar support and less pain is a clear benefit, it can also improve your mental and emotional wellbeing. As you move through the work day, you’re more likely to get into a state of productiveness.
Prior to COVID, our homes weren’t necessarily made for working – so it’s important to create this. A place where you can focus on a project, and switch off at the end of the day. When you use a home office, you can more effectively separate your job from your personal life – a line often difficult to blur in the age of remote work.
Choosing the right office products
Here are a few things you can weigh up in your search for the perfect office equipment:
- Set clear constraints on budget.
- Find out whether you need extra ergonomics.
- Take measurements of your space so you know what’s going to fit, and decide how much room you need for monitors and other equipment.
- Decide on the aesthetic you want – this is the fun part! If you’re working somewhere you like the look of, you’ll feel a boost in your day to day happiness and productivity.
Online furniture shops in Ireland
If you’re keen to get all your office supplies in one place, there are many sites to choose from. These online shops have something for everyone (depending on stock), and has items to suit all ends of the budget:
- IKEA Ireland
- AJProducts.ie
- Kos.ie
Laptop stands
Laptop stands are simple and relatively inexpensive contraptions, but experts say they’ve got tangible benefits for your health. While a laptop alone sits below eye level, a stand puts the screen at an angle where you don’t have to strain your neck. For reference, your laptop stand should sit about an arm’s length away, with the top of the screen at eye level.
Lighting
If you’re working in a poorly lit area of the house, it’s a good idea to invest in some lighting. Sometimes, the overhead light just isn’t enough – and a lot of people underestimate the impact that lack of lighting can have for your eyesight. To avoid squinting-induced headaches, check out HickenLighting.com – they’ve got a range of desk lighting options at a reasonable price.
Desks
Sit to stand desks have been hailed as the best option for your spine, in recent years. The height adjustment feature helps to make sure you’re not sitting for more than you should be, encouraging blood flow, energy and a number of other health benefits. It’s also a great potential option for anyone working with minimal space! Check out the Gostand.ie and YoYoDesk.ie for our picks.
Office chairs
Your choice in chair plays such a crucial part in your spinal health – so it’s important to choose wisely! The good news is, you can select from a range of styles regardless of your budget. Whether you’re after a steelcase or Herman Miller style, or a Långfjäll from IKEA, it’s most important to find something with lumbar support. Check out huntoffice.ie for their range of mesh office chairs.
Shelving
If you need a lot of storage and shelving, we’d recommend flyingelephant.ie. They design beautiful, minimalist desks with plenty of storage so you can cut down on the visual clutter… all for a price that won’t break the bank!
Cushions
If you need some more support in your seat, it’s always a good idea to invest in some extra cushioning. There are some great specialist back support retailers online, made especially for people with back problems who work from home. Check out back-shop.com for cushions designed to improve your sitting experience.
There’s a clear link between bad posture and working from home, so it is key that you find a working from home setup that works for you. During COVID 19, many companies have appeared in the news as they’ve shared the strategies that have worked for their employees. With news of this becoming more common, it’s more important than ever that you find the chair (and employer) willing to invest in your happiness and health.
