Setting up your work station while staying at home
06 May 2020
Alternative ways to make your work set up at home comfortable
We appreciate that you may not have been able to bring items home from your University workplace and due to the Government guidance to avoid non-essential travel, it is not possible for you to go on to campus to pick up equipment.
Given this difficult situation, you are encouraged to think of alternative ways to make your work set up at home comfortable. This might include using:
- Small boxes as a footrest;
- Cushions to adjust the seat height and provide lumbar support;
- Books or box files to raise screen/monitor height.
Depending on personal circumstances, your workstation set up may look very different from your normal office set up, but the aim is for you to be as comfortable as possible.
When setting up your working zone it is important to:
- Find an area with adequate space;
- Ensure there is sufficient light, ventilation and no trailing leads;
- Include, where possible: a table/desk/surface; chair; laptop or PC; other equipment e.g. mouse, keyboard.
It is particularly important to take regular breaks.
- Take regular micro-breaks (2-3 minutes) every 20 minutes;
- Take a slightly longer break (5 minutes) every hour;
- You may find it beneficial to occasionally undertake some simple stretches, such as those suggested by the NHS.
If you require more information about setting up your working zone, please speak to your line manager.