Ergonomic working: what is it and which products contribute to it?

What is ergonomic working?

Ergonomic working—you have probably heard the term before. Especially now that we have to work from home a lot due to the coronavirus, ergonomic working is important. But what does it actually mean? Ergonomic working has everything to do with the term ergonomics. Ergonomics comes from 'ergon' (work) and 'nomoi' (laws of nature): the science of the relationship between humans and their environment. In other words, ergonomics is the science of optimizing the environment and products for human use.

How do you apply ergonomic working in practice?

Working ergonomically is very important these days, especially now that we are confined to our homes so much due to the coronavirus. Spending many hours behind our screens, right at the kitchen table. Is that really working ergonomically? A correct working posture is essential! Even if you might not have the right office chair and your desk is not height-adjustable, we will give you some tips to work as ergonomically as possible at the kitchen table. 1. Take regular breaks Our bodies aren't designed to sit in more or less the same position for eight hours straight. Working in the same position for extended periods of time tires your body. Several researchers suggest that after a while, our bodies even partially shut down. This is known as static load. And you want to avoid that! You might miss the coffee machine spot where you can chat with your colleagues, but regularly take a break from work and think about yourself. So move regularly, even if it's just running up and down the stairs or grabbing a glass of water. 2. Correct posture. Do you have an office chair? Ensure it is properly adjusted and that you sit with your back straight against the backrest. If your feet do not rest flat on the floor, you will automatically slide forward on the seat of your chair. This causes you to sit on the edge of your seat, placing a lot of pressure on the lower part of your spine. This leads to back problems. The same applies if you work at the kitchen table; ensure you maintain an active working posture. Make sure you sit in an active position: keep your back straight! Products that contribute to proper posture and prevent back problems include a Soft Ball, Swiss Ball, and a Balance Cushion. Would you like more explanation as to why these products contribute to a better ergonomic working posture? Read it here!