01.10.2024 (Updated: 02.10.2024)

Four Tips from Mehiläinen’s Occupational Health Physiotherapists for Better Workplace Ergonomics

Remote and hybrid work has become more common in many workplaces, and technology enables working from various locations. While this flexibility is convenient, it has also increased irregular working hours, poor postures, and further reduced physical activity. No matter where or how you work, it's important to act before your body starts to “complain.”

The experts for this article are Occupational Health Physiotherapists Pirita Miettinen and Mikko Suominen

1. Change Positions Frequently

Whether you are standing or sitting, make sure to switch positions often throughout the day. Remember, the next posture is always better than the previous one.

2. Check Your Workstation Ergonomics

If you work at a desk for long periods, make sure the setup is ergonomically correct. Adjust the desk height to suit your posture, and if necessary, change the height throughout the day. The top of your computer screen should be about 5 cm below eye level, and the screen should be an arm’s length away.

3. Take Active Breaks from Sitting by Moving

Your work posture should feel comfortably relaxed. Change your sitting position frequently, stand up from time to time, and rotate your shoulders. A stiff, rigid posture isn’t good for long periods. Don’t forget to adjust your chair settings.

4. Get Creative with Ergonomics

Be creative with your remote work ergonomics. When sitting on the sofa, place a cushion behind your back for support. Try different chairs throughout the day or sit on an exercise ball for a while. To work standing up, you can stack books on the table to elevate your laptop to a comfortable height.

A video series on workplace ergonomics, with practical advice from occupational health physiotherapists Mikko Suominen and Pirita Miettinen, is now available in Cuckoo’s Challenges section.

Knowledge work stresses the brain, while physical work strains the body. It’s essential to take care of both physical and mental recovery. Physical exertion is good for the body, but recovery should be prioritized during the workdays to prevent stiffness and promote wellbeing. This way, you'll still have energy left for other activities after the workday.

Five Tips from Mehiläinen’s Occupational Health Psychologist: How to Recover During the Workday

01.10.2024

Have you thought about how much strain your brain is under? Are you recovering well during the workday? Have you remembered to take breaks and eat your lunch on time? For knowledge workers, the number of mistakes increases and decision making abilities weaken when the brain is overloaded, and workdays are excessively long. In certain professions, this can even be dangerous, such as for vehicle drivers or pilots. But regardless of your job, it’s important to focus on recovery not only during your free time but also throughout the workday.