{"id":7773,"date":"2020-04-17T16:43:47","date_gmt":"2020-04-17T14:43:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.zhaw.ch\/languagematters\/?p=7773"},"modified":"2023-06-13T16:30:19","modified_gmt":"2023-06-13T14:30:19","slug":"working-from-home-ergonomically","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.zhaw.ch\/languagematters\/2020\/04\/17\/working-from-home-ergonomically\/","title":{"rendered":"Working from Home \u2013 Ergonomically"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The current COVID-19 outbreak has forced the majority of us to work from home, in what for many is an unfamiliar setting for activities normally performed elsewhere \u2013 in office spaces and\/or the classroom, for example. This raises the question of how we can best organise both our physical environment and our daily work routines so that we can work productively and effectively while maintaining our physical and mental well-being. A basic understanding of ergonomics can help, as our institute’s ErgoTrans project shows.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Gary Massey, Director of IUED Institute of Translation and Interpreting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ergonomics, also known as human factors, is the scientific discipline concerned with the understanding of interactions among humans and other elements of a system in order to optimise human well-being and overall system performance (International Ergonomics Association<\/a>). Among other things, it can tell us how we can adapt equipment, technology, work settings and working routines to get the best out of our working environments and practices without adversely affecting our health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ergonomics at home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are working from home as a translator or a teacher, as an administrator or an assistant, having an ergonomic environment and observing ergonomic routines are key to ensuring that you can work productively and effectively while maintaining your physical and mental well-being. Here are some ideas and tips to help you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n