Career Kuel Thought Leader: Gayle Petrillo
Are you ergonomically ready to look and feel your best on a virtual call?
New season! Maybe it’s time for a check-in with ourselves and our bodies. So many of us are working remotely since the start of Covid. Some part-time, others full-time.Â
“He always gently reminds us not to be a croissant.”
The Importance Of Posture:
Regardless of how often you find yourself at your desk and in front of your computer screen, we may forget the importance of our posture.
I’m in a networking group that meets virtually every Friday morning. One of our members is a chiropractor. He always gently reminds us not to be a croissant. He looks at our faces, which shows how we are sitting, and immediately he can see whether we are sitting up straight or slouching. It’s a great reminder as we all kickstart our Fridays.
If you routinely work from home, it’s likely you have an office with a proper desk and computer/monitor set-up. Some of us, however, sit at a kitchen or dining room table, or even recline in our favorite chair or bed. Did you know that doing so can eventually lead to pain, stiffness and even injury?
Helpful Hint Reminders For Proper Posture:
Here are some helpful hint reminders I found earlier this year in AARP magazine in an article by Jessica Migala.
1. Your Monitor:
The top of your monitor screen should be directly in line with your eyesight. If it’s too low, you will be hunching over negatively impacting your neck.Â
2. Lighting:
Extra lighting is helpful for our aging eyes, and reading or desk lamps can be situated to provide a specific area with the necessary spotlight.
“Your feet should be flat on the ground with your knees, feet and ankles at a 90-degree angle.”
3. Your Desk:
As a petite gal, I’m aware that my desk, which is a folding table, is too high, so if that’s your issue too, use a riser or adapt something for this purpose. I put my feet on a storage box. This will enable you to comfortably maintain a 90-degree angle to your work area.
4. Your Chair:
The chair you sit in is a very important piece of your office equipment. Ideally, it should have height adjustability, rollers, armrests, and back support. When sitting, you should have your back right against the back of your chair. For maximum support, your feet should be flat on the ground with your knees, feet and ankles at a 90-degree angle. Your elbows should also form a 90-degree angle to your desk.Â
Better Ergonomics:
5. Your Keyboard:
Lastly, if your keyboard moves easily, you may want to invest in a keyboard tray. It attaches to the edge of your desk and keeps the keyboard stationary so you have better ergonomics, because typing at desk height may cause neck and lower back stress equating to painful movements.
Jessica also encourages all of us to change positions every 30 minutes or so, alternating standing and sitting, so even though we may have one of those stand-up desks, it doesn’t mean we should be idle.
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About the Author:
Gayle Petrillo is President of First Impressions, Image Consulting. Gayle is an image consultant working with both businesses and individuals. Her services include: customer service training; team building skills; secret shopper services; gossip avoidance techniques; closet analysis; wardrobe transformations, personal shopping; employment coaching; and presentation skills.
