Ergonomics and teleworking

18 December 2019

The professional association for ergonomics (VerV) already launched its practical guideline on ergonomics and teleworking at the end of 2019: "Telework is also screen work. Ergonomics at home is a shared responsibility". A while later, never before had so many people started working from home.

To be able to work well at home, one must have an adjustable office chair, a table tailored to the teleworker, a large screen, separate keyboard and mouse. Choose an isolated room with sufficient lighting and a depth view of more than 2 meters.

It is up to the employer to provide at least a laptop stand or large screen with a separate keyboard and mouse, along with the laptop. A laptop backpack or trolley ensures that all material can be easily transported. Employers who have a framework agreement with their chair supplier are called upon to also open these up to home workers.

The home worker must ensure an isolated space and good furniture. If, in addition, he regularly varies tasks and posture, body and mind will remain sharp. These guidelines relate to occasional telework (< 1 day per week).

From 1 day per week on a structural basis, one speaks of structural telework. For structural telework, the employer must meet the minimum requirements stated in book VIII, title 2 Screens from the Codex. This includes a sufficiently large screen, a keyboard, a sufficiently large work table and a work chair where the seat height and the height and tilt of the backrest are adjustable. If necessary, a footrest is provided. With long-term and structural telework, ergonomics only becomes more important.

For telework in times of corona, it is important that agreements are made, with the help of social consultation, about who provides what. Draw up a telework policy for this purpose.

More info about healthy teleworking on the VerV website: