A recent article about RSI type injuries amongst people who work from home struck pretty close. Of those who work from home the article says: “Though these workers have the freedom to set up their desks how they like, few think about office ergonomics until they are in pain.” In my experience (from my experience…) this is definitely, unfortunately true.
Reasons mentioned were the fact that many work-at-home types simply scrounge furniture from around the house when they set up their offices, not giving much thought to ergonomics until pain becomes a problem. Also, we’re less likely to seek medical advice until the problem becomes severe because doctor time is awfully expensive for those without company benefits. Traditional office workers may have an advantage since office ergonomics is at least partially considered in most places today. Still, there’s a lot to be said for rolling out of bed when you feel like it and working in your pajamas.
The article: Ergonomics problems plague at-home workers