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Remote Work's Dirty Little Secret and What to Do About It

28 October 2024

What used to be a perk is now an everyday reality—working from home. Remote work, once the rare exception, has become the norm, with most people now setting up shop at their dining tables or living rooms. But for all the perks—like skipping the commute and staying in pajamas—there are also some surprising hazards hiding in plain sight.

Let's dig into some of these lesser-known dangers that can sneak up on you while working from home and how to keep things safe, productive, and maybe even a little fun.


1. Communication Crashes

Remote work has opened up new ways to communicate, but emails and Zoom calls lack the immediacy and warmth of in-person office chatter. Without those hallway conversations, simple questions can turn into long email chains, and team spirit can get lost in translation. Miscommunication can lead to mistakes, misunderstandings, and missed deadlines.

What to Do: Embrace tools that encourage real-time communication, like Slack or Microsoft Teams, and make time for regular video check-ins to stay connected. A little face time can go a long way.

2. Data Dramas

Working remotely means accessing company data from various home setups, which can sometimes leave sensitive information exposed. Not everyone has a home IT department, and security protocols may not always be airtight. Data leaks or breaches can pose serious risks—not just for companies but also for employees who could find themselves entangled in security breaches.

What to Do: Use virtual private networks (VPNs) and secure password management tools, and keep your home computer as up-to-date as possible on security patches. It's also wise to keep work and personal data separate.


3. Ergonomic Struggles

In an office, you've probably got an ergonomic chair, a desk set at the right height, and maybe even a keyboard tray to keep your wrists happy. At home, it's another story. Whether you're working from your bed, a stiff kitchen chair, or a couch, poor posture can lead to back pain, eye strain, and even long-term physical issues.

What to Do: Invest in an ergonomic chair, a laptop stand, and proper lighting. Make sure your workspace mimics an office setup as closely as possible to protect your body.

FlexiSpot is like the best kind of health boost for your workspace. The FlexiSpot ergonomic chair and standing desk are designed to keep you comfortable and properly supported all day, helping you dodge the common aches and pains of a home office.

Imagine this: with a FlexiSpot chair, your back, neck, and shoulders get the alignment and support they need, thanks to its adjustable features and excellent lumbar support. It's like a tailor-made suit for your spine, ensuring that you sit just right and reduce strain. Pair it with a FlexiSpot standing desk, and you unlock the ultimate flexibility—sit when you need to focus, stand when you need to stretch, and keep your blood flowing all day. The standing desk lets you customize your workspace height, making it a perfect match for your body, whether you're five feet or six-foot-four.

Not only do you improve your posture, but you also boost your productivity and energy levels by changing positions throughout the day. The days of backaches and wrist strain can be over. With FlexiSpot, your home office becomes a haven of comfort, making work feel a little less like work and more like a well-designed, personalized space.

4. Electric Overload

With all those extra devices running, electricity-related issues can be a real risk. Overloaded power strips, overheating laptops, and improvised setups can lead to blown fuses, electrical sparks, or worse. One too many devices plugged into a single outlet can pose a fire hazard, especially in older homes.

What to Do: Use surge protectors, don't leave devices charging for hours on end, and make sure your cords are in good shape. Consider getting a cooling fan if your laptop tends to heat up, and don't leave appliances plugged in when you're away for long periods.


5. Trip, Slip, and Spill

It's not only office buildings that have to worry about slip-and-fall hazards. Working from home might mean dodging toys, navigating around kitchen islands, and maybe even tripping over the cat. And if you're not careful, that cozy setup on the couch can lead to unintended tumbles or spills.

What to Do: Clear your workspace of unnecessary clutter, keep any spillable liquids at a safe distance, and, if possible, set up a designated work zone that minimizes these household hazards.

6. Muscle Stiffness

Being home all day means you're likely not moving as much. Walking to a coworker's desk or heading to the break room provides breaks that are less common at home, where you might be in a meeting marathon all day long. Without enough movement, muscles can become stiff, leaving you feeling sore and sluggish.

What to Do: Take frequent standing breaks, stretch, and try to add in a short walk during the day. Apps like Stretchly or reminders on your phone can prompt you to get up and move around.


7. Psychological Burnout

When you're at home, the line between work and personal life can blur quickly. Suddenly, work feels constant—you might start answering emails at dinner or feel like you're always on call. The pressure to be "always available" can be a real recipe for burnout, affecting both work performance and personal relationships.

What to Do: Set a specific work schedule and stick to it. Turn off notifications after work hours, and try to mentally (and physically) separate work from leisure time. Taking this approach helps maintain a healthier balance.

Embrace the Benefits, Sidestep the Risks

Working from home has perks galore, from saving on commuting costs to having more time with family. But those perks come with responsibilities—to your health, your safety, and even your data. With a few mindful adjustments, you can enjoy all the advantages of remote work without falling victim to its hidden hazards. Keep an eye out for these risks, set boundaries, and make the most of the work-from-home era.