We belong to those working parents where the stresses and conflicts from working from home can sometimes make us feel like we are working from ‘Hell’. One contributing factor, aside from the managing the kids and their HBL (Home-based Learning), is the lack of proper WFH (Work-From-Home) furniture.

Pain. Pain. Pain.

Here are 3 painful lessons we have learnt on why the common study table is not suited to support WFH:

• Work furniture in the office are purpose-built to support long hours of work while the common study desk at home are designed for much shorter durations. They are not suitable to support our body posture for long.

• Work furniture in offices are usually ‘customised’ to one single user as our work stations are seldom, if ever, shared with others. During WFH, the common study desk at home are shared with a working spouse or even with our schooling kids.  

Work environment in offices are designed to support work efficiency (E.g. bright fluorescent lighting, wider spaces etc.) while the lighting and furniture are living spaces are originally meant to support the recreational life of a family, not for working purposes.

During WFH, we subject our body to long hours of work and adapt our posture such as leaning closer to the computer screens. During WFH days, I had to conduct webinars for long stretches on the laptop. Initially, I brushed it off as a simple muscle ache but as the days grew into weeks and weeks turn into months, the pain started to intensify.  From the neck to the upper shoulder and then the complete upper back. 

Pain got worse.

The pain got so bad that it started to throb at night.  The hubby also complained of intense pain on his right elbow joint (i.e. tennis elbow), from a lack of proper support for his wrist while using the mouse.  It was quite a miserable few months of WFH during the Circuit Breaker (i.e. lockdown) but thankfully once that ended and Phase 2 kicked in, we were able to get some massages to help alleviate the pains.

We both knew that massages are not sustainable solutions to the ailments brought about by WFH.  Getting the proper WFH furniture is. So the moment Circuit Breaker ended, we went out to shop for good WFH furniture that is ergonomically designed as well, yet affordable and adaptable for use, by almost everyone in the family.

After spending some weeks researching online and browsing popular furniture stores, we decided to turn to the trusted folks at Ergoworks, Marina Square for help. Ergoworks is a 20-year old ergonomic solution store with products endorsed and recommended by Singapore physiotherapy association and The Chiropractic Association (Singapore). We were thrilled that they actually have some excellent WFH solutions for us!

More Comfy Than Sofa

ERGOWORKS – DUOREST DR-7500G Leader Collection Ergonomic Chair

I never knew I would say this but this office chair is actually more comfy than our sofa. The ergonomic features on the DUOREST DR-7500G has these following features that makes it a really outstanding WFH chair:

• Easily Adjustable Backrest:  The two ‘kidney shaped’ backrest are the most visible feature with its patented tilt-lock mechanism.  These, original and patented design from Germany since 1988 is adjustable for height and the different width of the body’s 2 shoulder blades give a good spread compared to one single backrest.  We feel that both of our shoulder blades are solidly supported as well!  Very sturdy and comfortable while doing seat work. We love this office chair!

Do note that while there are copies of these dual backrest around, only  ERGOWORKS offers the genuine product with on-site warranty and after sales support with original parts.

• Arms: Both the arm rests allow for quick independent customizable height to support differing body dimensions and seating positions.  We never knew this unique feature would really help make sitting so much more comfortable.

• Adjustable Headrest: This is one part which we take for granted too.  With the easily adjustable headrest, we could rest our head (and upper neck) quite quickly and effectively, in fact with a quick press release. Handy!

• Shape and Contours:  The ergonomically shaped contour of the seat and back support really enhance the comfort experience of the chair. Better still, the covers can actually be removed for machine wash.  Nice!

ERGOWORKS Electric Adjustable Desk (EW-0223F1)

To fully complement an ergonomically-centric WFH lifestyle, Ergoworks has its own in-house range of high quality customizable office desks. What belies its common place appearance are state-of-the-art features that set this work desk apart:

Sturdy, Classy: The first thing that really stood-out for us is how well-built the desk is. In fact, I noticed that it’s sturdier than even the desk in my office!  The thick curve edges lends to the overall classy aesthetic look of the desk.

Electric Height Adjustment: The desk impresses with its key feature – Electric Adjustable Height that moves up and down to adjust the height of the table to suit the user’s preferred working height. 

To enhance the feature, it comes complete with a 4 height memory function.  This allows the table height to be adjusted to the perfect height to suit different users in the family easily. The internal mechanism moves the entire desk, complete with a desktop and furniture, up and down smoothly using a dual-motor silent motor system. 

So whether is it the hubs who is nearly 1.7m height or myself and the kids using it, the electronically adjustable desk easily adjusts the table height to support us.  It can even be raised to standing height, which sometimes is known to promote efficiency in thinking.

Customisable: We can fully customise the length and colour of The Electric Adjustable Desk. This customization is free-of-charge. The table top and legs have a range of colours that can be mixed and matched to suit the décor of the WFH room.

Assurance: ERGOWORKS Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk comes with on-site warranty (7 years on motorised mechanism, 10 years on frame structure) the on-site warranty covers both labour and parts cost, which by far to our best knowledge, offers the longest on-site warranty in the market without additional cost.

Accessories:  To enhance the experience of the desk, Ergoworks provides a range of optional accessories. Here are three of them which we found to be really useful:

• Anti-fatigue Mat: This mat actually reduces stress and fatigue on the legs when standing on it by about 50%. In fact, even while seated, just resting our feet on it gives a soft and relaxing feel.  Better than any rug we have felt beneath our feet!

• Metal Cable Tray Organizer: This helps with the proper cable storage below the desk.  Very helpful to keep the cables and wires neat even while adjusting the desks up and down.

• Forearm Support:  These are very comfortable as not only provides cushioning support but more importantly, helps to prevent RSI on the wrist and elbow from excessive computer use.

With WFH still the alternative work option as countries continue to battle the Covid-19 pandemic, quality ergonomic work furniture really helps us to work happily and more productively at home without compromising our overall wellness and efficiency.

The Ergoworks Experience:

We’ve had our fair share of online scams hence there are certain items we insist on buying from the physical retail store.  Furniture items is one of them.  For us, shopping at Ergoworks offers the following peace of mind:

No Hidden Costs: The cost of all Ergoworks furniture items comes with GST inclusive, delivery and installation charges.

Quality Assured: All these WFH furniture parts and mechanism comes with warranty.  Moreover, they are all endorsed and recommended by Singapore physiotherapy association and The Chiropractic Association (Singapore).

Professional and Personable: Aside from their quality ergonomic solutions, the good folks at Ergoworks never fail to impress with their patient, warm and friendly service which is never hurried but genuine in giving advice, has always won us over.

To know about Ergoworks and how their products can help support your WFH needs, visit https://ergoworks.com.sg/

Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard #03-140/141, Marina Square Shopping Mall, 039594Hours: Open 11.30AM⋅ Closes 9PM Phone: 6837 3370