Get Fit for Remote Working

BT Business has announced the launch of a practical guide 'Get fit for mobile working' which aims to help businesses tackle the problems encountered by some of the UK's 14 million mobile workers. The guide is designed to help mobile workers to avoid the back, neck and arm problems that can arise as a result of working in unfamiliar environments with a poor posture.

ERGO GUIDE
To show workers there is no reason to be suffering discomfort, BT Business has worked with Margaret Hanson, one of the UK's leading ergonomists, to publish a handy reference guide. Get fit for mobile working helps to identify common issues, their causes, and the solutions to ensure you steer clear of back, neck and arm problems both now and in the coming years.

Responding to BT's announcement, Ken Sheridan from Remote Employment, a specialist online employment service dedicated to remote and mobile working said: "It is very encouraging to see the work BT are putting into mobile working. Remote employment is becoming the preferred method of working in the UK, driven by large organisations such as BT who clearly see the two way benefits of this working practise." Dr Paul Litchfield, BT's Chief Medical Officer said "Mobile working can liberate people by giving them more flexibility over their time and more control over their jobs – both are important in helping to make modern life less stressful. As with any technology, people can experience problems with mobile devices if they don't take note of simple, practical steps, such as those developed by BT Business, before they begin to use their equipment."

Recent years have seen an explosion in mobile working, and a demonstration of the benefits - 83% of us think flexible working brings competitive advantages in business, whilst 54% of managers believe flexible workers have a better quality of life.

MOBILE WORKING TRANSFORMATION
Bill Murphy, Managing Director of BT Business said "Mobile and flexible working has transformed both business and personal lives. By observing a few general principles, workers can ensure they see all the benefits of mobile working, without any downside. Businesses need to be aware of their legal responsibility for the health and safety of employees, wherever they are working."

BT ten top tips from Get fit for mobile working:

1. Use the backrest of your chair. Don't slouch forwards. Keep shoulders in line with your hips.
2. Hold your head so ears are above shoulders. Don't stick your chin forward or bend or twist your neck.
3. Alternate between thumbs and fingers when typing on smartphones.
4. Don't rest wrists or forearms on the edge of desks.
5. Position items so you don't twist your back; screens should be at a comfortable viewing height in front of you. Ensure your back is supported.
6. Exercise your hands, wrists and neck regularly.
7. Make sure there is nothing underneath your workstation that restricts your posture.
8. Take regular breaks away from the keyboard and screen.
9. Don't hold the phone between ear and shoulder – you're likely to get a sore neck.
10. Adjust settings on your software so that the image and text are large enough for you to see comfortably.

Associated Link: Get Fit For Remote Working

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