Supporting your physical health in the home office

Remote work has a number of benefits: increased convenience, flexibility in work hours, and no need for commuting.

However, your home office or workstation set-up may be less than ideal, and could lead to aches, pain, fatigue, frustration and injury. UBC offers a variety of resources to help you prioritize your physical health and wellbeing. 

UBC Extended Health Benefits Plan

UBC Extended Health Plan through Sun Life provides coverage of 80% for licensed physiotherapists (no doctor referral required) or massage therapists (doctor or midwife referral required), up to a combined maximum of $500 (for CUPE 2950) or $750 (for all other UBC employee groups) for each eligible person per benefit year. Learn more about UBC Extended Health Plan and for more details refer to the Sun Life benefits booklet for your employee group.

Ergonomics

The proper ergonomic design of your workspace can minimize the risk of a wide range of injuries. Ensure that you set up your home office using the resources found on UBC Ergonomics webpage. Find an optimal workstation setup using Working from home ergo guide; join Ergo your posture live sessions on Zoom every Wednesday at 10am for a movement break; and check out the Ergo Your Posture Poster as a convenient guide to positional changes during your workday.

Wellbeing tips

Simple wellbeing actions during your workday ensure that you release tension and recharge. Get up and move around often, stay well hydrated, open a window or step outside for some fresh air and take a few deep breaths.

For more information on Ergonomics, Benefits and Wellbeing at UBC visit HR Health & Wellbeing.