Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Follow the steps below.

1. Complete the Healthy Working online training and risk assessment
2. Send workstation photos (review the virtual ergonomic evaluation instructions for guidance) to [email protected] 
3. Submit an evaluation request form (direct link HERE).  

Be sure to practice self-care habits while working and relaxing. Telecommuting at home can often lead to more static postures and workflow than usual. Be sure to incorporate movement while working by regularly shifting between seated and standing postures, and take regular breaks away from the computer. Bring home existing office equipment to allow comfortable and safe remote work (mouse, keyboard, monitor, chair - desks not recommended).

For tips on setting up your workstation, please reference our telecommuting guidance page.

We understand that everyone may not have ergonomic and/or computer accessories available at home. For additional tips, please reference our guidance on specifically telecommuting with only a laptop. Ergonomics strongly advises all staff bring home their mouse and keyboard to allow the laptop screen to be raised to eye level for comfortable and neutral viewing postures.

Employees can bring home chairs with management approval. If moving services are required to relocate furniture, ergonomics vendor Office Relief is able to pick up and deliver for $158. Contact [email protected] for a quote (payment by cost center or purchase order). 

If you have ergonomic equipment at your onsite office, obtain approval from your manager before bringing them home from your office. We do not recommend relocating desks home in most instances (invalidates the warranty, space concerns, removes a workstation onsite), but final approval and funds are at your management’s discretion.

Chairs can be moved home either by staff with assistance (if physically able to lift into a car – see safety guide), or a vendor (Office Relief) can help move the items home for a department-funded fee.

If your department approves of relocating your chair or desk home, contact [email protected] to request a quote and submit payment. The department cost to relocate existing equipment is $158 for chairs and $198 for desks (plus $35 if stairs are present).

Please note you are responsible for maintenence of your equipment as well as returning any borrowed equipment back to your UCSF workstation(s) upon resuming regular work from your UCSF office. The same fees would need to be paid to bring the furniture back onsite. Ergonomics is unable to provide funds for equipment relocations.

Unfortunately, UCSF Health Ergonomics is not funding home office furniture and equipment for staff at this time. However, you or your department may consider investing in ergonomic equipment for use at your home, especially if you may be continuing with telecommuting beyond COVID-19 social distancing efforts. We have resource guidance on our telecommuting page if you are looking for recommendations.

Below are a few general guidelines to consider when purchasing workstation accessories. Some options are outlined on our resource link here in addition to a FAQ sheet answering questions about purchasing home office equipment.

• Mouse: Consider a wireless mouse that requires a relatively low click-force and supports the weight and width of the user’s hand.
• Keyboard: Use of a peripheral keyboard allows the user to independently adjust the height and viewing distance of a laptop screen.
• Laptop Stand: Ideally, it is recommended that you use an external monitor instead. However, if one is not available, using a laptop stand can help position your laptop screen in a better ergonomic position. Place your laptop on an angled, ventilated stand such that the top third of the screen sits level with your natural line of sight. You may need to further elevate the stand using boxes, props, or books.
• Chair: If you have been assigned to long-term remote work, consider a padded, supportive chair with independent seat height/depth adjustments and a reclinable backrest.
• Desk: Consider a desk with a depth of 30” without leg obstructions (avoid desk drawers at the seated position). If space-constraint is a concern, we do not recommend a desk depth less than 23” (places the user too close to the computer screen).

For more detailed guidance, see the following resource document:

home office equipment & furniture guide

Here are some handy tip sheets for self-assessing and correcting your posture when working sitting or standing:

Check your posture - Seated

Check your posture - Standing

Immediately report discomfort to your supervisor and submit an Incident Report on RL Solutions. Review the ergonomic resources on this website and the Healthy Working training module for general guidance and recommendations. Ensure you are incorporating microbreaks and movement into your workflow. For additional personalized assistance, visit our Ergonomic Services page for information on how to request a remote ergonomic evaluation.

If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our team by email at [email protected].