Working from the floor might seem like a strange quirk to some, but to others, and possibly to you, it’s a liberating way to get those tasks done the way you want.
There are plenty of reasons why you might want to work from the floor, so here’s a quick look at those reasons, as well as some equipment to help you do it in a safe, productive way.
Why Might you be Working from the Floor?
🌍 Cultural Reasons
Sitting on the floor to work is deeply rooted in cultural traditions, particularly in Asian countries.
For instance, in Japan, floor sitting is common on tatami mats, often for eating or reading. Similarly, in India, sitting cross-legged on the floor is traditional, with health benefits such as improved blood circulation and posture. This cultural practice extends to work settings for some, offering a connection to heritage.
🏠 Lack of Space
For others, working on the floor is a practical choice due to lack of space.
With the rise of remote work, especially in small apartments, individuals basically have no choice but to work from the floor.
This is especially true of digital nomads and working travellers, who can often find that temporary setups may make floor work necessary.
❤️🩹 Health Benefits
For some, the perceived health benefits also drive this choice, with research suggesting floor sitting can improve flexibility and mobility.
An article from Time on the surprising benefits of sitting on the floor every day mentions that spending 15 to 30 minutes daily on the floor can enhance mobility, a practice observed in Okinawa, Japan, where longevity is high.
This unexpected detail, linking floor sitting to longevity, adds a layer of intrigue for health-conscious workers.
But we’ll get into that below…
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Pros and Cons of Working from the Floor
✅ The Pros of Working from the Floor
- Improved flexibility and mobility. Working from the floor is physically more taxing, so requires a flexible and mobile body. Over time, your body will adapt to this.
- Better posture by engaging core muscles. More work for the abs means not only a stronger core, but a better posture while sitting.
- Space-efficient. Especially for small and temporary work areas – even if it’s forced – working from the floor can be the most space-saving way of doing it.
- Cultural connection. Workers born into a culture of sitting on the floor might find a connection through doing so for work.
The pros highlight health and practical benefits, with research suggesting floor sitting can improve flexibility and posture.
For instance, an article from Health.com about sitting on the floor notes that for each one-point increase in the sitting-rising test score, there is a 21% improvement in survival, linking floor mobility to longevity.
❌ The Cons of Working from the Floor
- Can be uncomfortable. Especially for long periods; working on the floor can offer little in the way of comfort or different positions to change to.
- Lack of back support. Most people working from the floor have zero back support, which can put your spine being into an unnatural, hunched posture throughout the workday, quickly leading to pain.
- Lack of organisation. Limited space for sitting often means limited space for the rest of the items on the traditional workspace, making organisation harder and increasing the need to repeatedly stand up and return to your seated position throughout the day.
The cons of working from the floor can be significant, especially for prolonged periods. It’s possible that working from the floor can cut off circulation if not done correctly, particularly for overweight individuals, and may exacerbate back pain.
This underscores the need for proper setup and position changes throughout the day.
Equipment to Help you Work from the Floor
To make working on the floor more comfortable, here are a few suggestions of equipment you could get to support your body and equipment:
- Back supports or lumbar supports: These aid in maintaining spinal alignment, which is one of the most important things to maintaining a good ergonomic posture and reducing your risk of MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders).
- Floor cushions or meditation cushions: These provide support and comfort, reducing contact stress between you and the floor.
- Low tables or trays for laptops: These help maintain a comfortable viewing angle as well as ensure the top of your laptop is at eye level.
- Yoga mats or comfortable rugs: These offer padding and insulation, enhancing comfort and warmth.
These recommendations aim to mitigate the cons, such as discomfort and ergonomic issues, by providing support and flexibility.
There are plenty of options for all of these, so feel free to shop around for the best fit for you!
Working on a laptop while sitting on the floor can be a viable and beneficial alternative, particularly for those with cultural ties or space constraints, provided the setup is optimised for comfort and ergonomics.
The pros, such as improved flexibility and space efficiency, are balanced by cons like potential discomfort and limited mobility, necessitating careful consideration and equipment use.
Remember, there is no perfect position for 8 hours a day.
Regardless of if you’re working on the floor or a chair, you need to keep moving around to keep your blood flowing so your muscles can relax.
Contact Ergo Global for ergonomics assessments, training and education for your company!
