The Wall Street Journal: Does a Dedicated Workspace Make WFH Life Better?
UC ergonomics expert says poor office space posture poses carpal tunnel and other risks
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced employers across the nation to ask workers to operate from home. Often that comes with little guidance in creating an office work space that takes proper ergonomics into account. Kermit Davis, PhD, UC expert in office ergonomics and professor in the College of Medicine, spoke with the Wall Street Journal about how this may be affecting the health of workers.
A recent survey by Davis found that 75 percent of at-home workers reported hunching over laptops, which can add up to 10 pounds of pressure on the neck and upper back for every inch you dip forward. Also, working for a laptop on the kitchen table can pose some risks for carpal tunnel if you are leaning into the table from a chair. The survey findings were published in Ergonomics in Design.
The Wall Street Journal interview with Davis is available online. (Note a subscription may be required though a copy is also available emailing cedric.ricks@uc.edu)
Read a UC story about research from Dr. Davis.
Featured photo of Kermit Davis, PhD, taken by Colleen Kelley/ UC Creative + Brand.
Related Stories
Are heart disease and cancer killing law enforcement officers at a younger age?
February 15, 2026
The Canton Repository localized a national study that found law enforcement officers tend to die younger than the general population. JC Barnes, director of the UC School of Criminal Justice, co-authored the study published in The Lancet Regional Health ‒ Americas journal.
Dark Energy Survey sheds light on expansion of universe
February 13, 2026
Astronomy talks to University of Cincinnati physicist Jessica Muir about an international project examining dark energy. The project could help explain why the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate.
How sports gambling is changing the game
February 13, 2026
Fantasy sports and the wager on which team will win a game are nothing new. But with sports gambling apps making it practically effortless for people to wager on just about any aspect of a match, gambling’s popularity is changing the game. The Journal-News turned to Mike Fry, professor of operations, business analytics and information systems at the University of Cincinnati’s Lindner College of Business to break down the rise and the risks of sports betting.