According to various sources, remote working and telecommuting may be the future of many occupations. Remote workers travel more than the average office-bound individual, and this road-based activity can have both positives and negatives. Although working away from an office can be exciting - whether you do it full-time, or get by during business trips, it's important to remember that the principles of ergonomics should follow you wherever you go. The lack of a proper office that has been set up to your specific posture needs can make you more susceptible to injuries and strains, yet most of us struggle to determine how we can continue to work ergonomically during travel. Here are some of the ways to ergonomically manage your workspace - wherever you are.

Adjust Your Travel Seat

ergonomic travel Anyone who works from the confines of a laptop within the tight space of an airline seat knows just how many ergonomic challenges there are to face. Most seats in trains and planes don't come with lumbar support built in to keep you comfortable as you work - and they're often set in a less than optimal position. If you want to get the most out of your travel time, you may need to invest in lumbar support cushions that attach to your chair for extra lower-back relief.

Find The Right Angle

If you want to avoid back-pain and posture-related injuries while travelling, the best thing you can do is take every necessary step to avoid hunching over in your seat. Studies have shown that hunching places extra stress on your spine, leading to early degeneration. Before you start working on your laptop, try to adjust the screen so that it aligns with your eye level. It's even possible to buy laptop stands for travelling that you can use to adjust the height and angle of your laptop while trapped in a moving vehicle.

Handle Luggage Carefully

Although dealing with luggage may not classify as "work", failing to handle heavy items properly can lead to numerous injuries that wear on your body over time. These days, wheeled luggage is a must-have, but there are also times when you're going to need to pick up your bags - so make sure that you're taking steps to reduce the possibility of unnecessary strains. First of all, keep your packing light - no matter how tempted you are to shove as many things into your suitcase as possible, it's crucial to know that the more weight you're carrying around - the more likely you are to cause yourself an injury. What's more, try to avoid unbalanced bags that may compound the potential for strain.

Make The Most Of Your Hotel Room

Some hotels are more equipped for business travel than you might think. Booking an executive room (if the budget allows it) may mean that you receive a hotel room designed with ergonomics in mind. On the other hand, if you can't quite afford be extravagant with your business spending, ask at the front desk to see if the hotel offers anything that may assist your ergonomic posture. For example, some hotels now provide lap desks that allow you to adopt a neutral position while sitting and working from your bed.

Remember to Adjust Your Posture

If you don't have an ergonomic chair at hand during your business trip, it's important to remember to adjust your posture. Working from your bed, spending time in car or plane seats, and sitting awkwardly for extended periods of time can all have a negative impact on your lower back. Try placing a pillow at your lower back to help promote support for the natural curve of your spine, and vary your posture between sitting and standing from time to time. If you're sitting for a number of hours, take a break and visit the hotel bar, or move your laptop to a position where you can stand and work for a short time.

Accessorize Your Trip

Finally, ensure that you take the right accessories with you whenever you travel. Bring an external mouse and keyboard for your laptop so that you can adjust your workspace - regardless of how small it might be. Having an external keyboard will allow you to separate your screen from the keyboard, therefore decreasing shoulder and neck strain.

Travel Ergonomically

Working ergonomically while travelling can be difficult, but it is possible with the right accessories, and the right information. What do you do to maintain good posture and reduce the risk of injury when you're travelling? Do you have a particular practice that works best for you? Let us know in the comments!