Ergonomic Setup For Productivity

Very cool use of Neural Networks on Microcontrollers and winner of an honorable mention at CHI 2024—Shyam Gollakota at the University of Washington in Seattle and his colleagues have created headphones that can remove any unwanted noises while leaving others intact, regardless of their frequencies. The headphones can also be trained by pressing a button to hone in on a specific person’s voice and exclude all other noise. Their neural network runs on an Orange Pi microcontroller! The big idea: In crowded settings, the human brain can focus on a specific speaker's voice if it knows how it sounds. They built an intelligent hearable system replicating this ability, allowing users to isolate target speech amid noise and other voices. Unlike previous methods requiring a clean speech example, their system uses a short, noisy audio sample of the target speaker, captured by the wearer looking at them for a few seconds. This approach significantly improves signal quality and works efficiently on embedded CPUs, demonstrating effective performance in diverse real-world environments without needing clean audio samples. Get the code and training samples here: https://lnkd.in/gQn_Za4d Read the paper: https://lnkd.in/gaYd3yyD

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞? 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐡𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥. Think about it: so many of us spend long hours indoors, often in office spaces that keep us still and away from nature. As leaders, we have an incredible opportunity—and, I believe, a responsibility—to evolve environments that support fitness and bring natural elements inside. This is not just a fleeting trend; it is becoming essential for workplaces that prioritise well-being. Exercise is most effective when it feels seamless, like a natural part of the day. As architects, we use our expertise to encourage natural movement. Simple additions like standing desks and ergonomic setups have made a noticeable impact, subconsciously transforming daily routines. I delve deeper into this in my book, The Healthy Office, where I share ideas on designing workspaces that invite movement. It is remarkable how some intentional adjustments can elevate an office from a mere workspace to an environment that actively promotes health and productivity for everyone in it. #leadership #mindfulness #growth #culture #design #TheHealthyOffice

If you work an office job, you will spend 2,080 hours in your desk chair this year. And the chair you choose has a bigger impact on your health than you might think. Sitting for extended periods of time can lead to a range of health problems, from back pain to poor circulation. That's why it's important to invest in a chair that not only provides comfort but also supports your back and promotes good posture. So what makes a chair good for your back? Here are a few things to look for: 1️⃣ Lumbar support: The lower back can get strained when sitting for long periods. Look for a chair with adjustable lumbar support to help maintain the natural curve of your spine. 2️⃣ Adjustable height: Your feet should be flat on the ground, with your knees at a 90-degree angle. An adjustable chair can help you find the right height for your body. 3️⃣ Seat depth and width: A chair with a seat that's too deep or too narrow can put pressure on your thighs and hips. Look for a seat that allows you to sit with your back against the backrest and your feet flat on the ground. 4️⃣ Armrests: Properly positioned armrests can help reduce shoulder and neck strain. Having adjustable armrests will allow you to keep your arms parallel to the desk surface. And when shopping for a chair, remember to try before you buy. Take the time to adjust the chair to your body and sit in it for at least 15 minutes to get a sense of how it feels. Take it from an orthopaedic doctor: A good chair is an investment in your health and wellbeing! Have any questions about your chair? Get my advice in the comments below 👇 #healthandwellness #investment #healthtips

Your WFH Setup: From Survival Mode to Productivity Powerhouse 🚀 Remember those early WFH days? Kitchen tables, questionable chairs, maybe even an ironing board desk? (No judgement!) While we've adapted, truly thriving remotely requires investing in your setup. In COVID I learned quickly that your environment massively impacts your work and well-being. Here’s my breakdown of WFH essentials. Trust me, your body and brain (and colleagues!) will thank you: Ergonomic Chair: Your dining chair was built for meals, not marathons. Proper office chairs are designed for 8-10+ hours, offering crucial lumbar support and armrests. Investing here isn't a luxury; it's preventing future chiropractor bills! 😅 Standing Desk: Sitting all day? Standing all day? Both get tiring. An adjustable desk lets you switch it up! Alternating boosts circulation, energy levels, and focus, plus studies link it to reduced back pain. Keep moving! 🚶♀️↔️🧘♂️ Good Light: Dim lighting = eye strain, headaches, and drowsiness. Good lighting (a mix of indirect ambient + direct task light) is scientifically proven to enhance concentration and reduce fatigue. I got a proper office lamp. Brighten up your productivity! ✨💡 Multiple Screens: One screen is like trying to code with tunnel vision. Multiple monitors are proven productivity boosters. Research often cites gains of 20% or more by slashing window-switching time and keeping info visible. See more, do more! 🖥️🖥️ Laptop Stand: Hunching over your laptop = guaranteed neck ache. A simple stand elevates your screen to eye level (ergonomics 101!), promoting better posture and saving your neck and shoulders. Straighten up! 💪 Keyboard & Mouse: Laptop keyboards/trackpads are fine for quick emails, not coding deep dives. External peripherals allow for natural wrist/hand positioning, reducing strain (bye-bye RSI risk!) and boosting typing speed/comfort. Click happy! 🖱️⌨️ External Webcam: Ditch the grainy, awkward laptop cam angle! An external webcam offers superior quality and lets YOU control the frame. Look sharp, feel confident in meetings. 🎬 Good Mic/Headset: This one might be more for your colleagues, but PLEASE! 🙏 A decent mic or headset drastically improves audio clarity and cuts background noise. It transforms virtual meetings for everyone else. Be the audio hero your team needs! 🎤🎧 Google Logo (not for everyone 😄): Starting remotely during peak COVID felt surreal. So I needed a physical reminder that I'd actually switched jobs beyond just closing one laptop and opening another. Sometimes you need that little anchor! Might make sense for you to use a different logo ;) Investing in your WFH setup is investing in your health, focus, and overall effectiveness. What's the one WFH upgrade that made the biggest difference for you? Share below! 👇 #WFH #HomeOffice #RemoteWork #Ergonomics #Productivity #Tech #Google #SoftwareEngineering #WorkFromHomeSetup #HealthyHabits

On this episode "Let’s Talk About EX," we're thrilled to host Jenna Mikus, PhD, a strategic advisor who masterfully blends wellbeing science with architectural science to craft environments that promote health and productivity. 🏢 Jenna brings over 20 years of experience and a unique approach known as Eudaemonic Design, focusing on creating spaces that not only function optimally but also support the wellbeing of everyone within them. Whether you're redesigning your office or just curious about the impact of space on employee wellness, Jenna’s insights are invaluable. In this episode, we dive deep into: ✅The principles of Eudaemonic Design and how it can transform workplace environments. ✅Practical tips for integrating wellbeing into architectural practices. ✅The future of workplace design post-pandemic. 🔗 Tune in to learn how you can start applying these ideas to make your workspace a healthier, more inspiring place (link in comments) 👥 Know someone interested in innovative design solutions for better wellbeing at work? Feel free to tag them or share this post ... #EmployeeWellbeing #WorkplaceDesign #EudaemonicDesign #HRLeaders #BusinessInnovation

Writers & Desk Professionals If you spend hours at your desk—shoulders creeping up, posture folding in—you’re not alone. Keyboard work often leads to tight pectoral muscles and a hunched posture, making movement essential for relief and longevity. In this short video (sound ON), I’ll guide you through a simple but effective movement practice to open the chest, stretch the back, and reset your spine. Here’s a sneak peek: ✅ Sit at the edge of your seat with feet flat on the floor ✅ Make goal posts with your arms—notice any tension? ✅ Breathe in: Open your chest, squeeze your shoulder blades ✅ Exhale: Round your spine, tuck your chin, release tension ✅ Repeat for a few breaths & feel the difference This practice isn’t just about posture—it’s about sustaining energy, focus, and comfort in your body so you can do your best work. Give it a try and let me know: ✨ How do you keep tension at bay during long writing sessions? 🔄 Save this post for later—your shoulders will thank you! #MedicalWriting #CME #DeskWellness #MovementBreak #PostureReset

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 3: 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞-𝐭𝐨-𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲, 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭 As IoT applications become increasingly integrated into critical aspects of business and daily life, the demand for enhanced security, compliance, and trust intensifies. This prediction highlights the growing need for smart connectivity solutions that address these concerns head-on. 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐫𝐠𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 📌𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬: The critical nature of IoT applications necessitates unparalleled data protection. Organizations must now guard against theft, alteration, and compliance violations more rigorously. 📌𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: As IoT expands into areas like carbon trading, ensuring data security and compliance with regulations like GDPR becomes crucial. This requires secure, auditable routing within specific geographic limits. 📌𝐒𝐨𝐟𝐭𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞: Advanced software libraries are emerging to provide essential smart connectivity. These tools will bolster device-to-cloud security and compliance, maintaining ecosystem trust. 📌𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐎𝐧-𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲: Essential security features, including authentication and encryption, must be embedded directly within devices. Technologies like TPM and IoT SAFE standards are pivotal in this regard. 📌𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: These solutions serve as implicit agents for security management. They ensure secure, compliant routing through SDNs and blockchain, enhancing auditability. 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬: The evolution of IoT into critical business and life domains brings to light the indispensable role of smart connectivity in ensuring security, compliance, and trust. From an organizational perspective, the transition toward smart connectivity is not just a technological upgrade but a strategic necessity. Here's why: 📌𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞: For organizations, adopting smart connectivity is essential to protect sensitive data and comply with stringent regulations. It's a strategic move towards building a secure, trustworthy digital infrastructure. 📌𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬: While integrating these sophisticated connectivity solutions offers a pathway to enhanced security and compliance, it also presents challenges. These include navigating complex regulatory landscapes and implementing robust security protocols. 📌𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Successfully deploying smart connectivity solutions requires collaboration between tech providers, regulatory bodies, and organizations. It also opens new avenues for innovation in security and compliance technologies.

The hidden co-founder efficiency hack is workout integration. Shreyas Kumar and I have twice-a-week training sessions that have completely transformed our FERMÀT journey. We've discovered a multi-dimensional approach that simultaneously addresses our physical wellbeing, relationship dynamics, and company vision. What makes this particularly powerful is the intermittent work discussion format. Unlike scheduled meetings with their rigid structure, workout sessions create natural conversation flows. We discuss FERMÀT vision during rest periods, problem-solve between sets, and align our thinking organically. Having this casual social time programmed twice weekly has become invaluable for our founder relationship—which fundamentally determines company health. It's rare to have regular, non-work-specific interactions built into our schedules, yet these moments create essential connection points. The conversations during physical exertion have a different quality—more honest, more creative, more aligned than traditional boardroom discussions. The implementation mechanics are straightforward but critical: mid-day scheduling creates natural breaks, our trainer handles all programming (eliminating workout decision fatigue), and we execute quick transitions back to business. This founder optimization unlocks triple benefits: physical health, stronger friendship, and enhanced company outcomes. Most founders separate wellness from company building—we've discovered their integration creates exponential returns rather than just additive ones.

As leaders, we often separate mental and physical health initiatives. But at OpenUp, we've learned that these two aspects of well-being are deeply intertwined, regardless of work environment. The mind-body connection is powerful, and addressing both can create a multiplier effect on overall employee wellness. Here's what we've discovered: - Physical activity boosts mental well-being: Encourage regular movement breaks, even for desk-bound employees. We've seen how simple activities like lunchtime walks or stretching sessions can reduce stress and improve mood. - Mental well-being impacts physical health: Stress management techniques (like meditation or deep breathing) can lower blood pressure and improve sleep quality. - Sleep affects both mental and physical performance: Educate employees about sleep hygiene and consider flexible schedules to accommodate different chronotypes. - Nutrition influences mood and energy: Provide healthy snack/food options in office settings. - Mindfulness practices enhance physical awareness: Introduce mindfulness sessions that focus on body scans and present-moment awareness. This can help employees recognise early signs of physical or mental strain. Implementing a holistic approach isn't always easy, but the benefits are clear. It's an investment that pays dividends in the long run, not just for individual employees, but for the organisation as a whole.

Are you planning any workplace wellness activities to kick off the new year? One of my newsletter subscribers recently asked me, “Our employees want us to highlight healthy lifestyles, perhaps by launching a ‘step challenge’ or hosting a 5K. While I love these ideas, we have some employees who use wheelchairs. For example, I struggle with organizing a step challenge because I feel this is not inclusive to everyone. Am I overthinking this? Or do you have suggestions that meet the ask but are inclusive to everyone?” I immediately contacted my friend, workplace wellness expert Laura Putnam. She recommended thinking about the various dimensions of wellness when designing programs. These include physical, emotional, social, financial, career, and community needs. By offering options in these categories, you’ll be more inclusive by design. With her guidance, I then researched possible activities. Here are some ideas: - Physical: Organize a “workout streak,” asking employees to record the number of days in a row they’ve done some workout—cardio, yoga, weights, stretching, or anything they define as a workout. Or arrange “stroll & roll” groups for breaks, ensuring paths are wheelchair-accessible. - Emotional: Designate an “Unplug at lunch” day, committing not to use your phone or devices and enjoying silence or talking with coworkers. - Social: Create a “Get to Know Each Other” week, with prompts to encourage coworkers to find personal connections. - Financial: Provide financial planning or budgeting classes. - Career: Host sessions to demystify the promotion process or other career-related topics. - Community: Organize a donation drive for items that a local non-profit needs. Then, once you have some options, let people design their wellness goals and choose activities that make sense for them. P.S. A few years ago, Laura and I collaborated on a thought paper titled "50 Ways You Might Have Wellness Privilege at Work" (https://lnkd.in/gBGfzhqv). It explores why wellness and inclusion should be considered holistically, with practical actions to take to improve workplaces everywhere.