After years of slouching at a desk, many people start to experience the aches that come from having a bad workstation layout. The tight laptop keyboard, the desk that is too tall or short for you, and the hard chair can all become a real pain in the neck and shoulders, back, and elsewhere. But, how to reduce these office-related injuries and stay in good shape while working your dream job? Enter ergonomic office equipment!
What Is Ergonomic Equipment?
Ergonomic equipment is designed to reduce the likelihood of discomfort or agony that the abovementioned stressors cause to our body while keeping it in a neutral position.
This implies that your wrists and hands aren’t bent up or sideways, your neck isn’t twisted or bent backwards or downward, and neither are your arms elevated or extended out to the sides of your body. I.e., you may use a computer for extended periods without discomfort and pain. So, lay your hands on the following ergonomic essentials.
The Equipment You Need for an Ergonomically Correct Workstation
External Ergonomic Keyboard
Now, try putting your hands over the keyboard as if you’re going to start typing. Then spread your hands out so that they are shoulder-width apart at your sides. Your shoulders should feel lighter, more at ease, and relieved after that. Sadly, the majority of keyboards aren’t made for this position and instead compel your hands to face inward, hunching your shoulders.
But, this all can be prevented by switching from a regular to a keyboard with an ergonomic design. These keyboards are specially designed to reduce the risk of wrist, finger and hand injuries from typing and maximise your efficiency in the workplace!
An ergonomic fully split keyboard offers the most adaptability. You can spread your hands out such that they are shoulder-width apart and your shoulders are relaxed by spacing out each side of the keyboard. However, if you really can’t get used to its steep learning curve, then a partially split keyboard is your way to go.
There are also some ergonomic keyboards without a number pad. The reason why these mechanical keyboards fail to include the number pad is to allow you to bring the mouse near you. This way, you don’t have to constantly extend your arm.
But the most common keyboard ergonomic brands promote is the one that has a low, flat profile or tilts forward – the space key is higher than the top row of keys, to keep your wrists in a neutral position. However, if there are feet to pop up near the edge of your computer, try not to use them as these can cause your wrist to expand, and the majority of people already have some extension.
Ergonomic Mouse
Similar to how repetitive typing can wear you out, using your laptop’s touchpad or a regular mouse repeatedly can strain the muscles in your fingers and wrists. Getting an ergonomic mouse that fits your hand shape can help alleviate the strain on the tendons in the palm of your hand.
Ergonomic mice come in different shapes and sizes, similar to the hands that will be using them. It might take you some time to find the one that best suits you, but it’s highly unlikely to be the one that was provided for free with your computer.
However, if using a mouse makes your wrists sore or painful, think about switching to an input device that requires fewer precise wrist motions, like a trackball or a pen with a graphics tablet. Because it will keep your hand in a neutral position, either one can be helpful if you have shoulder or wrist strain.
Ergonomically Certified Chairs
Sitting in an office chair that doesn’t provide you with the necessary lumbar support, leads to lower back pain and a host of other health issues. Therefore it’s crucial to go for ergonomic chairs and other office furnishings to maximise your comfort and productivity and get the job done.
Ergonomically certified office chairs are made with the user in mind and are meant to support your lumbar spine. As a result, they come with a curved, adjustable backrest that preserves and supports the natural ‘S’ curve of the spine while providing adequate support where needed. These are also height and weight adjustable to reduce back discomfort to your blood flow, which ensures that vital nutrients reach every area of your body, including your brain.
But, if you don’t want to spend the money on a new office chair right now, even the most basic, unpadded chair may be made into something you can sit on comfortably for a few hours with the addition of a seat cushion and lumbar support pillow.
Height Adjustable Desks
Long periods of sitting have been linked to a higher risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and circulatory problems. Given that the majority of employees spend most of their workweek seated at a desk, this can cause serious health issues. Fortunately, there is a solution to this problem and it’s called a standing desk.
By switching to an ergonomic standing desk, you can improve your overall health and well-being. The advantage of having an adjustable height function is that you may gradually increase the amount of time you spend standing during the day until it appears regular and comfortable. It might take some time to get used to it, but it will increase your capacity for typing or performing other office tasks.
Laptop Stand
By definition, the screen on your laptop should be substantially smaller than a typical display. A computer screen that is too high or low can cause you to work with your head, neck, shoulders, and even your spine in positions that are not natural. For instance, when the display is too high, you must work with your head and neck bent back.
An ergonomic laptop stand will be the perfect option and one of the quickest ways to make up for the ergonomic shortcomings most laptops have. As a result, your upper body posture will improve, the likelihood of neck and back problems will decrease, and your laptop’s performance will enhance.
Anti-Fatigue Mat
Poor standing and sitting posture strain the neck and shoulders and can lead to back, foot, and joint issues as well as recurring migraines. Ignoring recurring problems, on the other hand, can result in missed work days and productivity loss, which can affect the company’s financial results at the end of the year.
Therefore, investing in an anti-fatigue mat is a must! Anti-fatigue mats are one of the top five items everyone should include in their workstation because they promote a positive working attitude. When using an anti-fatigue mat you’ll lessen the stress on your muscles and joints when you hunch over or adopt less-than-ideal standing or sitting postures. Blood flows more easily resulting in improved circulation, which is advantageous to most office workers’ health and productivity.
If you don’t want to splurge on a new anti-fatigue mat or your budget doesn’t allow you to do it, the regular yoga mat can serve the purpose quite well!
