Ergonomic Home Office Pieces That Will Boost Your Work Performance
Ergonomics is the designing of products to be effective, efficient, and suitable for human use. This science — also known as human factors engineering — involves taking into account how the human body is built and the way it works, explains WhatIs. Ergonomic items can address any of the typical issues caused by a product. With an ergonomic chair, for example, you can expect to experience less back pain and discomfort than you would when sitting in a regular chair.
As remote work continues to prevail, data reveals that productivity levels have increased as more Americans work from home, notes Vox. This means that the home office should be a priority for those working remotely. So while it is tempting to grab any equipment or space that is readily available in the house, investing in the right products instead will go a long way. The home office pieces listed below are ergonomic products that have been designed to boost your work performance and improve your work-from-home experience.
Chair
When it comes to ergonomic chairs, back, arm, neck, and leg support are some of the main focuses in the design process. Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the natural form and posture of the body, from the curve of the spine, to support in the lower back. According to The Strategist, factors for choosing a new chair should include its adjustability, material, weight, and capacity, along with the inclusion of a head or armrests. American company Herman Miller, a popular maker of ergonomic chairs, is known for its Aeron office chair with a mesh back.
Keyboard & mouse
Repetitive strain injuries caused by keyboards are very common. From soreness to sprains, typing for several hours every day can cause different types of pain. This is because standard keyboards were designed after typewriters; ergonomic ones, on the other hand, use modern technology to figure out the most natural position for hands, says Wirecutter. Ergonomic keyboard and mouse designs are available in various shapes and forms to support your hands and wrist. It's recommended that you test before you buy to ensure that the size and fit are right for you.
Desk
A good desk goes hand-in-hand with a good chair to ensure you have the correct posture while you sit. This requires adjustable dimensions that can accommodate you for long hours at a time. Based on the type of work you do, you should choose an ergonomic desk that will fit your needs says Image Works. For example, an architect's desk will look very different from the desk of someone who works with twin monitors. UPLIFT Desk has a wide selection of desks, including a 120-degree standing desk that is contoured to fit around your body.
Computer stand
Working on a computer all day can cause discomfort to the eyes, head, and neck. Having a stand or holder for your laptop makes your screen level with your line of sight, which eases the stress on your neck, says Enkel. It also helps your laptop since being raised from the table results in better ventilation and prevents overheating. When searching for the best ergonomic computer stand for you, consider how adjustable it is, how it fits on your desk, and any added features you might want.
LED desk lights
Once you've got the perfect chair, desk, and accessories. Lighting is the next important piece of the puzzle! Lighting ergonomics seeks to address the various problems caused by staring at computer screens for long periods of time, states Autonomous. The lighting for your workspace shouldn't be too bright or direct and should have minimal glare. Another tip from Ergonomics Trends is to make sure the color temperature matches your mood and what you're working on. LED lights like this TaoTronics desk lamp are great for this because the brightness and color are adjustable.