Ergonomic upgrades for your home office
With millions of us now working from home, with all the wonders of all-day pajamas and meetings without pants, it’s easy to assume that comfy couches and checking email in bed mean there’s no chance of carpal tunnel and other work-related repetitive strain injuries.
While there are elaborate guidelines for workplaces set by the Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, you might be surprised to know they have guidelines for home offices as well. So even though your home might seem more comfortable than your office, there are still important considerations to make sure you don’t cause yourself an otherwise avoidable injury.
With the prospect of possibly months of working from home, you should take a careful look at your home office space for warning signs of future and painful issues. Here are just three to help reduce the possibility of strain and undue fatigue.
Ergonomic keyboard: Microsoft ergonomic keyboard.
These keyboards look weird and the first time you use one, you’re probably not going to like it. There will be a learning period to get back up to your normal typing speed. However, it can greatly reduce the potential for certain wrist issues. Their odd design positions your hands in a more natural straight line, instead of being bent as when you’re using a traditional keyboard.
According to OSHA: “Alternative keyboards help maintain neutral wrist postures, but available research does not provide conclusive evidence that using these keyboards prevents discomfort and injury.”
Which is to say, not everyone is going to need one, nor will they solve potential issues for everyone. However, those of us who love them, love them. If your wrists hurt after a long day, one of these could help.
A better chair: Container Store bungee chair.
Rigid chairs for kitchen and dining
The Container Store’s bungee chair offers a good balance of comfort, adjustability and cost.
room tables are not ideal for 8-plus hour work sessions. At this point, you’ve probably figured that out yourself. But if not, here’s what OSHA has to say: “A chair that’s well-designed and appropriately adjusted is an essential element of a safe and productive computer workstation. A good chair provides necessary support to the back, legs, buttocks and arms, while reducing exposures to awkward postures, contact
stress and forceful exertions.”
When considering an office chair, one that’s highly adjustable is key. We’re all built a little different, so when it comes to ergonomics, one size most definitely doesn’t fit all.
For a good balance of comfort, adjustability and cost, try this “bungee chair” from the Container Store. Available for under $200, this chair found a place in the home office of CNET Execu
tive Editor John Falcone, following a recommendation from a friend. He says it’s incredibly comfortable — and height-adjustable too.
Adjustable desk: Jarvis standing desk.
If you’re expecting to work from home for a while, an adjustable desk is worth considering. Note, not specifically a standing desk, but a motorized desk that gives you the option to stand
The Microsoft ergonomic keyboard can greatly reduce the potential for certain wrist issues.
for part of the day, sit for part of the day, and adjust its height to make sure you’re comfortable to reduce strain on your back, shoulders and so on. Standing desks were all the rage a few years ago, though in some cases you’re just trading one problem for another. Standing — as anyone who does it for their job all day can tell you — isn’t great either. There are several things to consider before you make the switch.
Why consider this at all? Desk height can be a crucial part of your overall comfort, from the height and position of your arms and shoulders, to how far you have to reach to get to your keyboard and mouse and more.
“Desk surfaces that are too high or too low may lead to awkward postures, such as extended arms to reach the keyboard, and raised shoulders,” OSHA says.
CNET contributor Geoffrey Morrison has worked from home for 13 years and says, “The Jarvis I bought a few years ago was the single best upgrade I’ve made for my home office. It’s well-built and adjusts to new heights in seconds. I can spend a few hours standing, then switch it up and sit for a bit too. It’s also quite lovely with a bamboo top.”