Ergonomic upgrades for home offices
Container Store bungee chair
Rigid chairs for kitchen and dining room tables are not ideal for 8plushour 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 welldesigned 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 is 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 less than $200, this chair recently found a place in the home office of Cnet Executive Editor John Falcone, following a recommendation from a friend. He says it’s incredibly comfortable — and heightadjustable, too.
Jarvis standing desk
If you’re expecting to work from home for a while, an adjustable desk is worth considering. Not specifically a standing desk, but a motorized desk that gives you the option to stand 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 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.”
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. The 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 problems for everyone. However, those of us who love them, love them. If your wrists hurt after a long day, one of these could help. These Cnet staff members contributed to this report: Geoffrey Morrison, Jim Hoffman and Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, visit www.cnet.com.