So you just got your brand new laptop in the mail.  What an exciting moment!  You grab a pen knife, cut into the box and…oh no, it’s an un-ergonomic laptop!  It’s got all the RAM and storage you could ever want, but where are the features you need to maintain good health while you work?  While we look for the receipt, let’s check out some of the most prominent features of the un-ergonomic laptop.

Feature #1 – No anti-glare protection on the screen

We hope you aren’t planning on using your laptop anywhere outside…or near a window or lamp.  That’s because the un-ergonomic laptop does not feature the anti-glare protection that helps reduce eye strain and allows you to use your computer almost anywhere.  Luckily, most laptops now come equipped with this helpful, headache-reducing feature.

Feature #2 – No wrist rests anywhere to be seen

Wouldn’t you know it, the un-ergonomic laptop has the keyboard right at the edge of the laptop.  So you can look forward to some serious wrist soreness, and even a potential carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis down the road.  You should have kept you eye open for one of the thousands of ergonomic laptops that feature an ample wrist rest area that provides an extra layer of protection for your hard-working digits.

Feature #3   - No ergonomic keyboard included

When it comes to the keyboard, the modern laptop is not all that ergonomic to begin with.  And the fact that this un-ergonomic keyboard features a flat, standard QWERTY design doesn’t help matters one bit.  Many laptop users simply forgo their laptop’s installed keyboard and instead plug in a USB controlled model that features solid ergonomic design.

Things we can do to make our un-ergonomic keyboard more ergonomic

So we’re stuck with our un-ergonomic keyboard.  Instead of getting upset and falling victim to any number of work-related health problems, there are some proactive measures we can take to get the best out of the device.

Make your workstation more ergonomically correct

Use adjustable chairs with proper backrests and armrests to help reduce the chance of getting aches, pains or repetitive stress disorders.    Make sure that the laptop is placed at a level just below the seated area, so that your wrists rest comfortably on the keyboard when typing.

Always place the laptop straight ahead of you.  Do not position the computer so that you have to twist or turn in any way to properly view the screen.  This can add up to huge neck and back issues over time.

Keep proper lighting in mind when you position your laptop.  Even if you purchase an anti-glare add-on for your un-ergonomic laptop, you should still not position that computer in the path of direct sunlight or overhead lighting.  Take a desk lamp and place it behind the laptop to achieve a better lighting concept for your workspace.

Engage in good workplace health

Another way to offset the potentially negative impact of our un-ergonomic laptop is to get up and move around!  Over the course of an 8-hour work day, every one should take several short breaks throughout the day to get up and stretch, or if time permits, take a short walk around the block.  The fresh air and natural light is good for the spirit, and the activity helps keep you heart healthy, your back loose and your weight down.

More and more entrepreneurs are choosing to set up their office at home, rather than pay the overhead associated with commercial office space.  But in order to create a home office that promotes productivity and good workplace health, it is important to consider the ergonomic design of your area as well as the office furniture and ergonomic computer accessories you choose to purchase.

The following is a helpful guide to some of the basics of ergonomic home office design, and what you need to create a healthy, productive and great looking work environment.

Install proper lighting

There are several things to consider in terms of lighting your home office – each a potential lighting pitfall unless you know the rules regarding good ergonomic design.

First, you should never place your desk where direct sunlight or overhead light shines right on the monitor.  This can cause you to squint when you work, which leads to headaches and eye strain.  Instead, try and place your desk away from the harshest impact of the sun’s rays.  When choosing lighting for your work area, place small lamps behind the computer – and keep the wattage down.  Both techniques will help you maintain better health and ergonomic design.

It all starts with a great office desk chair

Besides being the place where you will spend the bulk of your time, your office desk chair can also mean the difference between good health and a variety of physical ailments – including lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and other issues.

You can avoid these problems by investing in an adjustable ergonomic chair.  These chairs conform to the unique needs of each individual, allowing for adjustments to the back rest, arm rests, chair height and other crucial areas that help determine how long hours spent at the workplace affect the spine, back, arms and wrists.

Proper Ventilation

Setting up your home office in the attic or basement of your home is not a good idea because these areas rarely receive the proper air flow needed to promote good health in your work environment.  Instead, you should set up your home office in area with good natural air flow from windows or (weather permitting) open doors.

Choosing the Right Computer Equipment

When it comes to choosing the computer equipment for your home office, YOU are the purchasing department, so you have to be educated on the best ergonomic choices on the market.  Look for ergonomically friendly keyboards and computer mouse devices that promote comfort for the hands, wrists and fingers.  Also, anti-glare monitors (or monitor add-ons) help reduce headaches and eye strain and give you the freedom to place your computer in more locations.  These all represent nominal investments, but carpal tunnel syndrome ca not be cured once you have it – so it is a good idea to err on the side of caution.

Creating a Space to Call Your Own

In order to maintain a proper “flow” in your home office, you need to craft a space that is entirely devoted to business matters.  We know you love your family, but if they are coming through and interrupting your work day it is going to be hard to get your business off of the ground.  Try and find a part of the house that meets the requirements above, but still allows you some isolation from the comings and goings of family life.

Whether you’ve got a home office, or have just moved into a new building, setting up your workspace is an important first step towards building the business of your dreams. The information below shows you the most important steps to take when setting up your workstation. Following these steps will help insure that the workstation you create is set up quickly and is built to last.

Step #1: Buy the right office furniture

First, take proper measurements of the area that will comprise your workstation. Then, choose office furniture that will fit comfortably in the area and still provide you with ample room to move around freely. Most desks and chairs list dimensions in their product descriptions, so you won’t have to worry about buying something, assembling it, and then having to return it to the store because it is not the correct fit. Do your homework online before making a purchase.

Step #2: Choose ergonomic office equipment for your workspace

As we spend more and more time working at the computer, we are become more susceptible to workplace injuries such as eye strain, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress disorders. In order to help avoid these potentially serious health concerns, it is important to purchase ergonomically-friendly products when setting up your workspace.

From chairs with adjustable arm and back supports, to keyboards and computer mouse devices built to ease hand and wrist stain, the ergonomic products currently on the market can make a big difference in your workplace health over the long term.

Step #3: Follow the directions

Many people (men, we are looking in your direction) think that they don’t need to follow the instructions included with their office equipment. The assembly instructions for office desks, office chairs and other key equipment is designed to help you put things together in the safest, sturdiest way possible. If you “fudge” following the directions, the equipment may look good, but could be an accident waiting to happen.

Step #4: Align the equipment properly

It is important to consider task lighting and ventilation when setting up your workspace. With lighting, it is crucial that your computer screen is not compromised by direct overhead lighting or natural light. And if these situations are unavoidable, be sure that your monitor features the best anti-glare protection available in order to avoid eye strain issues. Also, you want to set up your workspace in a non-stuffy area that receives proper air flow. However, you do not want to be working in the direct path of a heating or air conditioning vent. This can cause health problems down the line and should be avoided if it all possible.

Step #5: Take your workstation for a test-drive

When you have completed the construction and assembly of your workspace, sit down and give it a spin. This initial period is the best time to make tweaks and adjustments to the workspace, since you will not yet be ingrained with a routine. If you have purchased chairs and lighting that are adjustable, this is a good time to take full advantage of these features to create a customized, comfortable workspace that is built for productivity!

What is task lighting?

Business task lighting refers to a lighting system where each workspace or cubicle has its own lighting controls.  Task lighting is becoming more and more popular with cost-conscious businesses and those concerned with the environment and worker health as it pertains to eye strain, headaches and other maladies.

What are the different types of task lighting?

There are two primary types of task lighting: adjustable desk lighting and overhead lighting.  Adjustable desk task lighting refers to lamps and other adjustable devices that allow the worker to control his or her own lighting environment by moving the light source around on the workspace or simply adjusting the intensity of the light being delivered.  Overhead task lighting can only be controlled on an individual level and be adjusted to shine in different areas and at different strengths.

Saving money with task lighting

Task lighting can save your business a significant amount of money every year by allowing you to use only as much power as you need to light your office.  In other words, if you only have employees working in 65% of your office floor space, lighting the whole room is a huge waste.  With task lighting, only those cubes or desks that currently hold employees can be lit – hence the savings.  Also, when employees control their own lighting, they can turn the lamps off when they are not present.  This represents a great savings when compared to an overall lighting system that runs from morning until night without interruption.

Saving the environment with task lighting

Companies waste a tremendous amount of energy with standard lighting systems.  By limiting the amount of electricity used in the office, that business’ carbon footprint is greatly reduced, thus lessening the negative impact on the environment.

Reducing eye strain with task lighting

Perhaps the greatest advantage of task lighting is how it helps reduce eye strain.  With task lighting, the individual or the employer can control the amount of light emitted in each work station.  When an individual is able to customize their light source, they will be able to find the “sweet spot” that reduces eye strain and the fatigue that harsh over-lighting can cause.   In this regard, task lighting is an ergonomic choice because it improves the health and well-being of the worker.

Reducing glare with task lighting

Task lighting also helps reduce computer screen glare – another primary cause of headaches and eye strain.  If an employee has a desk lamp that can be adjusted for height, angle and other factors, the glare that causes these problems can be all but eliminated.

Task lighting for the office (and even for home use) is a tremendous advance in how we work and play.  The impact task lighting can have on the environment, electricity costs and even physical and emotional health make it the right choice for the 21st century and beyond.  Even if the upfront cost of task lighting is not a significant money-saver in and of itself, the long-term benefits more than compensate.

For those that spend much of their workday behind a desk or in front of a computer screen, Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD) can be a real medical risk. CTDs such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome occur in situations where an individual does the same repetitive work over time, causing strain on their wrists and hands.

The computer workspace is a perfect place for carpal tunnel syndrome to show up. Risks are high if you hold one main position throughout the day, such as hands typing on a keyboard or resting on a mouse. If the position you are using is not a neutral position and the hand is bent in some way, this can further aggravate the situation. Finally, putting pressure on nerves or tendons can lead to these CTDs, like when the wrist is resting at the keyboard.

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis are similar, and usually result in pain in the hand, arm, and wrist. Sometimes numbness and tingling will accompany the pain, but in general a sufferer will feel discomfort in their hand or arm.

So what can you do? Instead of thinking about looking for a new career, there are some simple ways to help prevent CTDs or lessen their pain:

Maintain a healthy body and weight. Obesity can put additional strain on a body, especially in the arms, but a healthy individual will be more able to heal from minor stresses and injuries. Along with this is the need to keep your muscles strong and in working order. Muscles that are used for working out will be able to handle stress and strain. To keep fit, maintain a regular workout regime, or incorporate stretching into your daily schedule.

Keep your hands, arms, and wrists in a natural position. Instead of twisting the wrist, keep it straight, and support your arm on a hard surface. Look into ergonomic computer accessories that aid in proper positioning. Keyboards, mice, and desks have all been designed to maintain comfortable positioning. Changing positions and posture regularly will also help by spreading out which muscles are being used.

Tell your boss you need a break. By incorporating smaller, more frequent breaks into the workday, your muscles will have a chance to recuperate, and the stress on joints and tendons will be interrupted. Try 10 minute breaks every 75 minutes or so, and use that time to gently stretch the arm and wrist.

Even though they might be more of a problem in offices today, most CTDs are preventable or even curable if the right steps are taken to fix them. Be aware of pain or tingling in the arms or hands, especially if your job entails repetitive muscle movement. Be sure to seek the advice of your physician or a physical medicine specialist if you have concerns.

While advancements in ergonomic chairs have been a godsend for those individuals who suffer from chronic back pain, all the customizable features found on these chairs can be a bit overwhelming.

With that in mind, we offer the following information to help demystify the various features of these office chairs, and shed some light on what they can do for you.

Armrests – Proper armrest design walks a fine line. It must provide proper support for the arms during typing, but must also allow for some movement during long stretches of work so that there is no stiffness or cramping in the arms and shoulders. Because of how different arm lengths can be between individuals, ergonomic office chair makers have installed adjustable arm rests controls in most of their products. This will allow individuals to find that “sweet spot” between support and control.

Lumbar Support – The lumbar region refers to the area surrounding the abdomen in the torso. Because this area bears most of the brunt of movement and stress in the back, chairs that include adequate lumbar support are the ones that will increase comfort and enhance good health over the long haul.

Backrest Angle – By shifting the angle of the backrest as it pertains to the seat, the chair is moving pressure off of the lower back – the area at the greatest risk for workplace injury. Many backrest angle control features are handled automatically, with the springs in the rest doing most of the work. Some are controlled by a device located on the adjustable desk chair.

Backrest Height – Adjustable backrest height helps individuals insure that the right areas of the back and spine are being supported. This is an absolutely crucial feature of ergonomic chairs, since a backrest placed too high or too low on the back will do much more harm than good. The ideal spot is different for everyone, but should be placed near the bottom curve of the spine.

Chair Recline- It is important that the back rest of your office chair takes on most of your body weight. The ability to adjust the chair’s recline (or angle at which the chair can be tilted back) gives the individual a chance to find the optimal compensation for the weight placed on their lower back.

Seat Height – In order to achieve ergonomic correctness, it is important that one’s feet are firmly planted on the floor when working at the desk. In order to accommodate individuals of different heights, most ergonomic chairs feature an adjustable seat height control that can be moved a span of several inches.

Seat Depth – The depth of the chair seat, or the distance from the front to the back of the chair, plays an important role in how well the chair supports your back. By making this seat depth adjustable, the chair can be made more accessible to shorter (smaller seat area) or taller (larger, longer seat area) individuals.

Taken together, these advanced office chair functions represent the height of ergonomic technology. When buying a desk chair, look for one that offers support and customization capability – an unbeatable team in the fight against workplace back pain.

Ergonomic keyboards may get most of the attention from technology review sites and other media, but in recent years the computer mouse has also received a significant upgrade in terms of design and usability. The following are some of the most cutting edge mouse designs – each one created not only to look cool, but enhance workplace health as well.

Microsoft Arc Mouse

Fresh out of the lab, there’s the latest innovation from Microsoft, the Arc Mouse. Freakishly cool, this mouse sports an unprecedented design that can only be described as “scorpion-like.” It has a solid modern look and appealing burgundy color schema. In addition to being crafted for comfort, the biggest selling point of this mouse is that it can be folded up and stored almost anywhere. It’s like the mouse version of a George Jetson’s car! Expect the Microsoft Arc Mouse to be released sometime this Fall.

3M Ergonomic Mouse

This interesting looking device completely rethinks the way you use your mouse. Instead of traditional hand and wrist positioning, the 3M Mouse places your hand in a more ergonomically sound position. Although it takes some getting used to, research has proven that over time, the stress on the digits is greatly reduced and the chance of getting carpal tunnel syndrome or other repetitive stress disorders is diminished. This mouse reminds me of the old Atari gaming joysticks. I’m sure all the gamers will enjoy this cool mouse!

Logitech Trackman Wheel Optical

This space-age looking wonder combines the elements of a mouse and trackball into a single design. Like most of Logitech’s products, this mouse is shaped to help avoid strain on the hands and fingers. Plus, it’s got lots of goodies too, such as an extra mouse button which can be used to browse through a predetermined list of your favorite web sites. Prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive strain injuries by using this ergonomically friendly mouse. Trackballs has been proven to relieve wrist and hand strain that leads to CPS.

Microsoft Natural Wireless Laser Mouse 6000

This big old ball of a mouse just feels great in your hand. Microsoft engineers have been refining the mouse for years, and have finally nailed that perfect combination of cool design and functionality. When you use the Laser Mouse 6000, your hand begins to feel more relaxed right from the start. In fact, going back to an older, more traditional mouse is almost impossible after using this beauty. In addition to be a dream to use, the 6000 also features pinpoint accuracy when it comes to pointing and clicking.

Logitech Cordless Optical Trackman

Another nifty design from the minds at Logitech, this compact mouse features everything that’s good about the Trackman Wheel Optical, but in a smaller package. Built to save space on the desktop, the Optical Trackman somehow manages to seamlessly integrate traditional mouse functions and a track ball into a sleek ergonomic package. Along with cool metallic color, this slick design will provide maximum comfort and prevent repetitive stress injuries.

Felt Mouse

Finally, for those who really take their ergonomics seriously, there’s the Felt Mouse. Just as the name suggests, this fully-functional mouse is made of wool felt (and some laminated bamboo thrown into the mix for good measure). If you’ve just got to have that office cubicle conversation starter, then the felt mouse might be for you. If not, may we recommend using it to get stubborn stains out of your countertop? I would be interested to see this mouse in action, because I have no clue how you would use it efficiently. The felt mouse is wireless and molds to your hand, but has no positive application towards preventing carpal tunnel syndrome. If you’re looking for strain relief, don’t choose this bad apple!

Evoluent Vertical Mouse

This innovative mouse is the only vertical mouse approved for staff use within UC Berkeley. The design looks a bit odd at first glance, but this mouse has proven itself by providing superb comfort, accessibility, and it works to prevent posture and wrist injuries. If you’re looking for something fresh and new the Evoluent Vertical Mouse is perfect for you!

Wow-Pen Joy Mouse

Most people remember the Wow-Pen Mouse, well here here is the new and improved Wow-Pen Joy Mouse. Just as the Evoluent Vertical Mouse above, this mouse is vertically based. It is equipped with 5-button functionality, ideal comfort, and promotes proper ergonomics. Watch out when you this “shark fin” mouse sliding across the desk, it may bite!

Mogo Media Mouse

This wireless multimedia mouse is very unique with its compact design which fits within any laptop PCMCIA slot. With this mouse you have the ability to toggle between multimedia and mouse modes. In multimedia mode you can use the mouse to control the volume, and switch songs tracks. You can also mute any song on the fly and Play/Pause tracks. In mouse mode all standard functions are included: left click, right click, center click, scroll pad, and back button. This mouse is not ergonomically friendly because it provides no wrist support, but it is ideal for temporary use on business trips or short travels.

There are everyday, run of the mill gags to play on your co-workers, and then there are the videos you see below – also known as The Greatest Office Pranks of All time!

1. The fake wall!
   A great office prank requires three things: dedication, commitment and way too much time on your hands. A good example of all three, the construction of this fake wall in a highly trafficked office hallway is inspired simplicity at its finest.
   
2. An office wake-up call, without the caffeine!
   For anyone who has watched their co-workers whittle away the hours playing Tetris or Microsoft Solitaire while collecting the same check as you do, this video illustrates the downside of zoning out in front of videogame when you should be working.
   
3. Why you should never make copies at the food court?
   When we think food court, only Sabarro’s yummy pizza comes to mind. But evidentially in England (or is it Australia) the mall is a great place to copy and collate. Just keep an eye open for those hidden cameras (and maybe even Bob Saget).
   
4. Beware the upside-down tea cup.
   Why only 100,000 You Tube visitors have watched the classic “fun with science” prank is beyond us. It’s as hilarious as it is destructive! Enjoy.
   
5. Balloons Away!
   While the boss is away, the mice will be really, really unproductive. Give the worker bees a credit card, access to a nearby Party City store and watch what happens. Bonus points for the Wagnerian opera soundtrack that accompanies this prank.
   

The Overall Look

Pros:  Some of the most cutting-edge designers in office furniture and computer accessories are working in the ergonomic medium.  Many individuals look at the eye-popping design of a cool new chair or keyboard and are shocked to learn that, “wow, it’s comfortable too!”

Cons:  While many ergonomic products are as anonymous as a face in the crowd, some are just a little, how do we put this, weird.

The Price

Pros:   Answering the demands of a public that spends more time than ever at the office, or in front of their computers, furniture and computer companies have added ergonomic design to even their most basic products.

Cons:  Many high-end ergonomic products are still out of the financial reach of many consumers.  Some office furniture made by top designers is hand-crafted and created in a very limited run – both driving up the price of the units considerably.

The Chairs

Pros:  Ergonomic office chairs can provide a level of comfort that goes above and beyond that found in standard chairs.  Most ergonomically designed chairs feature adjustable arms rests, enriched back support and customizable height adjustments.  Taken together, they help the individual maintain good health while working at the computer or desk for long hours.

Cons:  Some ergonomic office chairs do not fit perfectly into existing office furniture arrangements.  Some of these chairs might not fit under a desk properly, or sport a look that is wildly different from the rest of the office décor.

The Keyboards

Pros:  Computer keyboard design is one area when ergonomics have made significant inroads over the past several years.  Designers have created keyboards that “break the rules”, but all the while provide additional wrist support and a great deterrent against carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive stress disorders.

Cons:  Those of us who spent a tremendous amount of time on our computers have a tendency to become creatures of habit.  That sometimes makes it difficult to make changes to the way we input information into our computer.  A keyboard with a revolutionary ergonomic design may work well on paper, but if the individual cannot adapt to using a QWERTY touch pad, split in two and raised 3 inches off the desk, then all the advances will have gone for naught.

The monitors

Pros:  Many new computers now come standard with ergonomically-sound monitor screens that reduce glare – thus helping the individual avoid eye strain and other health programs.  These screens give the individual more freedom as to where they move their computers, since direct overhead lighting and natural sunlight become less of an issue.

Cons:  Like keyboards, many individuals are particular about their computers, specifically, the way the information is presented on screen.  Some anti-glare monitors may feature too much tint or alter the coloration of the images from the Internet.  While that may seem like an insignificant matter, people spend hours on the computer every day – so even the smallest changes to routine can cause a drop in productivity, or a rise in discomfort.