Did you know that more than 50% of workplace injuries are related to musculoskeletal problems? These repetitive motion injuries can occur when workers are uncomfortable or improperly positioned while working. Musculoskeletal problems can occur in workers in all industries, from the assembly line to the office. Improving your workspace ergonomics can help prevent these musculoskeletal problems.
If you’ve invested in ergonomic products like a standing desk, a curvy split keyboard, or a mouse that fits the shape of your hand, you’re probably concerned about preventing musculoskeletal injuries. But there are other products you can add to round out your ergonomic workstation, including a standing desk chair, and a sit-stand keyboard arm.
Active Seating
Even those who have gotten used to standing during the workday need a rest sometimes, and that’s where active seating comes in. Active seating refers to stools or standing desk chairs that promote movement while you sit; they can include balance balls, wobbly stools, and other seating options that help you work your core muscles while you’re sitting. When you use active seating, you can help improve your posture and boost your energy levels during the day—it’s nearly impossible to slouch when you use active seating!
You can find a wide variety of active seating options for sale, but if you already have a sit-to-stand desk, consider a height-adjustable wobbling stool that adjusts to the height you need for standing or sitting. These standing desk chairs are easy to move from place to place because they’re lightweight enough to be easily portable. That’s especially important when you first start using active seating—you might need some time to adjust. In other words, don’t retire your current office chair right away, and give yourself time to get used to active seating.
Under-Desk Keyboard Platform
Is your keyboard positioned at elbow height, where your arms are bent at about a 90-degree angle? If not, you can strain muscles from your fingers all the way up to your neck! That can lead to hand and wrist pain—or even carpal tunnel syndrome. You can help prevent these problems by using a sit stand keyboard arm that can help you easily position at the best ergonomic height, no matter whether you sit or stand while working.
Your keyboard platform can also help you optimize your typing posture in more than one direction. The best ergonomic position for your keyboard is at a negative angle, where the top of the keyboard points downward. The tilt adjustments on a sit stand keyboard arm help you keep your wrists at a neutral angle to help prevent injuries. Additionally, the ability to swivel left and right gives you more flexibility in positioning, which can be helpful if you move around a lot.
The benefits of your ergonomically improved workstation will help you work more comfortably and keep you at your healthy best.