Working on planes, trains, or automobiles? We've got you covered with six basic items that can make any temporary workspace feel like home.
Maintaining ergonomic work habits while at your office can be hard enough, but trying to do it when finding yourself in a new space every day can feel nearly impossible. The items below will help you to take control of your work space no matter where you are.
The Laptop Stand
Working off of your phone and laptop all day? There's a reason why your neck might not feel so great. Looking at a screen that is so low that you have to bend your neck down to view it is a major source of neck and shoulder pain. In a typical office you might solve this by placing monitor risers, boxes, or even reams of paper underneath your monitor. But how can you emulate this while working off of a laptop in a coffee shop 1,000 miles from home? Start with a laptop holder that can give you the height you need while maintaining complete portability. A few guidelines to remember:
Position your screen so that the top to top 1/3 of the screen is level with your eyes
The screen should be about arm's length distance away
The screen should be right in front of you, not to the side
Be mindful of glare on the screen, try to position it to minimize reflection
The Mouse or Trackpad
Which mouse to choose will come down to where you are most often working. With a desk or tabletop with plenty of room, a mouse might work well. However, if you find yourself working in cramped quarters or without a work surface at all, a trackpad will likely make more sense. Either way, having a mousing device that is separate from your laptop is essential and a few tips will help you use it effectively:
Keep the mouse close to you- no reaching
Position your mouse so that your shoulder is relaxed and your elbow can bend 90-100 degrees- this may mean placing it on your lap
Keep your wrist straight- you may need to play with positioning to get the angle right
Avoid resting your wrist on the desk edge, if you must rest at all, use the heel of your palm instead
The Keyboard
The next step is to find a keyboard. Having something compact and light is essential, however you don't want to settle for something that is so small that it will make typing difficult. There are many options on the market, so finding something that fits your specific needs is important. Do you find yourself working in compact locations or spaces without a large work surface? An external keyboard with a built in trackpad might be the way to go. Already experiencing some symptoms of overuse at the wrists? Going the extra mile with a split design keyboard might be the safer option. Whatever option you go with, there are a couple of positioning guidelines to keep you in check:
Keep the keyboard close to you- no reaching
The keyboard should be centered at your midline
The keyboard should be low enough to allow your shoulders to relax and your elbows to bend 90-100 degrees- this may mean placing it on your lap
Keep your wrists straight and if possible, avoid resting them on the desk edge- if you must rest something, use the heel of your palm
The Phone Holder
Not so much part of your base set up, but important nonetheless is the phone holder. They come in a variety of different designs, from pop-up grips to straps to metal rings. Ergonomically, they are more or less the same and the benefit of using a device like this is to allow you to relax your grip while using your phone. Many of the most common repetitive strain injuries are thought to be due in part to repeated, prolonged, and forceful grasping motions. These attachments allow you to relax your grip, reducing the strain placed on the hands. Furthermore, they allow you to text, scroll, and click using digits other than your thumb which can quickly get worn out, resulting in inflammation at the base of the thumb. Again, there are a variety of different options so choose one that fits the best with your needs.
The Bag
Not to be overlooked, how you carry all of these items can be just as important as the items themselves. Even when carrying light items, there are a few basic features to look for when choosing a bag. Symmetry is important, if you have the choice between a backpack and a messenger bag, go with the backpack. This will ensure that the weight you carry is evenly distributed which will prevent one side of the body from becoming overly strained. Look for a bag that offers wide, cushioned straps. This will help to distribute the weight over a larger surface area, limiting pressure at any one point on the shoulders. Use a bag with multiple pockets to more evenly distribute the weight, making sure to place heavier items closer to your body. If possible, look for a backpack with chest or hip straps in order to distribute the weight of the bag even further. This backpack meets all of our needs, but if you want to go even further to ensure your backpack is ergonomically sound, choosing a bag with wheels might be the way to go. This is another area where the options are staggering, so make sure to find a bag that checks off all the ergonomic boxes as well as your specific needs.
There is an overwhelming amount of ergonomic items out there, but hopefully this article will get you started thinking about how to stock your bag for your next work trip.
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