Working from the comfort of your own home is all well and good until your back starts aching and your wrists feel like they’ve been through a strenuous workout. If this sounds freakishly familiar, not to worry - it’s more common than you think! But not to worry, that’s where ergonomics comes in.
Optimising your home office desk so that it actually supports your body can make all the difference in how you feel by the end of the day, and can even improve your productivity and focus while at your desk.
In this blog, our experts have hand selected the must-have tools that will for sure make your home office more comfortable, more supportive, and way better for your long-term health.
But, first things first…
What Are Ergonomic Accessories and What Do They Do?
The term ‘ergonomic accessories’ are tools and devices especially designed to optimise your workspace for comfort, efficiency, and overall better health.
The main goal of ergonomic accessories is to reduce strain on your body and promote a healthy posture while you work, which, if you’ve read any of our other blogs, you’ll know is absolutely key to staying comfortable, productive, and pain-free throughout your workday.
These ergonomic accessories are especially great for those who spend long hours sitting at desks, whether it’s for working, gaming, studying or simply scrolling the net, as they help to prevent discomfort and injuries related to poor posture, repetitive motions, or inadequate desk setups.
The 7 Best Accessories for an Ergonomic Home Office
Here are the 7 best accessories for an ergonomic home office setup, selected by our experts here at Ergo Desks:
1. Ergonomic Keyboard
First up we have the ergonomic keyboard, which is a type of keyboard that’s especially designed to provide a more natural wrist, hand and arm position in order to minimise muscle strain and the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis.
An ergonomic keyboard allows your wrists to rest outward, instead of forcing you to turn them inward.
Ergonomic keyboards come in a number of different shapes and layouts, some of the most popular types of ergonomic keyboards being:
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Compact keyboards: Compact keyboards come without a numeric keypad, reducing the overall width of the keyboard. This design encourages users to keep their mouse closer to the keyboard, reducing the need to reach and strain.
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Contoured keyboards: This type of keyboard features a curved design that follows the natural shape of the hands and fingers in a well-like shape, reducing the distance the fingers need to travel when typing.
- Split keyboards: Split keyboards are, as it implies in the name, divided into two separate sections to keep your hands, wrists, and forearms at a comfortable width, in line with your shoulders.
Learn more about ergonomic keyboards in this comprehensive guide.
The Bakker Elkhuizen UltraBoard 950 Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard is ergonomic and versatile.
2. Laptop Stand
Another great addition to an ergonomic home office set up is a laptop stand. These are desk accessories designed to elevate and support laptops for improved ergonomics, comfort, and performance.
They can be found in a variety of different designs and styles, but most laptop stands share the same common features - height adjustability, tilted angle, portability, ventilation and compatibility.
A popular example of a quality laptop stand is the Ergo-Q 330 Laptop Stand, a premium mobile laptop stand ensuring a healthy and active working style wherever you are. It also features an integrated document holder and 6 height settings, allowing you to work comfortably with a correct posture at all times.
Still not sold? Discover our blog on 8 reasons why you should use a laptop stand.
3. Dual Monitor & Monitor Arms
Another beneficial ergonomic accessory it’s worth getting for your desk is a dual monitor. These are especially designed to hook up two screens to the same computer so you can use them at the same time. Instead of being stuck with just the one screen, you get double the room to spread out your apps, documents, and tabs.
Dual monitor arms are a great addition to your desk as they allow you to adjust the height, tilt, and angle of each monitor to match your eye level and posture, helping to reduce neck and eye strain, especially during long work sessions.
They also help free up space underneath the computer screen, freeing up more room for your keyboard, notebook, coffee, or even just a cleaner, more minimalist setup.
You can shop our wide range of quality single and dual monitor arms here, including the popular Bakker Elkhuizen Filex Galaxy Dual Screen Monitor Arm Mount.
Learn more about dual monitor desk setups in this guide.
4. Ergonomic Desk Chair
One of, if not the, most important pieces of furniture you need to get right for your home office is a comfy ergonomic desk chair.
Ergonomic office chairs are specially designed to provide maximum comfort and support to users who spend long periods of time sitting at a desk or computer. These chairs promote proper posture, reduce the risk of musculoskeletal issues, and enhance overall well-being.
At Ergo Desks, all of our ergonomic chairs are highly adjustable, designed to provide strong back support and an ideal seat position for long periods of sitting.
Shop our wide selection of ergonomic office chairs here, ideal when paired with our height-adjustable desks.
5. Human-Centric Lighting Fixture
Human-Centric Lighting (HCL) fixtures are great for an ergonomic home office desk setup because they support your biological, visual, and emotional well-being while working.
The EnergyByLight lamp automatically provides the right colour temperature and brightness of light throughout your working day. Adapting to your body's natural circadian rhythm, the innovative light therapy lamp promotes a sense of well-being and productivity.
6. Numeric Keyboard
This is an ergonomic accessory that not as many people are aware of, but it can make a significant difference in both comfort and productivity - especially for those who frequently work with numbers.
But what exactly is a numeric keyboard and how do they benefit the user?
Well, when you use a full-size keyboard, the number pad pushes your mouse further to the right. This leads to a wider arm posture, which can cause strain on your shoulder, neck, and wrist over time. With a detachable numeric keyboard, however, you can position the mouse closer to your natural arm placement, reducing reach and strain.
A quality numeric keyboard is the Bakker Elkhuizen S-Board 840 USB Numeric Keyboard, allowing you to alternate between your left and right hand.
7. Ergonomic Mouse
Last but certainly not least, an ergonomic mouse is designed to fit the natural position of your hand and promote a healthier forearm position in order to reduce strain and long-term pain that is otherwise associated with regular mouse usage.
One of the most popular types of an ergonomic mouse is a vertical mouse, which is designed to keep your hand in a handshake position, reducing the twisting of the forearm and wrist.
Learn everything you need to know about ergonomic mice in this guide.
Looking for a standing desk or ergonomic accessories for your home, office or workspace? Check out our full collection of desks and accessories, designed to make you more comfortable and efficient when at work.
If you need additional help choosing a standing desk or accessory, feel free to get in contact with our expert team with any queries via our live chat feature on our website, or via email at admin@ergodesks.co.uk.
Otherwise, our standing desks blog provides more useful tips on ergonomic working for a more balanced lifestyle.
