Laptops, Ergonomics and Productivity – How are You Doing?
Laptops are quickly becoming the top choice for computing. With the advent of the new netbooks, which are tiny, you can just about take laptops everywhere you go. Most people use laptops in their workplaces. However, most people do not practice good ergonomics with their laptops. Practicing good ergonomics and using good ergonomic equipment makes a huge difference in your productivity in the workplace.
Everyone wants to be as productive as they can be so it’s in your best interest to make your tools more ergonomically friendly or get ergonomically friendly tools. If you do use a laptop at your workplace here are two quick tips to ergonomically enhance your comfort and your productivity.
1. Don’t lap your laptop. Use a table. Though it’s called a laptop you don’t want to use it on your lap. Placing your laptop on your lap puts too much strain on your arms and wrists. Your arms and wrists won’t have enough room to move around to hit the keys on your laptop. You’ll fell cramped and your muscles are just that…cramped into a tight position. Also, when used on your lap your elbows will be bent inwards at the wrong angle placing excess stress on your hands and wrists.
The best place to use your laptop is on a table. When you use it on a table you are giving yourself enough space to move around and lessening the pressure placed on your elbows, wrists, and arms. You will find that when you do use your laptop on a table you will be able to use it for longer periods of time, which will greatly enhance your productivity.
2. Use an external keyboard and mouse – If you use your laptop for long periods of time using a separate keyboard and mouse is a big advantage. This is even more important for smaller laptops. Why? The smaller the keyboard on the laptop the more strain it places on your hands and arms. Obeying this one simple rule helps you to not only practice good ergonomics but also leads to more productivity. You will be able to use your laptop pain free for longer periods of time without having to stop because of arm cramps or pain.
