Ergonomic office equipment trends for 2022

As we move further towards our post-COVID world, it's important to recognize major trends in how we work and how they apply to our life. If you owned a Blackberry in the early 2010's you might have been a little shocked when the iPhone became ubiquitous in our personal lives and at work.

There are a lot of advancements in health and technology, but with so many each year it's hard to stay on top of these trends. And looking back on which trends persist helps identify which ones stand the test of time.

2022 is the year of the hybrid office, meaning office workers are commonly working from traditional offices as well as their home office and occasionally coffee shops. Portable and effective ergonomic tools are all the rage these days.

This blog will keep you up-to-date on the latest trends for 2022 to keep your office workers safe and healthy, relevant to our new hybrid world. Learn about the latest laptop, mouse and desk designs. By ensuring that your workplace, wherever you are, is as up to date and safe as possible, we can reduce the risk of injury and boost productivity.

This article is not sponsored or affiliated so you can do your own research on which model and brands to buy. Here is a list of some of the most popular ergonomic office equipment trends for 2022.

Why ergonomic equipment is important

Think about it: the average person spends more than half their waking hours at work. With all that time in one place, there's more to it than simply getting the job done. With so much time in one place we need to consider safety.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, office workers have one of the highest rates of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders (MSKs). This is not surprising considering most offices are not designed ergonomically, leading to poor posture and repetitive stress injuries.

Office ergonomics is the design of an office to optimize the health and safety of its workers. The goal is to create an environment where people can sit, stand, or move in a way that reduces the risk of injury. Poor office ergonomics can lead to back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other MSKs.

But it's not too late to make changes! Ergonomic office equipment can help correct your posture and prevent injury. Here are just a few reasons why ergonomic equipment is so important:

• maintain a good posture which prevents back and neck pain.
• avoid repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
• improve your productivity by helping you stay comfortable while you work.

Now that we've covered why ergonomic office equipment is so important, let's take a look at some of the latest trends.

Lightweight Laptop Stand

A lightweight laptop stand is a great way to make your computer more ergonomic wherever you are, which explains why I see them more and more at coffee shops. By using a laptop computer stand at home, at work or on the road, you can adjust the height of your screen to ensure that your neck and back are in a comfortable position. This can help prevent pain in these areas.

There are many different types of laptop stands available on the market. Some are made from lightweight materials such as aluminum or plastic, while others are made from heavier materials such as wood or metal.

If you are looking for a lightweight laptop stand that is easy to transport, we recommend an aluminum, plastic or fiberglass stand such as the Moft Z stand. This stand weighs less than a kilogram and offers a variety of configurations. With an adjustable height you can find the perfect angle wherever you are working.

Using a laptop stand renders the keyboard and trackpad of your laptop useless, so make sure to compliment your new stand with an ergonomic keyboard and mouse.

Vertical Mouse

A vertical mouse, such as the Logitech MX Vertical Mouse, is quickly becoming a popular ergonomic mouse due to its unique ergonomic design.

This modified mouse design reduces wrist pain and discomfort by tilting the mouse up at a natural angle. This "handshake" position is more neutral, which is less stressful on the muscles and joints.

The shape of the mouse supports your wrist. With the wrist off the desk you are engaging upper arm muscles, rather than just the forearm when using a traditional mouse. Using less forearm reduces the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. For those who are experiencing carpal tunnel syndrome or a wrist sprain, a vertical mouse may help relieve symptoms.

Many people find that using the vertical mouse results in decreased wrist pain and increased comfort while working. If you are looking for an ergonomic mouse that can help reduce discomfort, a vertical mouse may be a good option for you.

Two Piece Keyboard

A two-piece ergonomic keyboard, such as the Kinesis Freestyle2, can help prevent pain and discomfort in your hands, wrists, and arms. This unique design adapts to almost any body type, especially if you are larger.

Unlike a traditional keyboard, the keys of a two-piece keyboard are separated into two halves connected by a 9" wire. Each half can be rotated independently.

This design puts less stress on your hands, wrists, and arms than a traditional keyboard because you can adjust each half and the distance between them to the position that is most comfortable for you.

Many people find that using a two-piece keyboard decreases pain and discomfort in their hands, wrists, and arms. If you are looking for an ergonomic solution that allows for personalized comfort, a two-piece keyboard may be right for you.

Standing Desk

An adjustable sit-to-stand desk is a cornerstone to a modern ergonomic workstation. This ergonomic tool was the darling of our work-from-home COVID world as workers upgraded their home offices and remains so in 2022.

By using a standing desk at home or at work, you will build activity into your workday and prevent fatigue from any one position. This can help prevent discomfort and pain from long stretches of work which explains why more and more workers are choosing a standing desk at their ergonomic workstation.

There are several types of standing and adjustable desks available, with different designs, motors and made from different materials. There's no doubt that the most popular choice is the sturdy aluminum base with electric motor, pairing stability with convenience.

One benefit of a standing desk is that your ergonomic set up stays the same for sitting and standing, so no need to adjust your keyboard, mouse or monitor arm when moving up or down.

Monitor Arm and Dock

A height adjustable monitor arm is an essential upgrade to improve the ergonomics of your workstation. Why? Because your monitor arm allows you to position one or more monitors at the right height and angle for you.

Getting your monitor height right is important because it helps with one of the most common strain complaints we have in the workplace: a sore upper back and neck. The top of your head should align with the top of your monitor, easily achieved with a monitor arm.

A monitor arm also frees up desk space by allowing you to move your monitor off of the desk. This creates space on your desk, creating a lighter, more relaxing work environment. And if your job includes tasks that require you to see a screen from different positions, such as in a workshop or when presenting to a client, a monitor arm will easily adjust the position of your choice.

These have been around for a long time so you might be wondering what's new in 2022 for monitor arms. These days height adjustable monitor arms are even better at saving space by combining the base of the arm with a sleek docking station. Keep your cords tidy with a monitor arm dock.

Many people find that using a monitor arm results in decreased neck and eye strain and increased comfort while working. If you are looking for an ergonomic solution for your monitors which will keep your desk tidy, a monitor arm is the right tool for you.

Conclusion

There are many different types of ergonomic office equipment available on the market. In this blog, we have highlighted some of our favorite pieces of equipment that can help prevent pain and discomfort in your muscles and joints.

If you are looking for an ergonomic solution when at home or at the coffee shop that allows for personalized comfort, consider a two-piece keyboard, a vertical mouse and a lightweight laptop stand. Using a standing desk and monitor arm with a dock is the gold standard of ergonomics in 2022.

I hope you find these office ergonomic equipment recommendations helpful if you're considering investing in better ergonomic equipment like a standing desk or office chair. I encourage you to take steps towards creating a more ergonomic work environment. Your body will thank you!

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