Laptop Ergonomics and Healthy Work Sessions Part 1

Part One – Adults

Long gone are the days when everyone typically sat at the same desk at the office everyday to get work done. Many people now work from home which can mean on the sofa, in a chair or even in the bed! That means finding spaces in places we’ve never considered working from before. The result? Terrible alignment of the posture and strain on the joints.  Read on to learn how to sit properly to ensure that your body doesn’t suffer for the convenience of working anywhere you choose.  

Sitting in comfy, plush chair, with computer on lap

Working in this position forces your body completely out of alignment. You will find yourself leaning forward and thus rounding your upper back. The laptop will tilt backwards because it’s top heavy, and this places strain on your knees because you can’t keep feet side by side. Remedy: Sit up straight and put a cushion behind your lower back. Scoot your rear further back in the chair so can rely on the support. Bring your feet together side by side and create a ninety degree angle at the knees. Last, place a book under the laptop so it is balanced.

Sitting in a low chair at a table that’s too far away

Sitting this way causes you to lean forward considerably. The result is a pronounced curve in the upper back, also known as hunching. Remedy: Sit up straight enough that you can achieve a ninety degree angle at the midpoint between your shoulder and elbow on both sides. Try different chairs if necessary until your elbows no longer fall below the edge of the desk. Then, scoot the chair in far enough for your knees to slide under the table. Once in this position you will no longer be able to see the computer screen, so set the laptop on a stack of books that high enough for your laptop to be in your direct line of vision. Use a wireless keyboard to accommodate the adjustment.

Try these tips and then check back with us later this week for part two of this post!