6 Must Have Ergo-Products for Office Professionals

Ergonomics revolves around products that are designed for humans to reduce injury in the workplace. While it's likely hard for some of us to believe that our desk chairs can be hazardous to our health, it's none-the-less true. It's important for us to shop well for the best ergonomic products as it can be the difference between just sitting and experiencing comfortable productivity. Here are some of the best ergonomically designed products for office professionals.

1. Office Chair

Let's face it: an ergonomic office chair is expensive, but it's perhaps the most important tool in promoting natural posture. An ergonomic office chair is all about adjustability within a safe operating range. That last part is important because many untrained users can end up adjusting their chairs into unnatural, unsafe positions if they aren't careful. And just because a chair says "ergonomic" it's not necessarily the perfect chair for you. Product claims need to be backed up with research and extensive testing.

Features like adjustable lumbar depth and height, tilt tension, seat pan angle, seat height, arm rest angle and height are all essential. The more adjustable a chair is, the better it can be fitted for you, but be prepared to spend some cash. You probably won't walk away with an ergonomic chair for less than $200. In all actuality, it'll probably be closer to $1000. Here are some great ergonomic chairs to investigate:

The Aeron Chair

This is the epitome of ergonomic office chairs and it is the top selling chair at Home Office Solutions. The Aeron Chair by Herman Miller combines distinctive appearance with exclusive ergonomic features, including an extended warranty.

Mirra Chair

The Mirra Chair by Herman Miller is easy to use and a great value. Geometric shapes in the chair's back create flex zones that adjust to a sitter's height and shape automatically, providing proper back support. A few simple additional adjustments can be made for enhanced fit and feel.

Think Chair

The Think Chair by Steelcase is the simplest, most streamlined embodiment of Steelcase's understanding of people who sit and how they sit throughout the day. Its back and seat flexors follow the user's movements and position shifts, adjusting itself intuitively.

Leap Chair

On Steelcase Leap, the streamlined contour is just the beginning; a new polished aluminum frame finish complements updated upholstery in popular colors. In addition to the award-winning characteristics of its predecessor, this latest edition features greater arm adjustability: height, width, pivot and depth, a taller seat back and intuitive flexible seat edge for pressure relief.

For those with a tight budget, you might consider a Certified Pre-Owned Leap Chair:

Why such a low price? These never-sat-in highly adjustable Leap chairs were previously owned by GE Capital Leasing for their client. The order fell through providing Home Office Solutions with this special purchase and the ability to offer you this fabulous price of $599. You save $250 while supplies last. Feel confident about your purchase because with their 12-year warranty, your satisfaction is guaranteed.

2. Vertical Mouse

This mouse looks funny and takes some getting used to, but it's designed to be easy on the joints. When your arm is extended to a regular mouse, the forearm is twisted. Conversely, on the vertical mouse, the arm remains extended in a neutral position: similar to a handshake. This helps to reduce hand and wrist injuries as a result of repetitive actions.

These mice are usually available for both right and left handed folks, either optical or trackball. Depending on how much you want to spend, they all have different features. Some come with extra programmable buttons and some are wireless.

In guiding your mouse, it's important to use the entire arm as well as your wrist for the full ergonomic benefits. With the increase in graphics and internet usage, mousing has become a major cause of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Switch Mouse 

The Switch Mouse by Humanscale is the office accessory that offers incredible comfort and support to your workplace with style. Its contoured and symmetrical shape does away with wrist tension as well as promotes the healthiest and most natural position for computer mousing. This mouse can additionally maneuver horizontally or diagonally with its highly-efficient scrolling dish.

3. Ergonomic Keyboard

Much like the vertical mouse, the ergonomic keyboard helps reduce repetitive stress injuries by creating neutral wrist posture. The keyboard is essentially split down the middle, with each side pushing out. This is naturally where our hands want to fall on a keyboard and is much less strenuous than a regular one. It straightens the arms, hands and wrists leaving us to type on a much more vertical plane.

These keyboards are also available in wireless and optical as well. Below are a few options for you.

Slider Keyboard System

Slider Keyboard System by Details is a durable, space-saving keyboard tray with an 18" track to accommodate most keyboards. This ergonomic combo offers simple adjustments, including: height, palm rests, negative tilt and 360˚ swivel, for comfort, easy access and good leg clearance. Its ambidextrous mousing surface adjusts without tools by sliding side-to-side.

Jules Keyboard System

A durable, space-saving keyboard tray by Details, Jules Keyboard System has an 18" track to accommodate most keyboards. Jules is an ergonomic system offering simple adjustments, including: height, negative tilt and 360˚ swivel, for comfort, easy access and good leg clearance. Its ambidextrous mousing surface is curved for correct ergonomic positioning and adjusts without tools.

Lift and Lock Keyboard Tray

This durable, space-saving Lift & Lock System Keyboard Tray by Details has an 18" track to accommodate most keyboards. An ergonomic tray, Lift & Lock offers simple adjustments, including: height, negative tilt and 360˚ swivel, for comfort, easy access and good leg clearance. Mount its mousing surface on either side.

4. Adjustable Desk

The key to an ergonomic desk is adjustability. Many people experience leg, neck and back pain due to an unsuitable work space. It would get pretty expensive to purchase a new desk for every new employee as they are of all different heights, shapes and sizes. An adjustable desk is easy to fit to anyone. Interesting fact: Desks are created to fit a 6'4" male....so again, adjustability is key!

These desks come in all colors and they vary in price. The most advanced desks are adjustable through a simple push of a button and can memorize different positions the desk has been in. In most cases, their height ranges from 24 inches to 51 inches.

Here's a great product to try:

Herman Miller Sense Desk

The Sense Desk from the Lifework Portfolio by Herman Miller is a strong modern shape with adjustable-height metallic-silver legs. Extend the functionality of this compact workstation by including an optional Sense Desktop Cabinet, with a detailed shelf and compartments.

5. Footrest

If you're anything like me, you've likely found yourself propping your feet up on the trash can under your desk. This is probably not ergonomic as the height of the trash can is not proportionate, but using a footrest is a great idea. Propping your feet up on a footrest under your desk promotes healthy posture which can relieve back pain.

Footrests are available in a variety of options and range anywhere from dirt cheap to $200. Some are plastic, chrome, have a rubber inlay, some are cushioned and others come with massaging foot pads. If you're asking your company for one, it's probably a good idea to not get too fancy.

Details Foot Rest

A graceful addition to any workspace, the Details Foot Rest offers a stable, non-skid surface to support the legs and feet. Adjustments are easy from a sitting or standing position; you can access variable angles and 4 heights, up to 6" from the floor.

The Foot Machine

The Foot Machine by Humanscale, with its ball bearing roller design, encourages gentle rocking of the feet in the same way a rocking chair encourages motion. Performing as a standard footrest, it provides support for the legs and relieves pressure on the lower back.

FootForte Footrest

The FootForte Footrest provides vital lower leg support throughout the day. This ergonomic essential is especially useful in situations where desk and seat heights prevent workers' legs and feet from touching the floor. The angle of the FootForte is adjustable and its board reverses from smooth to grooved for comfort and pleasant stimulation to shoeless feet.

6. Document Holders

Using a proper document holder is essential for reducing eye strain. Too many of us don't have our holders calibrated correctly to ensure they are at the correct height and distance from our line of sight. They should be about the same distance and height as our computer monitors; an arm's length out and just below your line of sight.

Adjustability is the key here as well. The more adjustable the document holder, the more ergonomic it is. Luckily, a document holder is fairly cheap, but you can fork out a hefty amount on them too. They are available in plastic, metal and wood and range from $15 to $150, depending on their size and durability.

L2 Notebook Manager

The L2 Notebook Manager lets you adjust the display to the right height, offers a built-in document holder, and requires the use of a full-size keyboard and mouse-which ensures you'll have desktop comfort along with laptop portability.

Now, I realize that because some of this office furniture is quite expensive, you might feel awkward in asking your boss for it. But you also don't want to purchase these things with money out of your own pocket. So how can you go about getting your boss to agree to create a more ergonomic office space? In one word: research. As with most in business, come prepared with documentation to back up your request and create a compelling proposal. It's not likely that your boss will deny that ergonomics play a part in a healthy work environment, but there is probably plenty that your boss doesn't know. Seek facts to present to him or her. Explain that what costs money now, will last for quite some time and is easily transferrable to other employees. Workplace injuries are very real. Every year, they cost companies enormous amounts in workers compensation claims and decreased productivity. Investing in ergonomic office furniture now can help prevent these costs while keeping employees healthy and happy for years to come.