The work-from-home revolution was slow at first, and then it happened all at once. Those who were already working remotely part-time or full-time had a head start. Everyone else wasn't so lucky. The sudden rise in work-from-home schedules created a massive shortage of office-related products, forcing many to buy whatever products were still available.
From makeshift desks to budget travel mice, these last-resort items were never meant for long-term remote work. You deserve a proper upgrade. Fortunately, work-from-home product prices have returned to normal, so it's a good time to spruce up your setup to make working from home easier for you. Below are a few products that we believe are major ergonomic upgrades for any work-from-home setup.
Desk: LifeSpan 60" Standing Desk
If you didn't already have a proper work desk in your home when the pandemic started, you most likely had to resort to working from a kitchen table, countertop, or any flat surface you could find. It served its purpose, but you weren't doing your back any favors. Desks are designed so that you can sit upright. Using anything else leads to hunching over, causing back pain and more severe back-related problems over time. Still, getting a traditional, fixed desk is old news. Sitting for long periods of time consistently has proven to be detrimental to a person's health. In an office setting, which is generally considered safe, sitting is the biggest hazard. The only fix is to stand up.
With an adjustable-height standing desk, you have the option to be healthier by choosing to stand. You don't have to be on your feet all day; half the day should be the goal. Standing desks from LifeSpan, like the 60" standing desk, offer ample surface area and adjustable monitor mounts that lend an air of minimal sophistication to a work-from-home setup.
If you want to take it to the next level and go beyond sitting, you can add an Under Desk Treadmill or Ampera Desk Bike to the desk. Additionally, an Aero Balance Board won't make you break a sweat like a treadmill, but it is still beneficial because it will keep you active. These fitness products will help you meet your fitness goals, allowing you to feel better and be more productive when working from home.
Desk Accessories: Catchall Tray and Qi Charger
A cluttered desk makes for a cluttered mind. Instead, with LifeSpan's Wooden Catchall Tray, you can keep loose items within reach yet out of sight. This organization tool helps declutter your desk, promoting a cleaner and more productive workspace. It's an effective solution for enhancing workspace efficiency without sacrificing aesthetics or accessibility.
The inclusion of a Qi charger on your desk modernizes your setup by offering a convenient, wire-free charging solution for your mobile devices. It ensures your smartphone and wireless earbuds are always charged, reducing distractions and keeping you connected. LifeSpan's Qi Charger is practical and aesthetically pleasing, with a wood base that looks perfect in an office setting.
For an additional desktop accessory, consider the LifeSpan water flask, a square-shaped, see-through bottle with a wrist strap that is capable of holding 13oz. In addition to helping you stay refreshed as you work and stay active, its distinct shape makes it stand out from your typical water bottle.
Monitor: Dual Monitor Stand
When it comes to monitors, most people first think of the resolution, color accuracy, or display technology (I.e., LED, QLED, OLED). Unless you're a professional photographer, colorist, digital artist, or gamer, these specs aren't as important when you're using the monitor to work from home. Instead, you should look at whether the monitor is adjustable in height and viewing angles. The result of a monitor that is high or too low is that you'll often crane your neck to get a better vantage, which can cause you to develop chronic neck pain over time. When it's not possible to adjust your monitor, a product like LifeSpan's Dual Monitor Stand can save the day, allowing you to raise your monitors by an additional 4 inches.
Buying a new monitor with an adjustable stand is the easiest way to fix this, though it's also an expensive option. The other option is to buy an adjustable monitor mount that you can install your current monitor onto, allowing you to raise, lower, and tilt the monitor. There is a third option that requires buying a desk, such as LifeSpan's Glass Standing Desk, which has a built-in monitor mount. Regardless of how you do it, the end goal should be to have a monitor that sits perfectly within your gaze at an appropriate distance, limiting neck and eye strain.
Working From Home Doesn’t Have To Be a Compromise
Having to work from home indefinitely is not something many people were prepared for, but with many companies going fully or partly remote, having an ergonomically optimized setup is an investment. With a proper standing desk, active sitting chairs, and ergonomic peripherals, you can ensure your time spent working from home is as enjoyable and productive as it is good for your health.
With LifeSpan's office-ready fitness equipment, you can stand, balance, bike, or jog without having to leave your desk. Whether you want to get back in shape, lower your risk for heart disease, or simply feel better about yourself, you can start by standing a few hours a day. As you progress, you can take it up a notch by adding a treadmill or exercise bike. In the end, our goal is to help you stay active in the workplace, whether that be at an office or at home. If you're ready to take the first step on your fitness journey, schedule a call, and we will help you find what you need.