Working on the go from a coffee shop, airplane or hotel room isn’t ideal. However, that’s unavoidable for millions of business travelers per year. If you find yourself working out of office, invest in ergonomics on the go. Don’t let small cramped spaces get the best of you. Traveling in general forces you into awkward postures. Working at a laptop while in a tiny airplane seat or hotel room can do even more damage. Laptops are very restrictive. Customize your laptop the best you can to allow your body to work in a neutral position. There are many small adjustments you can make to keep energy levels up and aches down.
Recommended Accessories
Mouse
Bringing an extra mouse along on your business trip is probably the easiest way to help your ergonomic health. A mouse won’t take up much space in your travel bag and you can find wireless mice that hold their charge for hours and hours. The Microsoft Arc Touch Mouse takes up the same amount of space in your travel bag as a phone. Curve the mouse to fit your hand and when you’re done, flatten mouse to pack away.
Travel Keyboard
Keyboards come in many shapes and sizes. Travel keyboards are more compact than regular keyboards. Even a small separate keyboard can help alleviate the discomfort of typing solely on a laptop. You can place, especially a wireless keyboard, anywhere that you need to allow your body to relax in a neutral position. The Goldtouch Bluetooth Wireless Mini KeyBoard is only 10 ounces. You can experience all the comfort of your desktop on the road.
Inflatable Cushions
Another small accessory that won’t take up a lot of space in your travel bag is an inflatable cushion. When not in use, you can deflate it and role it up. The Inflatable Back Cushion from Cascade Design gives lumbar support on the go.
Tips
Pack Light
There are many accessories that can ease your pain while on a business trip. An extra mouse or cushion goes a long way but lugging around a heavy bag isn’t a great alternative. Pick the accessories that make the biggest difference to your ergonomic health if everything won’t fit.
Take Advantage of Amenities
The hotel you’re staying at might have business centers with desktops, printers and supportive chairs. If not, your hotel may have work accessories that you can check out at the front desk. Even leaving your room to stand at a bar table can be a great alternative. Use anything that you can to tailor your work environment to your ergonomic needs.
Pay Attention to Your Posture
No matter what situation you’re thrown into, you can control your posture. Make sure that you’re sitting up straight with your shoulders back, head in line with your neck and feet planted on the ground.
Ergo Works® in Palo Alto, CA is your ergonomic expert. Whether you need travel accessories or one of our ergonomic services, contact us. We can help you create a safe and healthy work environment no matter where your job takes you.
