Worksite International Blog

To Headrest or Not to Headrest

If you are shopping for a chair with a headrest, it’s probably because you feel like you need more support for your head, neck, and back at the computer. If this is the case, before you shop, learn about headrest ergonomics, design, and its relation to computer use.

As a Chair Assessment Specialist, I’m often asked whether I recommend headrests on office ergonomic chairs. Most of the time, I don’t feel they are necessary. However, there are times when they are useful and important for seated comfort.

Are You Living an Ergonomic Lifestyle?

Most people never thought in 2020 their kitchen table or tiny desk in the bedroom would be their home office for the next several years! They began to miss the comforts of the office, their good ergonomic chair, the sit-to-stand desk, and good internet speed! They yearn for an ergonomic lifestyle!

An ergonomic lifestyle is one where you are happy, safe, and comfortable wherever and whenever you work because you have the right equipment that fits and supports you. Your work is human centered or U-centric!

The use of a footrest is often an optional add-on for a seated or standing workstation. Many employers are in a quandary as to whether to provide this curious device. And many employees don’t recognize when they could use one or even how to use one when placed under the workstation. 

In recent years, the desk converter has become very popular. If you aren't familiar with the pros and cons of these devices, then read on. A desk converter is an external device added to an existing desk to allow sit-to-stand postural changes. A desk converter is placed directly on the surface or mounted to the surface. A variety of desk converter designs are available offering alternative placement of single, dual and or laptop monitor placement. 

Working remotely has its pros and cons as we have all learned. There are some really great benefits of work from home, but the downside, can be problematic. One of the limitations is not having the best ergonomic set up at home leading to lost productivity, impaired performance, and injury.

As a Professional Ergonomist and Chair Assessment Specialist (CASp), I often talk about the science of sitting, chair assessment, selection and fit in my blogs, in my presentations, and when I evaluate employees in the office. You may of heard me say, "if the chair isn't right, then the ergonomics of the workstation will never be correct." 

The 2019 Ergo Expo held at the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas has come and gone now. But it leaves us with more innovation this year than we have seen in a while. Old and new companies with new products were on display for ergonomics professionals to evaluate, test and even take home. I’ve attended this show for the last 2 and a half decades consistently and it never fails to disappoint! There is always too much to absorb than time allows, and this year was no different.

Ergonomics Product Showcase: