What ergonomic upgrades can you do for your home office

During the height of the pandemic, many Canadians set up home offices. According to recent data from Statistics Canada, about 18% of people still work from home.

For those who work from home (even occasionally), ergonomic upgrades can improve the workspace. Choosing the right chair, a footrest, and even using a laptop stand can make a big difference.

Rachel Kent, who created a home office, told CTV Toronto that she still hasn't been able to find a suitable chair. "I've tried at least six chairs in the last three years," he says. "The wooden chair I'm using isn't ideal, but it doesn't give me back pain like the fancy chairs I was thinking of buying."

The ergonomic experts at Consumer Reports (CR) recently evaluated budget office chairs and gave the Dexley chair from Staples, which retails for $379, high marks. This chair has the ability to adjust the height, handles, lumbar and back support.

"When shopping for an ergonomic chair, the most important thing I tell people to look for is adjustability," says Paul Ritchie, an ergonomics expert at CR. "It's rare to find a chair that doesn't fit you well."

According to CR, the distance between the eyes should be at arm's length from the computer and the monitor should be at eye level. People who work with a laptop can use a laptop stand to raise it up so they don't have to bend their neck down.

CR recommends the Insignia Ergonomic Laptop Stand, which retails for $60. This stand requires no assembly or tools to adjust the height.

To reduce wrist or hand pain, CR recommends purchasing a mouse pad with wrist support, such as Belkin's Waverest Gel Pad, which retails for $19.

"With a footstool, you can support your legs and reduce pressure on the lower thighs, especially if your legs are dangling," says Ritchie.

Upgrading your home workspace to the type of work you do can make you feel better and even increase your productivity.

"Once I find the right chair, I feel like my home office is finally complete," says Kent.

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