Ergonomically Challenged

Ergonomics has played a significant role in many workplaces in recent years. Companies are realizing that a rested, healthy, comfortable worker is a more productive worker.  My boss does not always take ergonomics into consideration. I would like to tell him off but unfortunately he is me and that might get me committed. 

I work from my lap wherever I find it peaceful and quiet. When my wife is around the only place I have is a desk and chair in the corner of our bedroom. The desk is a Sheraton style writing desk which was made in the 1930's or 40's. I only use it to put my laptop on when I am not working so it is ergonomically moot. My chair however is a different story. It is a low back Windsor or captain’s chair that once was owned by Levi F. Ward who was the first secretary of the Wawayanda Lodge in Piermont NY in the 1850's. I know this because he painted his name and the city under the seat. Old Rockland County NY newspaper records online revealed the rest of his life story. He owned a tin and iron business and had a wife and several children.  He also must have had a sore butt after sitting in this chair taking the minutes of each long meeting. These chairs were typically used in lodges in the mid 19th century. Back then the only ergonomics were some seats were shaped to fit the bottom and some were not. This chair is not. It has a solid flat plank seat. It also has arms that are exactly where I want mine to be when the computer is in my lap. I either have to squeeze in between them to type or try to reach my laptop with my elbows propped up on the arms. Neither works well.

I also have an old flexible neck desk lamp which I point at the ceiling for light. The indirect lighting is very good. No glare on my screen and I can see the key board well. It does look a little strange but I am sequestered so who cares. 

My true ergonomic experience occurs when the weather is nice and I can sit outside on my cushy patio chair. If it is sunny however I can’t see my screen which does not help my typo issues. So on a nice cloudy day I am ergonomically blessed. When my wife is not home I can work in the living room in a comfortable stuffed chair and look outside though the sliders at all the dog walkers. This only happens on Saturday as my wife also works from home on the IPhone in the living room. It is her spot and there is no challenging that if I want peace in any room. So it is off to the corner I go on weekdays.  

I am going to try getting a cushion for the old chair. I may make it more comfortable and get my laptop closer to my dangling hands. I hate to not use it considering it has been used for over 160 years and I am probably the first one to complain about it it ergonomically.