Could your laptop, a symbol of productivity because of its portability, actually be hindering your time management efforts?

Many companies are now giving their employees laptops instead of desktop computers.  The smaller machines give you more flexibility.  After all, the same machine can work at the office, at home, in the coffee shop, and on the beach.  That is a strong selling point.

Yet the negative is that laptops are not ergonomically designed for long-term use.  Consider two elements in a good setup:

• Keyboard at elbow height
• Monitor about eye level

A laptop can meet neither of those.  If you just place your laptop on a desk or table, over time incorrect technique can seriously affect your anatomy:  pain in the neck, back, shoulders, and arms, headaches, TMJ, carpal tunnel.

If you are using a laptop for extended periods, look into items that allow you to work at the right levels and minimize discomfort.

• Laptop stands.  You want to raise the level of the monitor.  Books under one would also work.
• External keyboards.  The best angle is sloping away from you.
• Wireless mouse.  Keeping the mouse close to you is better than putting pressure on your arm by continuously reaching.
• Docking stations.  You can attach separate a separate monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
• Keyboard trays so that you can maintain a 90 degree angle between upper and lower arm.

Without stopping to make changes in how you use your laptop, you could be creating short-term and long-term roadblocks to improving productivity.  No one is as productive when they are hurting.