The keyboard drawer design offers a lower level underneath the L-desk to compensate for the higher surface level. However, it too can create ergonomic problems. Placed too close to the perpendicular part of the desk, the elbow and hand with run into conflict with part of the desk. The mouse placed still at surface level forces the user to be operating at an uneven level with the keyboard.

If, alternatively, the keyboard is placed in the corner joint where the two L sides meet, forming the middle of the desk, other issues arise. While the keyboard and mouse will be at the same level, the position tucked into the internal corner forces a user to lean forward and trigger back exhaustion stooped over. It also creates muscle fatigue in the neck and shoulders as well. Finally, the elbows take a contact point beating, causing pain at the pressure points. Eventually, the user starts moving around like crazy just to get comfortable again.

To compensate for all the above problems, modern L-desk designers institute a diagonal design for the internal corner. This creates a pseudo level surface with more work space for the arms to rest on. The body is not dealing with multiple levels of a keyboard tray versus the desk top either. Alternatively, desks that have an internal curved corner provide the same benefits as well. Both keep the user from leaning forward. Ideally, the diagonal section should be a length of at least 26 inches to provide sufficient space and rectify the above ergonomic problems. If you have to use a keyboard tray, make sure there’s enough room for the computer mouse as well.

The Rectangular Desk

Used for centuries and in the modern office for decades, the rectangular desk is exactly that, a big rectangle surface at a set height with drawers installed underneath for storage and a cavity in the middle for leg space. While the design seems as old as time, it still works relatively well for its purpose.

However, a rectangular desk still needs to have the right height and shape for the specific user to be ergonomically correct. If the surface is too high then the user still has the problem of shoulders being raised to high, causing back and neck strain. Additionally, the elbows start banging into the edge or surface, causing minor injury. Additionally, the forearms can become contact points for the desk edge, causing discomfort. So the height of the desk surface is still a critical ergonomic issue, even with a rectangular desk.

Leg space is an issue as well. If the cavity underneath the desk is too tight, the user’s knees or feet will bang into the desk internal walls or the underlayer of the desk cavity top. In some cases, older desks have a crossbar underneath for added support strength. This too can create knee impact issues.

Finally, modifying rectangular desks tends to be difficult or impossible due to the fundamental design of the furniture. Some desks are simply not changeable at all. Cubicle equipment, on the other hand, comes with some limited amount of adjustment, so they tend to be a bit more flexible.

Conclusion

As can be seen above, both designs can have user ergonomic problems if left unaddressed. Regardless of how the desks are shaped, the issues of body position remain common. In this regard, desks and office furniture that address the real problem of posture, arm and body position, and neck fatigue provide the best product for desk use. By going to the core of the problem, the health problems created by bad body position when working for hours can be reversed or avoided. That saves employees from tension and pain and companies from avoidable health costs.

FAQ

1. How many different color table tops are there to choose from?

Two colors – Beech and Maple. Maple carries an additional charge.

2. How is the desk powered?

Conset desks that are designed with automated adjustment utilize an electric motor that raise or lower the surface level. The motor operates quietly and quickly, making the process of changing height simple and less intrusive to the work environment.

3. Will any keyboard arm fit this desk?

Keyboard positioning underneath the desk is not a problem. A keyboard platform can be added as an accessory for maximum arm/hand comfort.

Close Full Article -