Finding left-handed computer equipment for your left-handed workspace can be challenging since the majority of desk equipment is built for right-handed people. If you’re a left-handed person looking for functional, left-handed equipment, then this article is here to help. Here, you will find everything you need for the best desk setup for left-handed people.
The user experience for computer equipment is determined by who is using the equipment. Left-handed people are often at a disadvantage when it comes to this and either must use the right-handed setup or search aimlessly for left-handed equipment.
This comprehensive guide shares all the things you need for your left-handed desk setup. Follow our tips and ideas to create the best left-handed workspace for you.
What Makes a Left-Handed Desk Setup Effective?
A left-handed desk setup is effective when left-handed people can work comfortably and more efficiently. The majority of the population is right-handed, meaning computer equipment is designed for right-handed people. Left-handed people can find it challenging to be productive with a right-handed desk setup.
With more people working remotely, and 57 percent of employees saying they are more productive from home compared to the office, workers are seeking ways to make their workspace suitable to their needs. To maintain and increase productivity amongst remote workers, below are three criteria for helping left-handed people create better left-handed workspaces.
Buy Left-Handed Office Equipment and Furniture
When designing your desk setup, you should invest in left-handed equipment and furniture. Doing so will ensure that your space is comfortable and easy to use. Some left-handed equipment and furniture include a left-handed mouse, keyboard, and a left-handed desk. When buying a desk, you can choose a traditional desk, but if you need more space, it is best to buy an L-shaped or curved desk that is left-handed.
Use Left-Handed Office Supplies
Consider buying left-handed office supplies to use in your workspace to work comfortably. Something as simple as left-handed stationery can take your desk setup to the next level. You can find left-handed stationery at bookstores and through a quick Internet search. Types of left-handed stationery available include left-handed scissors, pens, and notebooks.
Ensure Adequate Space
Most desk setups are tailored to right-handed folk, so if you’re left-handed, ensure you have enough space for your left-handed activities. Whether it’s elbow room for writing, space for your computer mouse, or an adjusted monitor placement, choose the setup and leave adequate space to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible.
How to Create a Left-Handed Desk Setup: 5 Top Tips
Carefully Consider the Placement of Your Equipment
When designing the best left-handed setup, you should keep your desk as neat as possible. Place your pen, stationery, notebook, and mouse on your left-hand side and your microphone, lamp, and other desk accessories on your right-hand side.
Put only the essential items on your left-hand side and place them strategically and comfortably. Keep things that you do not use daily stored away in a drawer or filing cabinet.
Design Your Desk Setup According to Your Style
When designing your left-handed workspace, remember that you will be spending a lot of time working in this space. Left-handed users should enjoy the space they work in to increase mood and productivity. Create your ideal setup by adding your favorite colors and equipment to your space. Add a personal touch to your left-handed desk setup to really make it your own.
Keep Ergonomics in Mind
Try to buy equipment and furniture that is ergonomic to avoid ergonomic issues. Certain furniture and equipment are designed to prevent muscle disorders and soft tissue injuries that repetitive actions may cause. An ergonomic chair, keyboard, mouse, and desk help left-handed workers sit in an ergonomic position and ensure comfort while working at a desk all day.
Ensure Your Left-Handed Workspace is Big Enough
Depending on what your online job entails, there may be particular equipment requirements. If you need to use a lot of equipment while you work, you need to set up your desk in a big enough space.
It is also essential to consider how much desk space you need. If you have very little equipment, you should opt for a traditional desk, but if you have a lot of equipment, then a curved or L-shaped desk would suit you better.
Purchase the Best Computer That Suits Your Job
Computers are not right- or left-hand specific, but it is an essential part of a desk setup. To create one of the best left-handed desk setups, you should find a computer suited to your job. When choosing a computer, consider processing power, screen size, screen quality, and storage space.
Regarding storage, you should look at the type of storage and its size. If you compare a hard disk drive (HDD) versus a solid-state drive (SDD), you will see that an SDD is slightly smaller but works much faster than an HDD. You can also build your own PC from scratch.
5 Things You Should Invest in When Designing Your Left-Handed Workspace
According to Statista, 13 percent of US citizens are left-handed, meaning most desk equipment is designed for right-handed people. If you want to spend your workday in comfort, you need to know the best technical and non-technical left-handed desk items. Below you’ll find everything you need to make a comfortable, functional, and productive left-handed workspace.
Technical Items to Consider
- Ambidextrous ergonomic mouse. There are many mouse options out there, and you can buy a personalized mouse that best fits your preference. Make sure the mouse is an ergonomic left-handed or ambidextrous mouse. You should also consider whether you prefer vertical mice or traditional mice and whether you want a wireless mouse.
- Ergonomic keyboard. Look for an ergonomic left-handed keyboard that has the numeric keypad on the left side. It will make typing more comfortable. You can also opt for a split keyboard or even a traditional keyboard without the numeric pad and buy an external keyboard with a detachable number pad to put it aside when you don’t need it.
- Computer or monitor. There are no computers or monitors designed explicitly for left-handed people. You will have to use your best judgment for this desk tool and buy a computer or monitor that you prefer. If you enjoy looking at a big screen, you should buy a monitor, but a laptop would work well.
- High-quality webcam. Webcams are not designed with handedness in mind, but a webcam is an essential desk tool if you are working at your desk setup and need to attend meetings on zoom or another video communication app.
- Headphones or a microphone. A good microphone is essential if you have to attend online meetings. If you decide to buy a standing microphone, you should place it on the right-hand side of our desk so that the left-hand side is not too cluttered. Most headsets have the microphone on the right side, but this shouldn’t matter because the sound will be clear on both sides.
Non-Technical Items to Consider
- Ergonomic chair. An ergonomic office chair is not specifically for left-handed or right-handed people. However, it is a wise investment because an ergonomic chair will provide a comfortable position to sit in, preventing any shoulder, neck, or back pain from sitting for extended periods.
- Office desk. When investing in a desk for your left-handed workspace, you should look for a left-handed L-shaped desk or a curved desk. An L-shaped or curved desk will give you more space and create the best left-handed desk setup.
- Desk lamp. A desk lamp is essential if you work in a dark room or during the evenings. A good desk lamp will prevent eye strain when looking at the computer. Make sure you place your light on the right side to ensure an organized workspace.
- Additional desk storage. If you use your desk setup to work, you will need storage space for paperwork and other work-related items you may need. You can purchase a file cabinet or a smaller file drawer. If you choose the file drawer, you can place it on the left-hand side under your desk.
- Indoor plants. According to a study by the Journal of Environmental Horticulture, having indoor plants increases productivity by 12 percent, significantly lowers stress levels, and promotes good mental well-being. This is not right-hand or left-hand specific, as it applies to everyone, but if you choose to keep indoor plants ensure you have enough space for your work.
Creating the Best Left-Handed Workspace
Making the best left-handed setup may seem like a daunting activity because most of the world is right-handed. Therefore, many products are for right-handed people. However, if you utilize the advice mentioned above, it should be a more simple process. In our list of left-handed technical and non-technical items that you should invest in, you will find ambidextrous mice, left-handed keyboards, and L-shaped desks.
Creating an enjoyable and comfortable left-handed workspace is worth it because you will enjoy spending your time working at your desk. As well, if you design your environment to fit your style, you will also enjoy your work and increase your productivity.
Best Desk Setup for Left-Handed People FAQ
No, there are no left-handed laptops available. Laptops come with two kinds of keyboards, either with a numeric keyboard on the right or no numeric keyboard. The best option is to purchase a laptop without a numeric pad. You can always buy a detachable one if need be. If you struggle to find a computer that suits you, you can build your own laptop from scratch.
The best height for your office desk depends on your personal height when seated at the desk. There shouldn’t be any strain on your neck, back, and shoulders, and you should be able to sit up straight. Your wrist should be comfortable and in a neutral position.
Yes, there are adjustable, left-handed standing desks, meaning you can use them as a traditional desk or adjust them to be standing desks. Many adjustable, left-handed standing desks are available on Amazon and at other stores.
According to the American Psychological Association, approximately nine to 18 percent of the world population are left-handed.
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