Flexi-working is now a way of life for many of us, with millions used to shuttling between a bricks-and-mortar office and the corner of your home designated for working from home.
While the bonafide office has rules and regulations in place to protect workers’ health - proper desks and supportive chairs - you’re on your own when it comes to fine-tuning your home office.
If you’re a student, freelancer or live in a smaller house, you may use a laptop to work. They’re a popular choice, packing in the power of a desktop computer into a gadget the size of a backpack – but if you’re not careful, prolonged use can lead to a host of back and muscular issues over time.
So what can you do to ensure regular working on your laptop doesn’t end up putting your health at risk?
Why is it important to use a laptop stand?
Jan Vickery, Head of Musculoskeletal Health at AXA PPP healthcare, says laptops can be awkward to use because the keyboard and screen are often joined together, forcing your head, spine and hands into awkward positions.
She says: "the best solution is to elevate your screen (on a laptop raiser if possible) and to use an external keyboard and mouse.
Start by sitting with your knees at about hip level or a little lower. Next, place your keyboard so that your wrists are at about elbow level when they are relaxed by your side.
Finally, raise your screen so that the top of the screen is at about eye level. This allows your neck and spine to be upright (in a gentle s-shape, with the lower spine slightly arched)."
It is advice in line with the NHS, who also advises using laptops “on a stable base where there is support for your arms.” Ironically, laptops shouldn’t really be used on your lap at all.
Good workplace exercises
Feeling achy or stiff? There are exercises you can do while seated to keep yourself flexible. Vickery says: “Stretches that are good include arching your back, moving your neck gently from side to side, pulling your wrist backwards. Be gentle and hold for 30 seconds.”
Ultimately standing up and moving around is the best way to keep your muscles moving, blood flowing and step count at a respectable level: “Try to build reasons to move into your day e.g. drink lots of water, stand if you’re talking on the phone (but not while using your screen!) etc”.
Aside from upping your physical activity, setting up a workstation is crucial, no matter where you’re using your laptop. To keep your head at the correct angle, invest in a wireless keyboard and mouse which will liberate you from the laptop - and then get yourself a laptop stand. This will prop up the screen so it’s at eye-level, rather than forcing your head into a downward tilt.
From adjustable legs to sleek, modern designs, here are the best laptop stands to buy now.
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NEXSTAND K2 Laptop Stand
A fabulously designed product for those who are always on the go, this lightweight and compact stand folds down into a carry pouch for easy portability. It also has a minimalistic look that will blend into most workspaces, making it ideal for freelancers and contractors. Your laptop will rest on two arms which are fully adjustable so it will work for people of all heights, with a maximum length that tops out at 32cm.
With eight different height adjustments options, the K2 laptop stand can extend within a range of 15cm to 30cm off the desk.
The K2 fits all laptops with a front edge less than 2cm and keyboard width greater than 27.5cm.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
Posture Laptop Stand
Holding an incredible 50kg, this is one of the sturdiest laptop stands around. Its unique legs adjust easily so you have the flexibility to work from practically anywhere in total comfort.
It’s also ideal to use as a monitor stand and can convert your desk into a standing work station should you wish to stay on your feet.
Available in a choice of three colours.
Buy now £69.99, Back Pain Help
NULAXY Laptop Stand
Compatible with all laptop models and sizes from 10-17 inches, this ultra-light stand is made from premium 5mm aluminium alloy yet can support an impressive 4kg.
Rubber pads fixed to the arms will stop your laptop slipping and sliding while the forward tilt angle encourages air flow to keep your device from overheating. Also available in silver.
Buy now £21.99, Amazon
Vonhaus Bamboo Laptop Desk
This portable table packs clever design into a small package, with a small drawer to keep notes and essentials safe and a tiltable surface to prop your laptop up at the right level. The adjustable legs fold inwards too, meaning that the entire design can be flattened and taken with you when you’re remote working. There’s even just enough space for a cuppa.
For optimum safeguarding of back health, we suggest pairing this unit with a wireless keyboard and mouse.
Buy now £24.99, Vonhaus
Eco-Friendly Laptop Stand
Bamboo is one of the most lightweight and sustainable materials on the planet, so it makes sense to use as much of it in replacement of plastics where possible.
This stand boasts an ergonomic design that elevates the laptop a few inches - so ideally, this should be used on a flat surface like a table or desk. The open base helps to keep your laptop cool and the two freestanding legs mean you can use this to stabilise a device of any size. It’s a home office essential.
Buy now £24.99, Amazon
J JACKCUBE DESIGN Wood Laptop
Why choose between a laptop stand and a desk organiser when this handy design can do both? With side racks for post and important papers, the stand rises your device by 18cm which should mean it’s comfortably at eye level. A great way to improve your back health while you’re working as well as keeping your desk as neat as a pin.
Buy now £12.90, Amazon
Zipcode Design Crosson Monitor Stand
One for your home office desk, this unit props up your laptop by 14cm, which means it should be resting comfortably at eye level. The design packs in one shelf, ideal for storing away important papers and stationery, helping to keep your workspace neat and tidy.
Buy now £35.99, Wayfair
SIGFINN laptop stand
This minimal-look stand has a classically Scandinavian aesthetic thanks to its clean, sleek lines and glossy veneer. It’s perfect for giving your laptop an extra boost of height when you’re already seated at a table or desk.
Also available in white.
Buy now £22.00, IKEA
John Lewis Calia Sofa Side Table, Oak
Back and neck pain expert Michael Fatica of The Mayfair Clinic says laptops should never be used “in bed, on the sofa or any seat where you’re using the laptop on your lap.”
While we know we shouldn’t use them in settings where there are no adequate supports, we must also acknowledge that old habits die hard.
So, if you’re going to do it, invest in John Lewis’ contemporary side table to get your device up to eye-level. The metal and wood design is ideal for tight spaces and it can be used by the sofa as well as the bedside. Available in oak and chestnut.
Buy now £159.00, John Lewis
Futon Company Wood Laptop Table with Drawer
If you’re short on living space, you need one of these Laptop Desks, pronto.
Available in an array of calming, zen-like colours, you can use it as a setting for your laptop as well as a makeshift floor desk for children. Made with MDF and bamboo legs.
Buy now £25.00, Futon Company
Verdict
Easy to setup and quick to fold away, the NEXSTAND K2 laptop stand will fit a wide range of laptops and can support up to 9kg, which is six times the weight of a traditional laptop or MacBook.
