I recently began to wonder what the office of the future will look like in terms of helping companies be more productive and their employees feel more comfortable. Here are a number of trends that I see taking place with my thoughts on some of them. Let me know what you think!

PC, laptop and docking station

Smaller CPUs or laptops will create more space in the workspace and create a more visually appealing look. Flat panels will add to this look and create more desk space to reduce glare.

The extra space on the desk and under the work surface equals a clearer mind. A clearer mind is sharper, more creative and innovative.

Computer users will find it much easier to focus if the monitor screen backgrounds are yellow with blue writing. It has something to do with the cones and rods of the eyes. Go ahead, get out your marker and test it on paper! Is any computer monitor manufacturer reading this?

I see that many more people use card readers that slide on their keyboard, which will allow them to work from a computer on the other side of the world and still be able to see their desktop. This is being implemented in many Fortune 500 companies because they have seen how beneficial it is for frequent business travelers.

The chosen computer will be a laptop and you will work comfortably with a flat screen monitor, an ergo mouse, and a keyboard.

For those who use the laptop on the road, I see accessories that will allow the computer user to work more comfortably … ergonomic mouse, ergonomic keyboard and travel “table”.

People will learn the importance of not using the laptop in the exact way it is used now. I see an ergonomically designed laptop on the market that adjusts to fit every computer user.

Some of these adjustments include screen height and eye distance, a built-in ergonomic keyboard that pops out and adjusts to the width of each person’s shoulders, and a screen brightness button that works in many types of lighting for reduce glare.

Keyboards and mice

I see that most people use ergonomic keyboards and mice. They will no longer just settle for traditional manufacturers’ flat keyboards. They will demand more comfort and adjustable keyboards that adapt to your body. Ergonomics will be much more understood and accepted (if I have something to say about it!).

There will be ergonomic keyboards designed with mice built into the front and center to make it easy and comfortable to use. No need to touch the mouse to the left or right anymore.

In addition, there will be lightweight, folding ergonomic keyboards designed for laptops for those who have not yet purchased their ergonomic laptop.

The more adjustable the keyboard, the easier it can be adjusted to fit the person’s shoulder width and build to keep their body working in a natural posture.

Break reminders

I see keyboards that play the music of your choice to gently remind you to rest your hands and body after you’ve typed a certain number of characters or for a specific period of time.

Your mouse will also “sing” for you to rest! A bell will sound or a screen will appear after the mouse has been clicked a predetermined number of times or traveled a certain distance. It will also detect how long you have been using the mouse no matter what you are doing with it and tell you to rest.

Who would have seen this a few years ago? This is so important because when the body rests, the mind also rests, giving it more capacity to create, produce and increase profitability.

Stretch and rest software will be more acceptable in the workplace as a way of reminding workers to take a break from work and rest and stretch. You can follow along with the software and complete specially selected stretches for your aches and pains.

There will be free or paid versions and it will become a standard type of software in the workplace and at home. It will also contain ergonomic information to help people understand what might be causing their pain.

In Part 2 we’ll talk about … Phones, monitors, desks and filing systems … See you there! .. Wendy