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Remote work has transformed how Africans in the diaspora engage with their careers. But beneath the flexibility and convenience, your home office could be silently harming your health
For example, sitting for hours in a poorly designed chair can lead to spine misalignment, while excessive screen time without blue light protection may accelerate digital eye fatigue.
But here’s the solution: with purpose-built gadgets like ergonomic chairs, standing desks, under-desk treadmills, and noise-canceling headphones, you can reclaim your health and productivity.
These tools, when set up properly, don’t just improve your home office—they support a healthier, more balanced lifestyle tailored to your unique needs.

Why Your Home Office Needs These Gadgets
Research from Stanford University shows remote workers are 13% more productive, thanks to tailored environments that gadgets like these help create.
A 2022 survey by Tracking Happiness notes a 20% higher happiness level among remote workers, attributing this to flexibility and reduced stress from commuting.
More so, Dr. Jordan D. Metzl, M.D., highlights the importance of ergonomic setups to prevent muscle loss and pain associated with sedentary work.
With 20% of remote workers feeling lonely per Buffer’s report, gadgets that offer personal space or connect you to the outside world are crucial.
Additionally, the ‘Health in a Hurry‘ report underscores how not having to commute can lead to lower stress, blood pressure, and BMI, making these gadgets even more essential.
The Best Health Gadgets for Remote Workers
Here’s your detailed guide to the best health gadgets for remote workers home office:
1. The Ergonomic Office Chair
For the Minimalist:
Choose: A sleek, modern chair like the Autonomous ErgoChair 2. Adjustments are intuitive, with a clean look.
Setup Tips:
- Set the seat height so your feet are flat on the ground, aiming for a 90-degree knee angle.
- Adjust the lumbar support to align with your lower back’s curve.
- Ensure armrests support your elbows at a 90-degree angle when typing, keeping them parallel to the floor.
For the Gamer:
Choose: the Secretlab Omega Series for its gaming aesthetics and extensive adjustments.
Setup Tips:
- Use the memory foam headrest and adjust it for neck comfort during long sessions.
- Set the chair to recline slightly for those brainstorming moments, but keep it upright for focused work.
For Larger Body Sizes:
Choose: Steelcase Gesture, known for accommodating larger frames with its broad adjustability.
Setup Tips:
- Adjust the seat depth to support your thighs without pressing against the back of your knees.
- Use the armrest adjustments to cater to wider shoulders or longer arms for comfort.
2. The Standing Desks
For the Health-Conscious
Choose: Uplift V2 Standing Desk for its range of motions and programmable settings for sitting/standing intervals.
Setup Tips:
- Program the desk to remember your preferred heights for sitting and standing to transition seamlessly.
- Use a timer or app to remind you to switch positions every 30 minutes for health benefits.
For the Tech-Savvy
Choose: Fully Jarvis Standing Desk with its smart features like USB ports and cable management.
Setup Tips:
- Organize cables using the built-in management system to keep your workspace clutter-free.
- Utilize the digital controls to adjust the height at the touch of a button, perfect for tech integration.
For Small Spaces
Choose: Flexispot E7 for its compact design yet robust functionality.
Setup Tips:
- Ensure there’s enough legroom even when the desk is lowered; consider wall-mounted shelves for additional storage.
3. The Blue Light Glasses
For the Fashion-Forward
Choose: Felix Gray for their stylish frames that don’t sacrifice technology.
Setup Tips:
- Keep multiple pairs around your workspace to ensure you always have them on during screen time.
- Consider frames that match your style, making wearing them a fashion statement.
For Eyeglass Wearers
Choose: Gunnar Optiks for their prescription options, maintaining eye health without needing an additional pair.
Setup Tips:
- Ensure your prescription is up to date for optimal clarity and blue light protection.
- Clean lenses regularly to avoid eye strain caused by smudges or dirt.

4. The Under-Desk Treadmills
For the Multitasker
Choose: LifeSpan TR1200-DT3 for its quiet operation and ease of use while working.
Setup Tips:
- Set a comfortable, slow pace to start, gradually increasing as you adapt to walking while working.
- Use a desk that can accommodate standing height to switch between walking and standing.
For the Apartment Dweller:
Choose: Goplus 2-in-1 Walking Pad for its compact size and ability to be stored away.
Setup Tips:
- Ensure there’s clear space under your desk for the treadmill to move freely.
- Keep the treadmill on a rubber mat to reduce noise and protect the flooring.
5. The Noise-Canceling Headphones
For the Social Butterfly
Choose: Sony WH-1000XM4, which allows you to adjust how much of the world you want to hear.
Setup Tips:
- Use the ambient sound mode to stay connected with your environment when needed, like during video calls.
- Adjust noise cancellation levels based on your need for focus or social interaction.
For the Deep Thinker
Choose: Bose QuietComfort 35 II for its exceptional noise cancellation, perfect for deep work sessions.
Setup Tips:
- Find the right ear cushion size for a snug fit to maximize noise cancellation.
- Keep the headphones charged, as deep work might mean you’re plugged in for hours.
In Conclusion
For Africans in the diaspora embracing remote work, these gadgets aren’t just tools; they’re part of your health strategy.
By choosing based on your personality, body size, and lifestyle, you’re not just setting up a workspace but creating an environment that respects your heritage, supports your health, and enhances your productivity.
Remember, remote work should not just be about where you work from but how you work, fostering a lifestyle that’s both culturally rich and health-conscious.