Document Holders and Writing Slopes: Read And Write With Reduced Strain
When working with paperwork at a desk, it's easy to overlook where documents are positioned. We often place paperwork flat on the desk beside the keyboard and monitor, then repeatedly look down to read, reference or write on it. However, viewing paperwork flat on the desk means looking downwards, which can encourage a curved posture through the back and a tilted position of the neck. Over time, this can contribute to strain in the neck, shoulders and back.
Document holders and writing slopes offer a simple alternative. By raising and angling paperwork towards you, they can help bring documents into a more comfortable viewing position and reduce the need to repeatedly look down. While document holders and writing slopes serve a similar purpose, there are some important differences between the two.
Document Holders
A document holder is essentially similar to a clipboard, but instead of holding paperwork flat, it positions the document at an angle. This makes it easier to read and refer to paperwork without repeatedly looking down at the desk. A document holder can be particularly useful when copying information from a document, following instructions or referring to paperwork while working on a computer.
They are usually positioned to one side of the monitor, allowing the user to look between the screen and the document without having to make a significant change in head or neck position. The angle of the document holder can vary between designs. Some have a fixed angle, while others can be adjusted to suit the individual user.
Our recommended documents holders include U Turn Eco Document Holder, Fellowes Workstation Document Holder and Q-Doc 400 Document Holder.
Writing Slopes
Writing slopes take the idea of an angled document holder a step further. As well as holding paperwork at an angle for easier viewing, they provide a surface that you can write directly on. This makes them particularly useful when your work involves regularly switching between reading and writing. Rather than moving paperwork between the desk and a separate document holder, the document can remain on the writing slope while you work.
Writing slopes are usually positioned between the keyboard and monitor, placing the document directly in front of the user. Some writing slopes have a fixed position, while others incorporate a sliding design. With a sliding writing slope, the angled platform can be brought closer to the user when writing, then moved back towards the monitor when the keyboard or screen needs to be used. This can make the writing slope particularly versatile for tasks that involve frequent interaction with both paperwork and a computer.
Our recommend writing slopes include Flexdesk 630N Document Holder & Writing Slope, Flexdesk 640 Document Holder & Writing Slope, U Slope Pro Document Holder and Writing Slope and Clear Slope Pro Document Holder & Writing Slope.
Conclusions
Document holders and writing slopes offer a simple way to position paperwork more comfortably while working at a desk. Document holders are ideal for reading and referencing documents and are typically positioned beside the monitor, while writing slopes are designed for both reading and writing and are usually placed between the keyboard and monitor.
Whichever you choose, positioning paperwork at a comfortable angle and within easy reach can help reduce unnecessary bending of the neck and rounding of the back. Ultimately, the aim is to bring the paperwork towards you, rather than forcing your body to move towards it, creating a more comfortable and efficient workstation.
If you're unsure which solution is right for you, don’t hesitate to Contact Us so that we can recommend a document holder or writing slope that meets your requirements.
