Optimizing the Office Experience: The Top 5 Hacks for Left-Handed Professionals

by Marisa Kenyon

Picture this: You enter a room and instinctively reach for the doorknob to open the door. As you do, you expect to find the light switch conveniently placed on the right side, just like it is for about 90% of the population. Being right-handed has its advantages, subtly woven into our daily lives, often going unnoticed until they are absent.

But what about the remaining 800 million people on this planet? Left-handed individuals find themselves in a world designed primarily for the right-handed majority. Sure, you can scout specialty stores for left-handed spatulas and other tools, but what truly deserves your investment?

Photo Courtesy of @TheSimpsons (Twitter)

HACK 1: SCISSORS

Right-handed scissors have a specific cutting edge on each blade that allows for efficient cutting when held in the right hand. However, when a left-handed person attempts to use these scissors, the cutting edge on the top blade gets pushed away from the paper being cut, resulting in an uneven cut at best and crumpled paper at worst.

If no left-handed or ambidextrous scissors are available, cut the paper in a counterclockwise direction so that the top blade is not obscuring where you want to cut. Make sure to only rotate the paper so as to keep your hand in this optimal position.

HACK 2: PENS

Writing from left to right as we do in English can cause your hand to drag across whatever you’ve just written, often smearing and smudging the ink. Keeping the side of your hand clean is a constant battle for lefties brave enough to use a pen.

To mitigate this (and not resort to a pencil!), choose a pen with quick-drying ink or one with a finer point size so that less ink is dispensed with each stroke. You can also spin the paper slightly clockwise so that your hand stays below, rather than on top of, any undried ink.

HACK 3: NOTEBOOKS

Trying to write with your left hand in a spiral notebook is an uncomfortable experience, as the metal coil digs into your wrist and hand at the start of every line. This position often leads to cramped writing and a sore hand.

If you find yourself stuck with a spiral-bound notebook, flip it over and start writing from the back so that the coil stays predominantly on the right-hand side throughout. Otherwise, try a classic notepad that is bound at the top or write on loose-leaf paper that can be stored and organized in a binder.

HACK 4: COMPUTER MICE

Most computer mice are designed to be held in the right hand, not only in grip but also in button placement. Even most software prioritizes the right-handed experience, making things even less intuitive for the left-handed user.

Thankfully, symmetrical computer mice are easy to find. Left-handed mice do exist, but typically are only worth the splurge if you spend the majority of your day in front of a computer. You can also change your mouse’s ‘primary’ button from the normal computer settings to make it feel more natural.

              For Windows 11, go to Settings -> Bluetooth & Devices -> Mouse, and change               the Primary mouse button from Left to Right.

              For Mac, go to System preferences -> Mouse, and change the Primary mouse               button from Left to Right. 

HACK 5: COMPUTER KEYBOARDS

One of the significant advantages of having a number pad on the side of your keyboard is the ease and speed of inputting numbers compared to hunting and pecking at the top row. Unfortunately, this advantage diminishes significantly for left-handed individuals who are forced to use their non-dominant hand or forced to reach awkwardly over the keyboard.

Left-handed keyboards - much like their mouse equivalents - are often too pricey to be practical, particularly for shared office spaces. However, a viable alternative is to use external numeric keypads which plug into a USB slot and can then be placed wherever is most comfortable for each user.

While the world may cater predominantly to the right-handed, there are plenty of strategies and alternatives available to level the playing field for lefties. It's important to remember that achieving efficiency and productivity as a southpaw doesn't necessarily require breaking the bank. Simple solutions, such as angling your hand or adjusting computer settings, can significantly improve the user experience. However, it may be worth discussing with your employer the potential benefits of investing in some left-hand specific items to enhance productivity and create a more inclusive work environment. By exploring these options and advocating for your needs, you can thrive as a left-handed individual in a right-handed world.