Hand exercises seem like something a person would only do AFTER they already suffer from chronic hand pain. Does anyone ever actually think to do this before using their computer?
Recently two of my coworkers are suffering from these issues, one even had to go to therapy and missed a couple weeks of work in total. Luckily he seems to be fine now, but he doesn't seem to have changed his habits..
I think spreading awareness helps and is something that senior developers should do for their juniors.
Ergonomics is something that seems like a mystery to almost everyone. People might pretend they have it figured because testing claims is so difficult. I have been at companies that cared about ergonomics and would buy split keyboards, standing desks and more if people requested them.
You can't expect other people to solve problems that most are barely aware of.
It's bewildering to me that it's not taken more seriously. Though I agree it's not expendability.
Edit to clarify.
You contradict yourself. I am software engineer. I have specialized in my field. The firm that employs me employs many experts across many fields. That they choose not to hire an ergonomics expert to provide us with an ergonomic workplace is a testament to their will, and priorities.
Should I cut my own hair, fix my own car, build my own house, sew my own clothes, and prescribe me own medicine?
If that doesn't work, then what? Do you want your problem solved or do you just want to be at a company that takes a shot in the dark? You can probably find a company that will do that for you, there are plenty out there.
If you want to actually solve your problem though, you are going to have to confront it yourself from as many angles as possible. The first step is realizing there is a lot of trial and error and that few people really know what they are talking about. I've seen 'ergonomics' experts before, they will say to sit up straight and look forward. They don't have deep knowledge built up from trial and error with a understanding of underlying principles, they just have a certificate that gets the company off the hook.
As for your clothes, if no one makes clothes that fit you, then yes, maybe you should learn to sew.
Absurd. And should I also grow food that's fit to eat, play the music that suits me, and provide my own shelter, as well?
We sacrifice our entire lives to these firms–studying for them, then working for them, all backed by the same few investors–and it's not too much to ask for clothes, shelter, food from the society they claim to serve.
You are in control of these situations. Feeling sorry for yourself and wasting energy being frustrated that a particular group of people don't value you is just wallowing in your own self pity instead of confronting your problems.
We also have an "ergonomicist" visit occasionally and check everyone has appropriate equipment, is using it correctly, and knows how to adjust it.
I do it on occasion and I never had hand problems but that's probably because I used to play classical guitar pretty seriously when I was younger and my teacher always made me do some exercises before. If I hadn't gotten in the habit I probably wouldn't.
That being said I don't recommend grip strength exercises using tools. It's too easy to overwork yourself that way.