Like so many things, it really depends on what you’re doing. I’ve worked a lot of different jobs, and some absolutely require a numpad and some I’ve never touched it. What people really need is programmable keyboards. If you need a numpad you don’t have to even move your hands if you program it right. Same with function keys. It’s better for you long term. So I’d actually suggest a smaller but programmable keyboard for everyone, even if they don’t use the numpad, plenty of great features on these keyboards.
Like so many things, it really depends on what you’re doing. I’ve worked a lot of different jobs, and some absolutely require a numpad and some I’ve never touched it. What people really need is programmable keyboards. If you need a numpad you don’t have to even move your hands if you program it right. Same with function keys. It’s better for you long term. So I’d actually suggest a smaller but programmable keyboard for everyone, even if they don’t use the numpad, plenty of great features on these keyboards.