ERGO IN THE WORKPLACE
5
GOOD ERGONOMICS IN THE WORKPLACE: A BEST PRACTICE FOR THE NEW YEAR
A s an office manager, I spend a lot of time thinking about two things that are deeply connected: productivity and employee happiness. As we step into a new year, it’s the perfect moment to revisit best practices that support both - and at the top of my list is workplace ergonomics. Whether our teams are working from home, in the office, or in a hybrid setup, good ergonomics is no longer a “nice to have.” It’s a fundamental part of how we do our jobs well. Ergonomics is about designing
We can’t assume that everyone has a perfect home office, especially if they transitioned quickly in recent years. Best practice now includes providing guidance, checklists, and where possible, stipends or equipment to help employees create ergonomic home setups. Something as simple as encouraging the use of an external monitor or a proper chair instead of a kitchen stool can make a meaningful difference. Ergonomics also goes beyond furniture.
Encouraging healthy work habits is just as important. In the new year, I’m emphasizing regular movement, screen breaks, and realistic workloads. Standing meetings, stretch reminders, and a culture that respects breaks all reinforce the message that we value long-term wellbeing, not just short-term output. Employees who feel cared for are more engaged - and engagement is one of the strongest drivers of productivity.
“ERGONOMICS IS ABOUT DESIGNING WORKSPACES THAT FIT THE PEOPLE USING THEM, NOT FORCING PEOPLE
workspaces that fit the people using them, not forcing people to adapt to poorly designed setups. When employees are uncomfortable—straining their necks, hunching over laptops, or sitting for hours without proper support - it shows up
TO ADAPT TO POORLY DESIGNED SETUPS”
quickly. We see it in reduced focus, more frequent breaks, increased sick days, and eventually in burnout. On the flip side, when people are physically comfortable, they have more energy to engage, collaborate, and produce high-quality work. In the new year, best practice means being intentional. For office-based employees, this starts with the basics: adjustable chairs that support the lower back, desks at the correct height, monitors positioned at eye level, and keyboards and mice that reduce wrist strain. These aren’t luxury items; they’re productivity tools. A well-set-up workstation helps prevent common issues like back pain, eye strain, and repetitive stress injuries, all of which quietly chip away at performance. For remote and hybrid workers, the responsibility is shared.
From a management perspective, investing in ergonomics sends a clear signal: we expect people to do great work, and we’re committed to giving them the tools to do it comfortably and safely. It reduces preventable injuries, supports mental focus, and shows employees that their health matters. That, in turn, builds trust and loyalty. As we set goals and priorities for the year ahead, good ergonomics should be part of the conversation. It’s practical, it’s proactive, and it aligns perfectly with modern best practice. A comfortable employee is a focused employee - and a focused employee is a productive, happy one.
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