Looking to create a more comfortable ergonomic workstation, but not sure where to start?
In this guide, we’ll break down what “office ergonomics” means and walk you through everything you need to design a workstation that supports your posture, reduces strain, and boosts comfort and productivity.
What is Office Ergonomics?
Office ergonomics is all about designing your workstation to enhance comfort, productivity, and efficiency. In other words, it’s the art and science of creating a workspace that supports both your well-being and your performance by adapting your environment to your individual needs. A well-designed ergonomic workstation helps reduce fatigue, prevent aches and injuries, and improve focus, while maximizing comfort and output.
Research shows that proper workplace ergonomics can reduce musculoskeletal strain, improve posture, and boost productivity.
The benefits are many: an ergonomic workstation enables you to naturally adopt a more dynamic posture, reduce back pain and muscle tension, and enhance productivity by making work more comfortable and enjoyable.
Furniture for an Ergonomic Workstation
To set up your ergonomic workstation, you’ll need to choose the right furniture and accessories. Here are the key pieces of furniture to include:
Ergonomic Chairs
Research shows that chairs designed to adapt to the user’s body can significantly reduce strain and improve overall well-being. By supporting natural posture and encouraging proper spinal alignment, these chairs help prevent fatigue, discomfort, and long-term musculoskeletal issues that can arise from prolonged sitting.
One effective approach is active seating. Chairs that promote active seating encourage small, natural movements throughout the day, keeping you engaged while supporting your back and maintaining good posture. This dynamic support helps reduce lower back pain and promotes overall comfort and energy.
If you’re interested in active seating, we recommend the Bloon Active Seat. It supports your back naturally, promotes good posture, and adapts to your body to reduce lower back pain and fatigue.
Sit-Stand Desks
These desks allow you to alternate between sitting and standing throughout your day, helping reduce the effects of sedentary behavior on your health. There are several types of sit-stand desks available: electric, manual, and pneumatic.
In the U.S., sit-stand (height-adjustable) desks are increasingly recognized as a key part of ergonomic office design.
For more information about the benefits of sit-stand desks and how to choose the one that fits your needs, check out our article: Working Standing at Your Desk.
Monitor Stands
Monitor stands let you position your screen at the right height and distance to reduce eye strain and improve posture.
By investing in ergonomic furniture, you can set up your workstation efficiently and comfortably. For more help on arranging your workstation, see our article: Ergonomic Workstation—How to Set Up Your Desk.
Ergonomic Office Accessories
Ergonomic Mouse & Keyboard
Ergonomic mice and keyboards help reduce strain on your hands and wrists.
Ergonomic mice provide a comfortable, natural grip that helps prevent pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
Ergonomic keyboards are designed to let you type in a more natural and comfortable position. They often feature tilt, split, or compact layouts to reduce unnecessary wrist and hand movement, thereby minimizing strain and fatigue.
Mouse Pad with Wrist Rest
A mouse pad with a wrist rest pairs a wrist support cushion with a smooth surface for the mouse. This helps keep your wrist in a neutral, comfortable position, reducing the risk of pain and tension. These mouse pads are handy for heavy mouse users who want to avoid discomfort associated with poor posture.
Footrest
An ergonomic footrest provides extra support for your feet and helps you naturally improve your posture and relieve pressure on your thighs and legs. A height-adjustable footrest can help reduce fatigue and ease circulation stress by allowing you to shift positions regularly.
Desk Lamp
To reduce eye strain and improve focus, it’s essential to choose a good desk light for your ergonomic workstation. Ergonomic desk lamps offer balanced lighting without glare.
We recommend choosing a lamp with adjustable brightness and angles so you can tailor the lighting to your needs.
Alongside ergonomic furniture, these accessories can improve your comfort and productivity by helping you maintain a healthy posture.
Our Recommendations for Creating An Ergonomic Workstation
- Start by adding an active ergonomic seat to your workstation. The Bloon® Active Seat offers multiple health benefits and matches any office style.
- Next, choose a sit-stand desk that suits your needs. We recommend an electric desk that you can raise and lower easily.
- Then, select the right accessories: a monitor stand to position your screen at eye level, an ergonomic keyboard and mouse to reduce the risk of wrist strain and tendinitis, and optionally a mouse pad with a wrist rest. Your keyboard and mouse should be positioned so that your elbows remain close to your body and your wrists stay straight while typing or using the mouse.
- Finally, include a good lighting source to reduce eye fatigue.
- Take regular breaks and incorporate subtle movement exercises throughout your office routine.
FAQ: All You Need to Know About Ergonomic Office Furniture & Accessories
Why Is Ergonomics Important for a Workstation?
Adopting an ergonomic workstation is essential for your health: it helps prevent discomfort and injuries caused by poor posture or prolonged sitting. An ergonomic setup reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and increases productivity.
What Are the Benefits of an Ergonomic Chair?
An ergonomic chair offers multiple benefits. It provides good lumbar support and helps maintain proper posture. Adjustable features, such as seat height and depth, ensure the chair fits your body perfectly. For optimal results, choose a chair that encourages dynamic seating, allowing small, natural movements throughout the day to keep your muscles engaged and reduce fatigue while you work.
How Do I Choose a Sit-Stand Desk That Fits My Needs?
When choosing the right sit-stand desk, consider key criteria like the height-adjustment range (to ensure it fits your body), the mechanism (electric or pneumatic, easier than manual), and stability. Consider a hybrid desk if you expect mixed usage.
How Do I Position My Screen for Ergonomic Posture?
Your screen should be placed at eye level (or slightly below) so that you can maintain a neutral head position. Position it about an arm’s length away from your face to avoid leaning forward and straining your neck.
What’s the Difference Between an Ergonomic Keyboard and a Standard One?
An ergonomic keyboard reduces tension on wrists and arms. It might be split, curved, or have an integrated wrist rest, so your hands and wrists can assume a more natural position. A standard keyboard is flat and may force the wrists to bend, increasing the risk of discomfort over time.
Why Should I Use a Mouse Pad with a Wrist Rest?
A mouse pad with a wrist rest helps maintain your wrist in a neutral position while you work. This can prevent discomfort and lower the risk of repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.
What’s the Use of a Footrest in an Office Environment?
A footrest can help improve your posture and align your spine correctly. If you cannot adjust your chair height so that your feet rest flat on the floor, a footrest can be very beneficial.
How Can I Optimize My Desk Lighting to Avoid Eye Fatigue?
To avoid eye fatigue, use a desk lamp that offers uniform, non-glare light. Make sure there’s no reflection on your screen. Maximize natural light where possible and choose adjustable task lighting to adapt to different tasks.
Which Ergonomic Accessories Are Most Important for Reducing Fatigue at Work?
The most important ergonomic accessories to relieve fatigue are:
- an ergonomic chair
- a sit-stand desk
- an ergonomic keyboard and mouse
Additional important items include:
- a monitor stand
- a footrest
Is the Investment in Ergonomic Furniture Worth It?
Yes, investing in ergonomic furniture is worth it. Good ergonomic furniture can prevent chronic pain, improve posture, and increase productivity. Studies show that ergonomic interventions reduce musculoskeletal pain and absenteeism and improve productivity.
