Let’s be blunt: if you’re not taking ergonomics seriously, you’re not taking your people seriously. In 2025, with hybrid work the norm and employee wellbeing at the top of every HR agenda, ignoring ergonomics is not just old-fashioned, it’s a risk to your business, your reputation, and your bottom line.
The Hidden Epidemic - Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the silent saboteurs of the modern workplace. Back pain, neck strain, repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), these aren’t just minor aches and pains. They’re the leading cause of lost working days in the UK, costing businesses billions every year in absence, presenteeism (when employees are at work but not fully productive due to pain or discomfort), and lost productivity. According to the Health and Safety Executive, over 470,000 workers suffered from work-related MSDs in 2023, resulting in 6.6 million lost working days. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a wake-up call.
And here’s the kicker: most of these injuries are preventable. The right chair, the right desk, the right screen height, these aren’t luxuries. They’re necessities.
Why Should HR Care?
Because your people are your business. If they’re in pain, distracted, or disengaged, your business suffers. It’s that simple. Ergonomics isn’t just about ticking a compliance box for DSE regulations (though, let’s be clear, in the UK and Ireland, it is a legal requirement). It’s about creating a culture where people feel valued, supported, and able to do their best work.
Think about it: would you expect your team to run a marathon in ill-fitting shoes? Of course not. So why expect them to spend eight hours a day in a chair that doesn’t fit, at a desk that’s too high, staring at a screen that’s too low? The result is much the same: pain, fatigue, and, eventually, injury.
The Business Case - Productivity, Retention, and Reputation
Let’s talk numbers. Studies show that well-designed ergonomic interventions can boost productivity by up to 25%. That’s not a typo. When people are comfortable, they focus better, make fewer mistakes, and get more done. They’re also less likely to take sick days or leave your organisation for one that takes their wellbeing seriously.
And in a world where employer brand matters more than ever, being known as a company that invests in its people’s health is a powerful differentiator. It’s not just about attracting talent, it’s about keeping it.
What Does Good Ergonomics Look Like?
It’s not just about buying fancy chairs (though a good chair is a great start). It’s about creating a workspace that fits the person, not the other way around. That means:
- Adjustable chairs that support the lower back and allow feet to rest flat on the floor.
- Desks at the right height to keep wrists straight and shoulders relaxed.
- Monitors positioned so the top of the screen is at or just below eye level, no more craning necks.
- Keyboards and mice that keep hands in a neutral position, reducing strain.
- Lighting that reduces glare and eye strain.
- Encouraging movement, sit-stand desks, walking meetings, regular breaks.
And crucially, it means assessing each individual’s needs. One size does not fit all. That’s where digital self-assessment tools come in, making it easy for every employee to get personalised recommendations, whether they’re in the office or working from home.
Compliance is More Than a Tick-Box
In the UK, the law is clear. The Display Screen Equipment (DSE) regulations require employers to assess and reduce risks for anyone who uses screens as a significant part of their work. That means proper workstation assessments, acting on issues, and keeping records. But let’s be honest: too many organisations treat this as a tick-box exercise. That’s not just lazy, it’s outright dangerous.
The Health and Safety Authority in Ireland goes even further, stating that it’s not enough to simply let employees self-assess with software; employers have a duty to carry out a proper risk assessment. And if you’re not doing this, you’re not just risking fines, you’re risking your people’s health.
The Hybrid Challenge
With more people working remotely, the risks haven’t gone away, they’ve multiplied. Kitchen tables, sofas, coffee tables, these are not workstations. HR needs to step up and ensure that every employee, wherever they work, has access to the right equipment and support. That means extending ergonomic assessments and solutions to home offices, not just the corporate HQ.
Sustainability: The New Frontier
Ergonomics isn’t just about people, it’s about the planet. The best ergonomic products are now designed with sustainability in mind. Take Humanscale's Liberty Ocean chair, made from reclaimed fishing nets and ocean plastics. Choosing sustainable products isn’t just good for the environment, it’s good for your ESG credentials and your employer brand.
What Should HR Do Next?
- Audit your current setup. Are you meeting your legal obligations? Are your people comfortable and supported?
- Invest in quality ergonomic products. Don’t cut corners, your people (and your productivity) are worth it.
- Use digital assessment tools. Make it easy for everyone to get the support they need, wherever they work.
- Train your team. Make sure everyone knows how to adjust their workstation and why it matters.
- Promote movement. Encourage regular breaks, standing meetings, and a culture that values wellbeing.
The Bottom Line
Ergonomics isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s a must-have. It’s about compliance, yes, but it’s also about care, culture, and competitive advantage. In a world where talent is scarce and wellbeing is everything, can you really afford to ignore it?
How Future of the Office Can Help
At Future of the Office, we know that real change takes more than just good intentions—it takes expert support, the right tools, and a commitment to ongoing wellbeing. Here’s how we help HR leaders transform workplace ergonomics, boost productivity, and protect your people:
Onsite Ergonomic Assessments
Our certified ergonomists visit your workplace to conduct thorough, in-person workstation assessments. We look at every detail: chair height, desk setup, monitor position, lighting, and more. Each employee receives tailored recommendations to reduce risk and maximise comfort, helping you meet your DSE obligations and support staff wellbeing.
ErgoIQ™: Digital Self-Assessment, Powered by Humanscale
We offer the cloud-based ErgoIQ™ platform from Humanscale, making ergonomic assessment accessible to everyone. In just 10 minutes, employees complete an adaptive, illustrated questionnaire that teaches healthy posture and setup as they go. The system instantly generates personalised recommendations and flags high-risk issues for follow-up. For HR, ErgoIQ™ provides real-time dashboards, risk profiles, and a full compliance audit trail; no more paperwork headaches, just clear, actionable insights.
Humanscale Ergonomic Furniture - Delivered Internationally
We supply and install Humanscale’s award-winning ergonomic furniture and accessories in all our core markets and beyond. From the Liberty Ocean chair (crafted from reclaimed ocean plastics) to sit-stand desks, monitor arms, and more, every product is designed for comfort, adjustability, and sustainability. We handle everything: delivery, installation, and, if required, a personal ‘fit session’ to ensure every setup is just right.
Training: Empowering Your People
Equipment is only as effective as the people using it. That’s why we offer practical, engaging training, onsite or online, on how to adjust and use ergonomic furniture, set up workstations, and build healthy work habits. We empower your team to take control of their own wellbeing, reducing risk and boosting engagement.
Ongoing Support
Workplaces and needs change. We’re here for follow-up advice, adjustments, and future assessments, so your workspace keeps working for you, no matter where your people are.
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Ready to take workplace wellbeing to the next level?
At Future of the Office, we help HR leaders create healthier, more productive workspaces, at home and in the office. From DSE assessments and digital self-assessment tools to sustainable ergonomic furniture and expert advice, we’re your partner in building a better workplace.
Contact us today to book a discovery call and find out how we can help your team thrive.