Office ergonomics: improving productivity with the right seating

Office ergonomics, by definition, is directly proportional to the quality of work, health and productivity of employees. The integration of ergonomic office chairs, height-adjustable desks and accessories designed to ensure correct posture reduces physical discomfort, frustration and possible absenteeism.

A study conducted by the Texas A&M University School of Public Health, published in IISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors, analysed the impact of sit-stand desks in the office environment by monitoring computer work in real time. By alternating between sitting and standing for approximately 47 minutes per day, participants recorded an average productivity increase of 6.5%, highlighting the benefits of an ergonomically flexible workstation.

To fully understand the value of an ergonomic space, it is useful to clarify what ergonomics means and why it is central to the development of workstations.

According to the International Ergonomics Association, ergonomics is the discipline that analyses the interactions between individuals, tools and the environment, applying scientific principles to optimise user well-being and overall system performance.

When introduced into the workplace, it translates into a design approach aimed at making the interaction between individuals, equipment and the environment as functional and sustainable as possible, ensuring optimal working conditions and improving productivity.

In an ergonomic workplace, every component – from the workstation to the ergonomic mouse, from the height-adjustable desk to the screen layout – promotes correct posture in order to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and contribute to the well-being of staff.

Integrating ergonomic practices into the workplace does not just mean equipping it with adjustable furniture or ergonomic office furniture, but adopting a vision that considers productivity, health and safety at work as interdependent objectives.

Let's take a closer look at the benefits of an ergonomic workplace.

An ergonomic approach to the workplace brings concrete and measurable benefits for both employees and employers: using adjustable equipment and designing the environment according to ergonomic criteria reduces the risks associated with poor posture, such as back pain and lower back pain, maximising comfort and performance.

The main benefits of ergonomics in the workplace include:

• Improved employee productivity through greater efficiency in the way work is carried out;
• Employee well-being, with reduced absenteeism and musculoskeletal disorders;
• Promotion of correct posture through lumbar support and spinal alignment;
• Enhancement of the working environment, with a consistent ergonomic design.

These effects translate into a safer, more comfortable and productive environment, for a positive approach to the workplace.

For a comfortable workstation, it is necessary to consider the interaction between the body, equipment and environment in a coordinated manner.

The aim is to allow the worker to adopt a natural posture, move easily from a sitting to a standing position, and maintain the correct alignment between the screen, spine and palms of the hands.

Let's now look at the key components that determine the effectiveness of a workstation from an ergonomic point of view, with practical tips on how to optimise every aspect of the working environment.

Effective workstation organisation is the basis of functional and sustainable ergonomics.

The goal is to ensure optimal working conditions, avoiding forced movements, muscle tension and postural misalignments. For this reason, each workstation must be adapted to the physical characteristics of the user and the type of activity performed.

Here are some basic guidelines:

• The desk must be height-adjustable to allow the elbows, palms of the hands and work surface to be aligned. The height of the desk should allow the forearms to be parallel to the floor and the shoulders to be relaxed.
• The monitor should be positioned in front of the operator, with the top edge of the screen at eye level or slightly below, at a distance of approximately 50–70 cm.
• Work documents and frequently used tools should be within easy reach to avoid twisting the spine or repetitive movements.
• The ergonomic chair should be combined with a customised layout that promotes good posture to avoid back and neck pain.

The seat must therefore allow for total customisation based on the specific characteristics of each worker, as we have explored in our guide to choosing the best office chair.

For executive environments, solutions that combine ergonomic furniture and aesthetic value are recommended: the Executive collection combines luxury design, functionality and comfort for greater ergonomics even in prestigious settings.

A well-organised workstation is not just a technical choice, but a tool for protecting health and safety at work and enhancing employee productivity.

An ergonomic office is not limited to optimising the workstation, but includes all aspects of the working environment that affect health and productivity.

Ergonomics in the workplace requires control of environmental factors such as:

• Lighting
• Air quality and acoustics
• Promotion of daily ergonomic practices

For optimal working conditions, it is necessary to design spaces that promote concentration, visual comfort and regular movement during work, for the well-being of employees and a positive atmosphere.

Lighting has a direct impact on visual quality and productivity in the workplace. From an ergonomic point of view, light must be adequate in terms of intensity, direction and colour temperature, avoiding reflections and glare on the screen.

The UNI EN 12464-1 standard recommends between 500 and 1000 lux in office environments, depending on the type of activity carried out.

A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health also highlights that working in environments with well-calibrated natural lighting improves alertness, mood and performance. It emphasises the effectiveness of systems that integrate dynamic light and low-intensity direct lighting to reduce visual fatigue during prolonged activities in front of a computer.

To effectively structure an ergonomic work environment, it is advisable to:

• Use adjustable desk lamps to adapt the light to individual needs;
• Arrange the workstation to avoid direct glare and keep the top edge of the screen aligned with the eye line;
• Use opaque surfaces and correct orientation with respect to natural light sources.

These choices improve readability, reduce visual fatigue and support the quality of the work performed.

Performance and comfort in the office are deeply influenced by invisible but decisive environmental factors.

Indoor air contains fine particles and CO₂, which, when uncontrolled, reduce cognition by up to 6–9% in closed environments. A Harvard analysis found a 60% increase in cognitive function and a 10% increase in productivity in conditions of high ventilation and low indoor pollution.

Acoustics plays a similar role: too much noise compromises concentration by more than 60%, negatively affecting work quality and employee satisfaction. Environments with quiet computing solutions, such as sound-absorbing panels and quiet spaces, improve cognitive efficiency and reduce stress.

The following practices are useful for an ergonomic working environment:

• Constant monitoring of air quality (CO₂, PM₂.₅) and effective ventilation;
• Acoustic solutions (panels, zone layout) to limit distracting noise;
• Integration of spaces dedicated to concentration or collaborative work as needed.

These measures support healthy working, improve employee well-being and optimise the quality of work performed in the office.

Good workplace ergonomics requires simple but consistent daily actions:

• Stand up every 30 to 60 minutes
• Alternate between sitting and standing
• Keep your workstation tidy

Frequently used items should be within easy reach to avoid repetitive movements. The correct use of ergonomic mice, monitors and work documents helps to reduce physical strain.

Even short visual breaks or the presence of natural elements, such as plants or natural light, improve concentration and well-being.

An ergonomic work environment must be carefully designed and updated over time as operational needs evolve. The presence of recognised certifications guarantees compliance with international standards on health and safety at work.

Similarly, a system based on quality criteria in the choice of materials and production processes allows for the creation of ergonomic workstations that are reliable, adjustable and suitable for maintaining correct posture throughout the day.

Assessing whether a workstation complies with workplace ergonomics principles requires a combined analysis of posture, available adjustments and interaction with equipment.

An ergonomic workstation must allow the user to:

• Maintain a correct posture: feet flat on the floor and knees at an angle of approximately 90°;
• Adjustable backrest for lumbar support;
• Elbows aligned with the desk surface;
• Wrists in a neutral position;
• Screen positioned at eye level to avoid neck flexion.

Ergonomic chairs must be equipped with advanced mechanisms to adapt to body movements: the Synchrotek and Synchroplus mechanisms ensure synchronised adjustment between the seat and backrest, promoting comfort and stability during different working modes.

The position of the mouse, desk and work documents also affects overall ergonomic efficiency and must be organised to reduce twisting and repetitive movements.

Promoting ergonomics in the office involves a cultural change that affects the entire organisation.

Awareness of the risks associated with poor posture, back pain, neck pain or long hours in front of a computer requires company policies focused on employee well-being and safety at work. Moving integrates ergonomic solutions into its design processes to improve working conditions in a systematic and lasting way.

A genuine ergonomic approach is a choice of method that requires vision, expertise and consistency in production. Some companies, such as ours, adopt this principle as the foundation of their industrial development, demonstrating that quality, well-being, sustainability and functionality can coexist in every project.