May 13th, 2025

A well-designed workspace isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for keeping office employees healthy, comfortable, and productive. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by conducting ergonomic evaluations. These assessments look at how workspaces are set up and identify ways to prevent strain, discomfort, and injuries that often come from long hours at a desk, and at no better time of year- Posture Awareness Month.

Why Ergonomic Evaluations Matter

• Preventing Injuries – Simple adjustments to your chair and desk and monitor height can help prevent conditions like neck and shoulder strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower back pain.
• Boosting Productivity – Comfortable employees are more focused and efficient. When they’re not distracted by discomfort, they get more done.
• Reducing Sick Days – Less strain and fewer injuries mean fewer absences due to pain or fatigue.
• Improving Morale – Showing employees you care about their well-being goes a long way toward building a positive, supportive work environment.

What Makes a Workspace Ergonomic?

• Chair Support—Does the chair support the lower back? Can employees sit with their feet flat on the floor? Experts at OSHA recommend adjusting your chair so that your knees are at or slightly below hip level.
• Monitor Height – Is the screen at eye level and about arm’s length away to reduce neck and eye strain?
• Keyboard and Mouse Placement – Are they positioned to keep wrists in a natural, relaxed posture with elbows close to the body?
• Desk Layout – Is there enough space to move without awkward reaching or twisting?
• Encouraging Movement – Are employees reminded to take regular breaks, stretch, or stand up to avoid stiffness? Mayo Clinic advises taking short standing breaks every 30 minutes and performing lumbar elongation stretches to reduce back strain[1].
• Here are a few simple exercises that can be performed at one’s desk to help with fatigue.
• Seated Leg Raises – Extend one leg straight out and hold for 5 seconds; switch legs. Repeat 10 times per leg.
• Shoulder Rolls – Roll shoulders forward and backward 10 times each to relieve tension.
• Neck Stretches – Gently tilt your head toward each shoulder, holding for 10 seconds per side.
• Wrist Flexor Stretch – Extend arm with palm down, gently pull fingers back with the other hand for 15 seconds; repeat on both sides.
• Seated Spinal Twist – While seated, twist gently to each side, holding onto the chair arm for support; hold for 10 seconds per side.

May Is Posture Awareness Month – A Perfect Time to Act

Posture Awareness Month is a great reminder to check in on your team’s comfort and workstation setup. It’s also an ideal time to invest in ergonomic furniture or bring in a professional for a fresh look at your office layout.

Protect Your Team—Schedule an Ergonomic Assessment Today

Don’t wait for discomfort to become a bigger issue. A simple ergonomic evaluation can go a long way toward improving health, morale, and productivity in the workplace. Reach out to your Risk Control Advisor to get started.

Taking care of your employees’ comfort is a smart investment—and it shows you care.

By Steve Wood, CSMS