If you work in an office, chances are you spend almost as much time there as you do at home. And even if you work remotely some of the time, there’s a good chance you have some kind of office setup of your own too. We spend so much of our time at work, but many of us don’t give our workspaces the attention they deserve. We settle for unsupportive chairs and desks that are too high or too low. 

Is it time you switched up your workspace for something a little more comfortable? This guide will tell you exactly how to achieve that. From covering the basics of ergonomics to listing the most suitable products, we’re covering everything you need to know below. Let’s get started!

What is an ergonomic workspace?

Before we dive into the importance of ergonomics and how to achieve a truly Ergonomic Workspace, let’s first define what an ergonomic workspace actually is. 

In a nutshell, an ergonomic workspace is defined as one that causes no injury or discomfort. It must encourage the correct posture, bring everything you need within easy reach, and reduce the pressure on your muscles and joints. In other words, an ergonomic workspace is one that’s been designed to work in perfect harmony with the human body - not fight against it. 

The practice of ergonomics is nothing new. The term has been around for well over a century and is the subject of considerable debate. Although, as research continues with each passing year, the science of ergonomics becomes clearer and clearer: the more we understand about the human body and what it needs, the more we’re able to improve our workspaces.

All of this means that a chair that was considered ergonomic 20 or 30 years ago may bear little resemblance to the cutting edge products available today. 

Why are ergonomics important?

Although debate continues as to how to create an ergonomic workspace, the benefits are clear. Properly configured desks and chairs can make an enormous difference to a person’s health and mobility in the long-term, reducing the likelihood of back and joint conditions developing - arthritis being one of them.

By working with your body and not against it, ergonomic products reduce the strain that’s placed on your joints, wearing them less abruptly. The same goes for muscles; ergonomic workstations give your muscles more of a break, allowing you to focus on your daily activities without any unpleasant aches or pains. As a result, ergonomics doesn’t just benefit our health: it also improves productivity and wellbeing. 

What you’ll need

Now you understand just how crucial ergonomic workspaces are, let’s take a look at how you can create one of your own. The following products are all you need to start working in complete comfort. 

• Office chairs: The basis of every ergonomic workstation. Without a supportive office chair, it’s impossible to achieve what you’re looking for. If you’re struggling with aches or pains at work, your chair is the most likely culprit. You’d be forgiven for thinking that high-end office chairs feature tonnes of adjustment options, but the reverse is true: today’s most ergonomic chairs use automatic systems to adapt to the user’s body, providing a comfortable seating position throughout the day. 
• Adjustable desks: The latest craze in both home and corporate offices, adjustable desks have taken the market by storm. And for good reason. Not only do they give you the flexibility to work either sitting or standing - which is a great way to get a little more exercise during the day - they allow you to set the working height of your desk independently of your chair. The more flexible your equipment, the easier it is to get comfortable.
• Desk Accessories: From foot rockers to laptop stands, comfortable keyboards and much more, there are all kinds of different accessories out there that can further elevate your workspace. Once you’ve got your seating position worked out, you can turn your attention to things like your keyboard position, reducing the strain on your wrists and arms. You’ll be surprised at the difference these accessories can make.
• Lumbar Support: Need a little more support from your office chair? You can add additional lumbar support, reducing pressure on your lower back to make those pesky aches and pains a thing of the past. 

Our recommendations

Naturally, which products you choose will depend on your budget, your space requirements and your individual preferences. Everybody’s different, and your workspace should reflect that. Nevertheless, some products shine through for their contributions to the advancement of ergonomics. Here are five of our favourite ergonomic office products.

• HÅG Capisco Chair: An iconic design from a world-renowned manufacturer. This award-winning saddle-shaped seat has been designed for those who like to switch between sitting and standing, meaning it has a wide range of adjustability. It’s 90% recyclable, too.
• RH Mereo Chair: A little more conventional to look at than the Capisco but no less ingenious, the RH Mereo office chair boasts an array of ergonomic features. From its tilting mechanism to 2PP™ Active sitting feature, the RH Mereo takes comfort to a whole new level.
• Humb Adjustable Sit/Stand Desk - Dual Motor Frame: This easy to use sit/stand desk represents outstanding value at just £340.00. Featuring dual electric motors, the adjustment process is swift and simple - it takes just seconds to move between sitting and standing.
• Contour Design RollerMouse Pro3: A computer mouse sits to the right of the computer, doesn’t it? Not if you have a Contour Design RollerMouse. This ingenious product takes everything that we know about the humble mouse and improves upon it. The result is a much more comfortable design that reduces muscle activity in the user’s arms, shoulders and neck, mitigating fatigue, aches and pains.
• Bakker Elkhuizen S-board 840 Design USB Keyboard: Lightweight and easy to transport, this compact keyboard has been designed from the ground up with ergonomics in mind. Because the keys are closer together, the user doesn’t need to move as much to type or utilise keyboard shortcuts, saving time and making life easier.
• Addit Monitor Riser 66: Make sure your screen is at the correct height with this sturdy acrylic monitor riser from Dataflex. It’s able to support up to 15kg and accommodate laptops that are up to 350mm wide.
• RENPHO Neck & Back Massage Cushion: We all need time to switch off and relax while we’re in the office - and this massaging cushion can make those moments all the more blissful. Simply place it on your chair, sit back, switch it on and enjoy a deep kneading shiatsu massage.
• Memory Foam Back Support: Spend a lot of time in meetings? This handy, British-made memory foam back support can be placed onto any chair in seconds, giving you the support you need wherever you’re sitting. With additional lumbar support, your backache could be a thing of the past.
• Putnams Memory Foam Wedge - Car & Office: Another British-made product, this Putnams wedge is perfect for the office. Placed on the base of your seat, it helps to promote good posture and provides pelvic support. It’s lightweight, easy to transport and even comes with a two-year guarantee. 

We hope this guide has helped you not only understand the ins and outs of ergonomics, but also what it takes to create an ergonomic workspace. Explore our full range of office products today and place your order online with the nation’s leading back care retailer.