Did you know that the methods you have been using to help improve ergonomics in your office could actually be hurting your employees? Most business professionals are aware of common ergonomic risks, but many popular ergonomic “fixes” do more harm than good.
Caitlin Tallar, our Senior Interior Designer and now a Certified Office Ergonomic Evaluator, helps our clients navigate the intricacies of ergonomics. Here are five ergonomic myths busted, courtesy of Caitlin.
Five Ergonomic Missteps to Dodge
Not all ergonomic advice found online reflects the current industry best practices. Misinformation can lead to just as much discomfort as bad habits, reducing employee satisfaction, poorly influencing productivity, focus, and efficiency.
Myth 1: Mouse pad wrist cushions improve ergonomics
Reality: These actually double intra-carpal tunnel pressure, adding compression and friction to the wrist.
Myth 2: Reclining in your chair is bad posture
Reality: A 10-20 degree recline is ideal—it distributes bodyweight to the backrest, reducing spinal pressure.
Myth 3: The standard 29” desk height is ideal
Reality: This height is based on a 6’4” user, but most employees need a lower desk to prevent shoulder, wrist, and back discomfort. Adjustable height or custom height desks are often the way to go.
Myth 4: Standing desks and mats solve everything
Reality: Standing all day is just as bad as sitting all day. The best approach? An adjustable sit-stand desk option, sit for 45 minutes, stand for 15. If you need a mat, you’re doing too much standing.
Myth 5: Keyboard tilt legs improve typing comfort
Reality: Tilting the keyboard upward forces the wrists into a strained position. Instead, keep it flat or slightly declined.
Good Ergonomics is Good Business:
Every aspect of your brand reflects your values and goals—and ergonomics is no exception. There’s no ergonomic template that works for every company, but an ergonomics expert can fit the workspace to the task and user, save time, stress, and money, and ensure every element of design supports well-being. Investing in ergonomics means you’re investing in your people.
And the reality is that despite the large benefits, most ergonomic fixes come at little to no cost.
Momentum’s human-centric design approach ensures that ergonomics isn’t an afterthought—it’s an integral part of how we build workspaces that foster wellness. And with Caitlin and our team of expert designers, your employees’ ergonomics and well-being will be in good hands… wrists, shoulders, necks, and backs!
Our team delivered the first WELL Certified credit union project in the world for HAPO Community Credit Union and we follow the WELL Building Standards in Every Project. Smart ergonomics design helps us meet that standard.
Reach out to Momentum today to learn how you can deliver a healthier and more ergonomic workplace environment for your team.