Nothing derails productivity faster than uncomfortable office equipment. Most of us have experienced it firsthand: chairs that never quite feel right, desks at awkward heights, and keyboards that strain your wrists within minutes. Although these issues may look minor, they’re real ergonomic workplace hazards that can lead to chronic discomfort, reduced focus, and long-term employee dissatisfaction.
But solving ergonomic issues in the workplace takes more than Googling “ergonomic chair.” Office managers need to know how to spot bad ergonomic products and what makes a product truly ergonomic before investing.
Ergonomics is the science of designing a workplace that supports comfort, safety, and productivity. It’s not just about posture — it’s also about creating an environment that minimizes strain, fatigue, and long-term injuries.
When ergonomic hazards in the workplace go unchecked, they can lead to:
Investing in smart, ergonomic design creates a ripple effect — boosting efficiency, protecting employee health, and improving your bottom line.
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Let’s explore some common examples of bad ergonomics and how to recognize them before they become serious issues.
Work surfaces that don’t adjust to the user are a recipe for discomfort. Desks set at the wrong height, chairs lacking lumbar support, and inflexible monitor arms are all examples of ergonomic workplace hazards that can lead to discomfort and long-term injury.
This leads to repetitive strain injuries, poor posture, and long-term health concerns. Adjustable desks, monitor arms, and chairs should be standard components of your ergonomic office safety checklist.
Examples of ergonomics in the workplace done right include:
Many so-called ergonomic accessories are actually bad ergonomic products in disguise. Some bad ergonomic examples include keyboard trays that are fixed in place, footrests that slide around under the desk, or bulky sit-stand desk converters that take up valuable real estate.
To avoid being duped:
Although commonly associated with industrial environments, ergonomic hazards in the workplace related to heavy lifting or movement exist in office settings too. For instance, IT staff may need to access large servers, or employees might need to handle office equipment or supply boxes.
Without weight-mitigating features, these tasks can result in back, neck, or wrist injuries. Investing in products like hinged covers or carts with lift assistance can prevent accidents and support office safety.
Providing ergonomic office furniture is only half the battle. Ongoing employee education is a vital part of maintaining ergonomic office safety. If your staff doesn’t know how to use it correctly, they’ll continue practicing unsafe behaviors.
Every office manager should implement ergonomic workplace assessments and employee training that covers:
Use free or paid resources, like OSHA ergonomic training courses, to educate your team.
Here are some examples of bad ergonomics that office managers should avoid or correct immediately:
While sit-stand desks are a good investment, the popular desk converters that sit atop traditional desks can cause more harm than good. They often:
Better option: Invest in fully integrated sit-stand desks with electronic or manual lift mechanisms and third-party keyboard tray and mouse tray compatibility.
Static monitor arms or poles are another offender. Without articulation, users can’t easily adjust monitor height, distance, or tilt, leading to ergonomic issues in the workplace like:
Better option: Choose monitor arms with a full range of motion that can support different screen sizes and multiple users.
Chairs marketed as “ergonomic” but lacking lumbar support, adjustable arms, or tilt functionality are common examples of bad ergonomic products that contribute to workplace injuries and decreased concentration.
Better option: Look for chairs with customizable settings, including lumbar adjustment, seat tilt, and armrest height.
Mobile computer carts (COWs) are common in healthcare or education settings, but many fall short. Carts without adjustable keyboard trays, monitor heights, or quick-adjust features can lead to physical strain.
Better option: Select COWs with quick-release, tool-free adjustments that accommodate users of varying heights and needs.
With hybrid work now the norm, many employees work from home — often without access to safe and ergonomic setups. Kitchen tables, couches, and cheap chairs contribute to poor ergonomics in the workplace, even if that workplace is remote.
Tips for improving remote ergonomics:
The long-term consequences of ergonomic workplace hazards are serious. When workers are uncomfortable or in pain, their productivity, job satisfaction, and overall wellness decline.
Here’s what you risk with bad ergonomic design:
Unfortunately, replacing all poor ergonomic products at once isn’t always feasible. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with bad ergonomics forever.
Stick to products that meet ergonomic standards like:
These certifications verify that the product has undergone rigorous testing for quality, durability, and ergonomic safety.
Sometimes, only the people doing the job can recognize the true ergonomic hazards in the workplace. Invite employee feedback on comfort, pain points, and product performance. You might discover a chair that looks fine is causing neck strain or a monitor that’s always tilted the wrong way.
Routine ergonomic workplace assessments help uncover potential hazards before they lead to injury. These assessments can be done in-house or with the help of an ergonomic specialist.
Check for high-quality product images, user manuals, and videos. Read reviews from verified buyers, particularly those working in similar roles. When in doubt, opt for products with a return policy to allow for testing in your environment.
ANSI, BIFMA, and ISO certifications ensure that the product meets recognized safety and comfort standards.
Companies often overlook user diversity and fail to provide training. Make sure your ergonomic strategy accounts for different body types and educates employees on using products correctly.
Poor ergonomic choices can quietly sabotage your workplace, but understanding and addressing ergonomic workplace hazards significantly improves productivity, employee health, and overall satisfaction. Prioritize ergonomic assessments, invest in quality-certified products, provide regular training, and continuously engage your employees in ergonomic discussions.
Start improving your office today. Need more help? Download our Manager’s Equipment Guide to ensure every purchase enhances safety and productivity.
This piece was originally published in November 2021 and was updated in April 2025 to reflect industry trends.