Let’s talk about what ergonomics isn’t. Why Your “Ergonomic” Chair Might Be Lying to You
Let’s clear something up: ergonomics is one of the most misunderstood and misused words in the modern workplace. You’ve seen the labels—ergonomic mouse, ergonomic chair, ergonomic keyboard—as if simply slapping that word on a product magically makes it safe, comfortable, and supportive for everyone.
Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. So, What Is Ergonomics?
As someone who’s worked in the field of human factors and ergonomics for over 20 years, let’s start with the real definition. According to the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES):
“Human factors and ergonomics is concerned with the application of what we know about people—their abilities, characteristics and limitations—to the design of products they use, environments in which they live and work, and jobs they perform. The goal is to reduce human error, increase productivity, and enhance safety, comfort, and enjoyment.”
My graduate textbook, Introduction to Ergonomics by R.S. Bridger, puts it like this:
“Ergonomics is concerned with the design of systems in which people carry out work… ensuring that human needs for safe and efficient working are met in the design of worksystems.”
In simpler terms: I define ergonomics as “safe work.” It’s about designing jobs, tools, and environments that fit you—not forcing you to fit them.
Why “Ergonomic” Products Miss the Mark Let’s take the so-called ergonomic mouse. You might think it’s designed to be good for everyone’s hand. But what you actually have is a mouse that just happens to fit your hand—if you’re lucky.
And here’s the issue: people come in all shapes and sizes. What works for one person might not work for another. So how can a mouse—or any single product—be “ergonomic” for everyone?
It can’t. And that’s the point.
Even Dictionary.com Gets It Wrong Out of curiosity, I looked up the definition of ergonomics on dictionary.com. Here’s what it said:
“Designed to be comfortable, safe, and efficient to use, especially in or as a work environment.”
Example: “These headphones have an ergonomic design and soft ear cups.” Akkk! Even the dictionary is promoting the misuse of the word. Who’s doing the research over there?
This isn’t just nitpicking. When we dilute the meaning of ergonomics, we overlook what it’s really about: protecting people from injury, improving performance, and supporting individual needs.
Ergonomics Fits the Person—Not the Product Let’s say you buy an “ergonomic chair.” But after a week, your back still hurts. So what went wrong?
That chair might have features—adjustable height, lumbar support, tilt—but it wasn’t selected or adjusted for your body and your posture. Without the proper fit and setup, it’s just another chair with a marketing label.
This is where my job comes in. As an ergonomist, I assess how your body interacts with your workspace. I help fit you to the tools and environment you use—not the other way around.
The Bottom Line Ergonomics is not a chair. It’s not a mouse. It’s not a product.
It’s a process—a personalized approach to making work safe, healthy, and efficient.
So the next time you see the word “ergonomic” on a box, ask yourself: Does this actually support my body and how I work? Or is it just a one-size-fits-all solution disguised as something more?
Real ergonomics is about you—your size, your shape, your work.
Let’s stop falling for labels and start designing for humans.
Let me know if you’d like to include a call to action, like inviting readers to schedule a consultation or ergonomic assessment!
If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think much about how you use your mouse — but mousing is one of the most repetitive tasks we do at work.
Let’s break it down:
How many hours a day are you working? 8? 10?
Now divide that in half — that’s a rough estimate of how many hours a day you might be using your mouse.
And for people in roles like CAD operators, graphic designers, or software developers? That number could be even higher.
But here’s the key question:
👉 How are you mousing?
What’s the position of your arm? Your wrist? Your shoulder?
These are the questions I think about when I observe how people interact with their workstations — because small adjustments can make a big difference in reducing strain and preventing injury
Watch this quick video I made on how to mouse in a more neutral position.
It’s just a few minutes and could save you (or your team) hours of discomfort.
Remote, Hybrid or In-Office – Your Employees’ Health Matters!
Last month at GOSH, I had the opportunity to present on New Trends in Office Ergonomics. The key takeaway? While the workplace may be evolving, our goal remains the same: reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and support employee well-being.
Working from Home: New Challenges More people are working remotely than ever:
22 million U.S. employees now work from home full-time
They report less stress than hybrid or in-office employees
But there is a catch, there is an increased level of fatigue seen at 42%
(from: Wellbeing under lockdown, Occupational Health at work)
What This Means for Your Business Employees are working from everywhere: hotels, cars, airports, cafes—you name it. While flexibility is great, it introduces new ergonomic risks, especially with frequent mobile device use.
So, how are you supporting your team?
✔️ Offering stipends for home office setups?
✔️ Providing ergonomic chairs, desks, and peripherals?
✔️ Setting up docking stations with external monitors?
That’s a great start—but the real difference comes from training. I’ve seen it firsthand: even high-quality adjustable equipment can cause harm if it’s not used correctly.
Are your employees:
Trained to set up their workspace to match their neutral posture?
Using adjustable chairs and desks properly?
Aware of how to set up their workstation every time they come into the office?
Planning to Move to Shared Workspaces? Then it’s even more critical. Shared cubes require:
Adjustable furniture for employees with different physique’s (shorter and taller folk)
Training on how to personalize each setup to fit their physique, EACH and EVERY TIME they come into the office, to maintain neutral posture and avoid strain and discomfort
The Future of Work Is Flexible – And So Should Your Ergonomics BeWhether at home, on the go, or in the office, employees need to understand how to work in ways that support their body—every single time.
Are You Investing in Employee Well-being? I’d love to support your team with practical guidance and ergonomic best practices.
[Let’s Talk Ergonomics] Contact me with any ergonomic needs.
I didn’t start my career as an ergonomist—I became one because of a personal journey that changed my life. Years ago, as a graphic designer, I developed multiple repetitive strain injuries: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, carpal tunnel, and de Quervain’s syndrome. The pain was relentless. I tried every treatment I could find—massage, acupuncture, physical therapy, you name it—but nothing worked.
As the injuries took over, I was forced to walk away from my design career. That’s when I realized: I don’t want anyone else to go through this.
I decided to pivot, go back to school, and earn my master’s in Human Factors and Ergonomics from San Jose State University. My mission became clear: Help others stay healthy, avoid injury, and thrive in their work.
💡 Ergonomics isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about preventing them. It’s about keeping healthy people healthy before pain ever starts. If you’ve recently changed roles, transitioned to working from home, or haven’t had an ergonomic check-up in a while, you’re the exact person I want to help.
🔑 Your health is your most valuable asset. Waiting for pain to set in before addressing ergonomics is a mistake I don’t want you to make. I’ve lived through it, and trust me—prevention is key!
For the past 20 years, I’ve been working with individuals and teams to improve their health, productivity, and long-term well-being through proper ergonomic practices.
💬 If you’re ready to prioritize your health and boost your productivity, let’s talk. Send me a DM and let’s chat about how I can help you stay healthy for the long haul!
The end of the year is a time for reflection, celebration, and often a bit of extra busywork. Whether you’re working, organizing, or tackling seasonal tasks like gift wrapping, it’s important to keep comfort and care at the forefront.
Ergonomics Tip of the Month: Set up a cozy, ergonomic space for seasonal tasks!
If you’re sitting for long periods—whether at a desk or on the floor—be mindful of your posture:
Use a chair that supports your lower back.
Keep your feet flat on the floor and maintain a 90-degree angle at your knees and elbows.
If you’re wrapping gifts on the floor, place a cushion under your knees or sit on a sturdy surface to prevent strain.
Small adjustments like these can help you stay energized and ready to fully enjoy the season’s activities.
As we close out this year, let’s take a moment to reflect on all we’ve experienced and achieved. Through the highs and lows, the challenges and triumphs, there’s so much to be grateful for. Each moment, big or small, has shaped us into who we are today.
In the midst of it all, let’s also give thanks for the little things that support our well-being—like good posture, a comfortable chair, and ergonomically designed spaces that help us thrive.
Here’s to a Comfortable and Successful New Year!
I am grateful to you all and look forward to sharing more tips and ideas in 2024. Stay safe, stay comfortable, and enjoy this season of connection and care.
