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.
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.
👉 Leaning too far forward while you’re focused on your work? That could be putting unnecessary strain on your lower back.
👉 Sitting too far back in your chair? That may be why your neck feels tight by the end of the day.
It’s easy to fall into habits that don’t serve our bodies, especially when we’re deep in our work. But here’s the key: a balanced sitting posture can make a world of difference in how you feel throughout the day. When you sit properly, you’re not just improving your comfort – you’re boosting your productivity and well-being too.
💡 Quick tip: Adjust your posture so your feet are flat on the ground, your lower back is supported, and your head is aligned with your spine. Notice the difference?
If you’re feeling fatigued or sore at the end of the workday, it might be time to check in on your ergonomics. Let’s talk about how to make your workspace work better for you.
Feel free to reach out for a personalized assessment – your body will thank you later! 🙌
How many hours a day are you using your computer these days? Typically when I ask those I evaluate I hear 6-10 hours a day! That is a lot of computer use. A lot of upper body usage.
Therefore it is important to keep in mind how to use your mouse using neutral posture principles to keep your upper body, including your hands and wrists happy and healthy.
I would say that about 90% of the people I have evaluated use their mouse incorrectly. Therefore there is a lot of opportunity for improvement, especially since this is something most people do almost every day in our current society.
Holding the middle finger up in the air so as not to accidentally hit the middle button on the mouse
Gripping the mouse with the pinky and the thumb
Using palm supports
And more!
Here are a few tips to use your mouse using neutral posture principles:
Avoid reaching for the mouse (move it closer to you!)
Avoid twisting at the wrist when mousing
Palm mouse
Keep fingers relaxed
Initiate movement from shoulder
Pivot from the elbow to get to the mouse.
Need more help? Reach out to me to set up a time for us to do a one-on-one ergonomic evaluation for you or your staff – live or virtual. Ergonomic classes also available both live and virtual.
