For decades, office ergonomics dominated discussions around workplace design, becoming the leading standard for evaluating office furniture and tools.
Ergonomics focused on ensuring physical comfort, reducing strain, and boosting productivity through designs that aligned with human anatomy. From adjustable chairs to sit-stand desks, ergonomic solutions were touted as essential for employee well-being.
However, the narrative has shifted. Today, the industry increasingly champions a broader and more inclusive concept: workplace wellness. This evolution signifies a fundamental change in priorities for suppliers, planners, and designers of workplaces.
The focus has moved beyond mitigating physical discomfort to fostering an environment that supports the holistic well-being of employees—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The Evolution
The Rise of Ergonomics
In the late 20th century, office ergonomics gained prominence in response to the surge in work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Prolonged sitting, repetitive tasks, and poorly designed furniture were recognised as culprits of lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neck strain.
This recognition drove the development of adjustable chairs, keyboard trays, and monitor arms, all aimed at optimising posture and minimising strain. Ergonomic certifications such as those from BIFMA (Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association) became markers of quality.
For years, the ergonomic office setup was synonymous with a productive workplace. But as the world of work evolved, so too did the understanding of what employees need to thrive.
The Emergence of Wellness
The shift from ergonomics to wellness reflects a broader cultural and professional transformation. The workplace is no longer just a space for productivity; it is now viewed as an environment that must actively support health, happiness, and engagement.
Wellness encompasses a wide array of factors, including:
- Mental health: Reducing stress and fostering a sense of psychological safety.
- Environmental health: Improving air quality, lighting, acoustics, and biophilic design elements.
- Social well-being: Creating spaces that encourage collaboration and connection.
- Movement and flexibility: Encouraging employees to move more through dynamic work environments.
While ergonomics remains a foundational principle, it now sits within a broader framework of wellness. This expansion demands a more holistic approach to workplace design.
Why the Shift Matters
Changing Employee Expectations
Post-pandemic, employees have grown increasingly aware of their physical and mental health needs. Remote work blurred the lines between personal and professional life, pushing many to demand healthier, more supportive office environments. The focus is no longer just on avoiding discomfort; employees want to feel energised and inspired at work.
A 2023 study by JLL highlighted that 89% of employees consider health and well-being as key criteria when evaluating workplaces. This heightened awareness means that organisations must move beyond ergonomics to address broader wellness concerns.
A Competitive Advantage
For suppliers, planners, and designers, the move toward wellness is not just a trend but a business imperative. Offering solutions that cater to the wellness agenda gives organisations a competitive edge in attracting talent and retaining clients.
Examples include:
- Furniture manufacturers: Expanding beyond adjustable desks to create seating that integrates mood-boosting materials and designs.
- Workplace designers: Incorporating quiet zones, standing collaboration areas, and natural light optimisation.
- Technology suppliers: Developing tools like circadian lighting systems that align with employees’ biological rhythms.
Standards and Certifications
The emphasis on wellness has also led to the rise of new benchmarks and certifications. Programmes such as the WELL Building Standard and Fitwel evaluate workplaces on a wide array of health and well-being metrics, encouraging designers to take a comprehensive approach to employee wellness.
For example, WELL measures factors such as indoor air quality, access to nature, and nutritional offerings, complementing traditional ergonomic considerations.
Workplace Design
For Suppliers
Office product suppliers must align their offerings with wellness principles. This includes not only ensuring ergonomic designs but also addressing broader factors such as:
- Sustainability (e.g., using low-VOC materials).
- Inclusivity (e.g., designs suitable for diverse body types and needs).
- Adaptability (e.g., modular furniture that supports flexible workspaces).
Suppliers that fail to adapt risk becoming irrelevant in a market increasingly defined by wellness priorities.
For Planners
Workplace planners are tasked with crafting environments that go beyond functionality. Modern workplaces must provide spaces that support:
- Mindfulness: Rooms designed for meditation or quiet reflection.
- Movement: Layouts that encourage walking or stretching, such as treadmill desks or yoga areas.
- Community: Areas for informal gatherings and team-building activities.
By embracing wellness, planners can create workplaces that foster engagement, loyalty, and creativity.
For Designers
For interior designers, the wellness trend calls for a multidisciplinary approach. It involves collaborating with architects, psychologists, and environmental specialists to integrate elements like:
- Biophilic design: Incorporating plants, natural materials, and outdoor views.
- Lighting innovation: Using dynamic lighting systems to mimic natural daylight.
- Acoustic balance: Mitigating noise distractions to enhance focus.
The result is a workplace that not only looks good but also promotes a sense of well-being and belonging.
Workplace Wellness
While ergonomics remains essential, its role as the dominant focus of workplace design has waned. Instead, the broader concept of wellness is reshaping how workplaces are envisioned and built.
For suppliers, planners, and designers, this shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity. Success in this new era will depend on their ability to innovate, collaborate, and prioritise employee well-being in all its dimensions.
By adopting a holistic approach, workplaces can evolve into spaces where people not only work but also thrive. In this context, ergonomics is not obsolete—it is simply one piece of a much larger puzzle.
