A series of stimulating sessions that address topical workplace issues

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What is the best office chair?

I see this question crop up from time to time in blogs and LinkedIn postings. If you are thinking about ergonomics considerations, the first response is (as usual) “it depends”.

My next observation is that anyone responding by naming a specific product is either unqualified to answer or should know better. Some might add a third category of respondent, the office chair salesman, but I would contest that they are, too often, in one or both of the first two categories!

I often draw parallels between the workplace and driving scenarios, since so many adults are drivers. Would you ask someone what is the best car? If so, you would certainly expect a barrage of further questions: What is your budget? How many seats do you need? Are you the only person to be considered or do you have family requirements? Is image important? Fuel economy? The list goes on.

Choosing a chair is a similar process so I would recommend rephrasing the question to “How do I choose an office chair? (Or study chair, or laboratory chair, or control room chair, etc.). I would then subdivide my answer again into choosing a chair for yourself and choosing a chair for your team, department or organisation.

… but that will need a few more blogs!

How do I choose an office chair (for myself)?” provides a detailed action plan.

Ergonomics Live: How a Floor Walk Delivered Immediate Impact

The Challenge

A technical team operates in a highly controlled indoor environment, undertaking a combination of intensive screen work and physical tasks involving delicate materials.

Despite having adjustable desks, ergonomic seating, regular DSE assessments and manual handling training, management wanted an independent review to ensure that workstation setups and working habits had not drifted over time.

Our Approach

Osmond Ergonomics & Wellbeing delivered a half-day Ergonomics in Practice Floor Walk, combining:

  • A practical workshop on posture, fatigue and workstation setup
  • One-to-one workstation reviews carried out in the live working environment

Advice was tailored to the team’s specialist equipment, space limitations and physical demands.

The Impact

Out of 14 staff, approximately 50% of workstations were adjusted on the day.

These small but critical changes, including chair height, screen position, and input device placement, immediately reduced strain and improved comfort. The session also refreshed awareness of good working habits, helping prevent the slow return of poor posture that leads to musculoskeletal issues.

Client Feedback

“The session was perfectly pitched for the team. The preparation beforehand made it highly relevant, which is why the team were so engaged.”

Why This Matters

Even in well-managed workplaces, ergonomic drift is common. A simple floor walk delivers quick, measurable improvements that protect wellbeing, reduce injury risk, and boost productivity.

As many services move towards virtual delivery for speed and convenience, this case also highlights the enduring value of being physically present in the working environment. Observing people at work and providing live, individualised feedback allows for nuanced, practical adjustments that simply cannot be replicated remotely.

That’s what makes our floor walking service so valuable and impactful for both individuals and organisations.