Ergonomics in the Workplace

Home » Ergonomics in the Workplace


Ergonomics is no longer an unfamiliar term in any office today. Almost everyone knows that ergonomics is important for daily computer work. But what does that mean exactly? Here is a compilation of the most important information about ergonomic working.


In the German-speaking world, the interaction between work and humans is described using a load-demand concept. Load refers to external factors that impact a person during work.


The load is the same for all individuals in the same situation. Demand, on the other hand, is defined by the load in relation to individual capabilities.


Thus, the same loads at the workplace affect individuals differently depending on their personal conditions.


Up to 2,000 hours of continuous stress per year

Working at a desk every day, and especially sitting a lot, is a strain on our health. Pain in the musculoskeletal system is widespread among the working population.

Back pain is one of the most common physical complaints among people in employment – including those in the office. No wonder, in office work it is the small, always the same muscle tensions that strain the body day after day. Cramps, neck and shoulder pain can also be the result of this constant strain. Standing up, moving around and sitting upright and relaxed can prevent these complaints. In order for us to take care of our bodies when working at a desk, the working conditions must be designed according to ergonomic criteria.

The office chair – sitting has to be learned

The purpose of an office chair is to provide stable support that allows the sitter to maintain a posture that is comfortable over time and meets his or her physiological requirements. Every person is built differently and accordingly has individual demands on the office workstation.

Therefore, observe the following tips:

Chair height: Adjust the height of your chair so that your feet are flat on the floor. Upper and lower legs should form an angle of at least 90 degrees.

Seat: Adjust the seat so that your back presses lightly against the back of the chair. However, there should be a small space between the seat and the back of your knee, about two fingers’ width.

Backrest: The backrest should be adjusted so that you can lean backwards without exerting force. Nevertheless, it should provide enough resistance so that the bulge supports your back when sitting upright.

Lordosis support: Your office chair has a bulge in the backrest. Adjust the height of your backrest so that this bulge is at the same height as your back. This promotes sitting upright. On some models you can adjust the height of this bulge directly without changing the height of the backrest.

Armrest (optional): Sit upright and then adjust the armrests so that your elbows rest loosely on the supports without raising your shoulders. However, arm supports are not absolutely necessary.

Table height: When you sit upright in your chair, the table height should be adjusted so that your elbows rest loosely on the table without lifting your shoulders.

VDU workplace

Screen: Place the screen straight in front of you so that you do not have to turn your head sideways. The height should be adjusted so that the top edge of the screen is a hand’s width below your eye level. The distance between your eyes and the screen should be at least an arm’s length, a little more for larger monitors. Do not adjust the screen closer if you cannot read text well on the screen. Instead, increase the font size.

Work documents: Make sure that work documents are not between you and the keyboard, but between the keyboard and the screen. Keyboard, documents and screen should be on one axis. Keyboard and mouse: The keyboard should be straight in front of you. The distance to the edge of the table should be 10 to 15 centimetres so that you can rest the heels of your hands loosely on the table. Also, keep the mouse as close to the keyboard as possible. Quick guide to the mobile workstation: Since many of you may only have a mobile workstation, here is a quick guide to improve ergonomics at home or on the road.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nb9pqqHbPy4

Hast Du Fragen zu unserem Angebot und wünschst Dir einen Termin?

Kontaktiere uns gerne telefonisch. Wir besprechen mit Dir, wie wir Dich oder Dein Kind am besten unterstützen können.

Do you have any questions
and would you like an appointment?

Contact us by phone. We would be happy to discuss with you how we can support you or your child.

Thyroid problems and craniosacral therapy

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in the body’s hormonal balance and influences many aspects of health, including metabolism, energy production and temperature regulation. Thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism (underactive) and hyperthyroidism (overactive) can lead to a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain or loss and mood swings. How can craniosacral therapy help…

How does stress affect the vagus nerve?

The vagus nerve is one of the longest and most complex nerves in the body. It plays a crucial role in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for putting our body into a state of rest and relaxation. The vagus nerve helps to lower the heart rate, promote digestion and strengthen the immune system…

Oncology and craniosacral therapy

Cancer is one of the most challenging diseases that patients can face. Treatment for cancer often involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, which can take a toll not only on the body, but also on emotional and mental health. During this difficult time, craniosacral therapy can provide valuable additional support to improve the…

Self-healing powers: How to activate your “inner doctor”.

In an article in GEO, the physician Prof. Dr. Tobias Esch explains how every person has great self-healing powers and how these can be strengthened – and why stress is a dangerous opponent. In this blog article, I summarize the most important points: What is self-healing? Self-healing is the body’s ability to overcome illnesses and…

Menopause and craniosacral therapy

The menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life that is often accompanied by a variety of physical and emotional symptoms, including hot flushes, sleep disturbances, mood swings and fatigue. These symptoms result from hormonal changes, in particular a drop in oestrogen and progesterone levels. These hormonal imbalances can have a significant impact on…

Runner’s Knee

What is a runner’s knee? Runner’s knee is a pain syndrome caused by overexposure. It’s typically affects the outside of the knee joint. Mostly, the patient complains of pain during the run, which becomes increasingly stronger under the strain. After the end of the run, the pain usually disappears quickly and no longer occurs during…

Manual Treatments for Growing Pains

Growing pains, also known as “idiopathic pains in childhood,” are pains that can occur in children related to their growth. Growing pains typically affect children between the ages of 3 and 12 and often disappear as growth slows down. They can occur episodically and are commonly seen during periods of rapid growth. These pains frequently…

Manual Treatments and Orthodontics

The effects of manual treatments during orthodontic processes, such as braces and other appliances, can be significant and provide effective support. A gentle approach is often particularly effective in successfully addressing discomfort. For many people, dental misalignments present a challenge that not only affects aesthetic appearance but can also cause functional problems. Manual treatments can…

Supplementary insurances cover parts of the costs

Reimbursement Osteopathy and craniosacral therapy are recognized treatment methods and are partially covered by most supplementary insurance plans for complementary medicine. The treatment costs are reimbursed by health insurance companies through the voluntary supplementary insurance for alternative and complementary medicine. Typically, 70 to 90 percent of the costs are covered. You generally do not need…

A check-up for newborns

Examination Before we examine your baby, we start with a thorough conversation. We discuss details about the pregnancy and birth and check how your baby is feeling: How is their digestion and sleep? How does your baby relieve stress? Putting together all these pieces helps us better understand your baby and see the whole picture.…

Reflexes as a universal language of babies

Universal baby language All over the world, babies speak a universal language during their first months. They talk enthusiastically, but do not yet let their language show through.. Whether they later speak a Semitic, Caucasian or Indo-European language, they do not yet let on. But how do you interpret her body language? Primary reflexes Let’s…

Proper crawling with babies

Some babies do not like to crawl. They happily scoot on their bottoms, move asymmetrically using one foot and one knee, or inch along like a caterpillar. Still, other babies skip crawling altogether and start walking right away. This is, of course, super cute, but could it have potential consequences? In this article, I’ll tell…

Ergonomic Baby Carrying: Carrier Systems

If you are looking for a good carrying system for your baby, you will quickly realise that there are different options: from ready-made carriers (put on and buckle up) to long slings that you tie around the body. Exactly which system you choose depends a little on your own preferences, but very important above all…

Difficulties with the prone position in the baby

“Sleep on your back, play on your stomach” is sometimes said. And that is not so wrong. The prone position is particularly stimulating for your baby’s sensorimotor development. Your baby trains its back and neck muscles and also creates more flexibility in the chest and neck area, which promotes correct attachment to the burst and…

Ergonomic babywearing: Carrying systems

Carrying systems for babies If you are looking for a good carrying system for your baby, you will quickly realise that there are different options: from ready-made carriers (put on and buckle up) to long slings that you tie around the body. Exactly which system you choose depends a little on your own preferences, but…