Ergonomics in Action: What Is the Most Important Part of Having a Good Workstation?

By Sandra Woolley • February 7, 2017

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Employees often ask our Ergonomics Department, "What is the most important part of having a good workstation?"

The answer—A fully adjustable chair.

A fully adjustable chair can accommodate a range of people. However, people need to adjust their chairs to suit their bodies. So, adjust yours with these items in mind:

• Height (thighs should be parallel to the floor)
• Seat depth (leave three fingers behind your knees and the chair front)
• Armrest heights (to sitting elbow height)
• Armrest widths
• Support of the lumbar back region
• Make sure your feet are supported by the floor or a footrest.

Two informational videos demonstrate the full range of chair adjustments:

• Criterion Chair
• Leap Chair

See the diagrams below on how to adjust your work chair to suit you:

Steelcase Criterion Chair

Steelcase LEAP Chair

Sandra Woolley

Sandra Woolley, Ph.D., is a Certified Professional Ergonomist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. She has worked at Mayo Clinic since 2007.