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Designing Workspaces for Inclusive ergonomic seating needs

Workplace inclusion goes far beyond hiring diverse talent, it’s about creating environments where every employee feels comfortable, valued, and able to do their best work. Research by The Institute of Employment Studies has found that one in ten adults has a neurodivergent condition. At Posture People, we work closely with facilities managers, HR teams, and individuals to design office setups that truly accommodate a range of physical characteristics, health needs, and work styles. Our hands-on approach means we see firsthand the positive impact that inclusive ergonomic seating can have on wellbeing and productivity.

Why Inclusive Ergonomic Seating Matters

No two employees are alike. Height, weight, pre-existing medical conditions, pregnancy, neurodiversity, and preferences about movement, posture, and sensory input all influence what makes a workstation comfortable and supportive.

The right seating isn’t just about luxury, it’s about providing dignity, accessibility, and genuine health support for everyone. Fitting employees with the same standard chair simply doesn’t work for the long term. By investing in inclusive solutions, companies can:

  • Reduce musculoskeletal discomfort and injury
  • Boost comfort and morale
  • Decrease absenteeism and churn
  • Show commitment to diversity and responsible business practice

The Challenge: Diverse Employee Needs

At Posture People, we routinely encounter a wide variety of requirements when we perform DSE (Display Screen Equipment) and workstation assessments for UK businesses. Some of the most common differences include:

  • Stature: People below or above average height/weight limits (addressed by our range of heavy-duty and bariatric seating, as well as petite chairs and stools).
  • Back pain or specific musculoskeletal conditions: Needs for additional lumbar, thoracic, or coccyx support, or chairs suited for conditions like sciatica (see Axia range with a coccyx cut out ).
  • Pregnancy or post-surgical needs: Extra adjustability or alternative support surfaces can make a real difference.
  • Movement preferences: Some employees benefit from active seating, sit-stand options, or chairs that allow easy movement.
  • Home and remote working: Not everyone has space for a traditional task chair and desk set-up, compact, adaptable ergonomic options matter.

What Makes a Workspace Truly Inclusive?

Going beyond the basics means factoring in all the variables above, not only gender, height, or weight, but also:

  • Physical ability (temporary or long-term disabilities)
  • Mental health or neurodivergence
  • Sensory needs (lighting, sound, touch)
  • Job role differences (desk-bound, hybrid, fieldwork, etc.)

Inclusive workspaces offer a range of seating solutions, with an expert assessment process ensuring every individual’s needs are recognised. Once assessed, we can recommend the right blend of seating, accessories, and support for each person or department, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Our Approach: Personalised Ergonomic Assessments

Rather than guessing, or worse, simply buying the same chair for everyone—we encourage facilities managers and HR professionals to use our chair specification form or DSE self-assessment with their teams. Completing these forms helps us understand:

  • Height and weight (to ensure safe and appropriate chair sizing)
  • Medical history (back, neck, joint pain, or pregnancy)
  • Work routines (hours spent at desk, home/office split, task rotation)
  • Current setup and environment (desk space, lighting, privacy)

Our team then offers phone and/or in-person consultations to recommend the most suitable seating products and simple adjustments to get the best out of each workspace.

How We Address Diverse Seating Needs

1. Heavy Duty & Bariatric Seating

A significant portion of the UK workforce is above the weight and size supported by standard office chairs, which are typically designed for users between 47.5kg and 150kg. For individuals outside this range, it’s both a comfort and a safety concern.

  • Our solution: We supply specialist bariatric and heavy-duty chairs, like the VELA Tango 300 Bariatric Work Chair, designed for stability, durability, and ease of movement for larger users and most importantly safety in the work environment.
2. Ergonomic Adjustability for All

No employee should feel stuck in a chair that causes discomfort or doesn’t fit their proportions. The ideal office chair should be adjustable in:

  • Seat height and depth
  • Backrest height and angle
  • Armrest height, width, and angle
  • Lumbar support
  • (Optional) Headrest and neck support

Chairs like the Being Me Ergonomic Chair with Headrest offer customisation for truly individual support, with a choice of features and finishes to suit your workforce, including headrests for those needing additional neck support.

3. Specialist Supports and Cushions

For some employees, extra support is needed on top of what their standard chair can offer. Popular solutions include:

4. Movement-Friendly and Hybrid Work Seating

Employees are increasingly mobile, whether hot-desking, using collaborative spaces, or working from home several days a week. Comfortable, lightweight, easy-to-move seating improves accessibility for everyone. Options like the Toleo Ergonomic Mesh Office Chair offer breathable support, flexibility, and a modern aesthetic to suit both home and office.

5. Accessible Workstation Accessories

It’s not just about the chair. Consider wrist rests, footrests, laptop and monitor stands, and keyboard trays that can adapt a generic setup to individual needs. For example:

Each of these accessories ensures that every workspace is tailored, without needing expensive refits or building works.

Making the Inclusive Choice: Practical Tips
  • Work with an ergonomic specialist who can advise on individual requirements rather than assuming all facilities are adequate for everyone.
  • Gather feedback and encourage open dialogue, employees often know what doesn’t work before musculoskeletal pain actually develops.
  • Review and update your seating every few years or when you’re onboarding new staff, changing office layouts, or expanding your team.
  • Remember to factor in home and hybrid work needs, many people are set up in makeshift environments at home. Our Home Office Furniture page has resources for creating healthy remote workspaces on a budget.
  • Prioritise longevity, invest in adjustable, high-quality chairs that are built to accommodate a wide range of individuals for many years, rather than replacing them frequently.

In the UK, employers are legally obliged to ensure that workstations are suitable for the people using them, whether that’s in the office or at home. Regular DSE assessments are a key part of compliance, but going beyond basic requirements demonstrates your commitment to wellbeing and can help you stand out as an employer of choice.

How Posture People Can Help

We understand the challenges and practicalities of scaling ergonomic solutions for teams ranging from 20 to over 200. Our expert-led process starts with assessments and continues through product selection, bespoke recommendations, and professional delivery/installation. Our goal is to make it easy for facilities managers to keep their staff safe, happy, and productive, wherever they are working.

If you want tailored advice or to find out which ergonomic chair or accessory might be right for your teams, check out our most popular office chairs and supports:

Creating an inclusive workspace is a journey, and we’re here as your trusted partner along the way. If you’re ready to make staff comfort and diversity a priority, get in touch with our ergonomic experts for tailored, actionable advice.

Do you need some advice about your workplace?

Get in touch and one of our team would be happy to help answer your questions.

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