Improving ergonomics at work: practical guidance for companies

Neck pain, stiff shoulders, tired eyes - the symptoms of poor ergonomics are familiar to many office workers. Left unaddressed, they build into long-term health problems that affect both wellbeing and performance.

To explore what makes the biggest difference, we spoke with Rebecka Ullholm, an ergonomist with more than 15 years’ experience in workplace health.

“People spend incredible amounts of time sitting still in front of screens, which is not what our bodies are built for,” says Rebecka. “Employers are realising that if staff are to feel well, they need to invest in education as well as equipment.”

About Rebecka Ullholm

Rebecka Ullholm has worked as an ergonomist since 2009, advising companies across Sweden on workplace health and injury prevention. Through her business, Ergodesign, she has carried out hundreds of risk assessments and workplace adaptations, and today collaborates with some of Sweden’s leading occupational health providers.

A former elite show jumper, she has always been fascinated by posture and movement - a passion that now drives her mission to help people feel well at work and perform at their best.

Common mistakes and misconceptions

According to Rebecka, one of the biggest pitfalls is that companies often stop at buying good furniture. Without proper guidance, staff may never learn how to use it effectively.

“Businesses invest in office chairs but forget to educate employees about their working position,” she explains. “Even standing up once an hour helps avoid long-term problems.”

For Rebecka, this lack of awareness is just as damaging as poor equipment. Good ergonomics is not only about the chair itself, but about creating a culture where people understand how to use it and feel encouraged to move throughout the day.

What really makes a difference

“The office chair plays an absolutely important role in providing relief and support for our back, neck, shoulders and overall posture,” says Rebecka. “If we have a good chair that supports the entire back, we reduce the risk of pain problems and ending up in the classic C-shaped posture.”

She also highlights the value of variation. “The height-adjustable desk contributes to a more dynamic working posture, which allows for variation,” she explains. “The screen is crucial to maintaining an ergonomic position.”

Lighting and workspace placement, she adds, are often overlooked. “Poor lighting drives poor posture. Overall workplace design supports recovery.”

Spotlight on RH Mereo

For Rebecka, a key part of her work is helping people find the right chair for their needs. That decision depends on many factors - personal preferences, the type of tasks being done, and how long someone spends at their workstation. “What I like about working with Flokk is that they have a wide range of options, which makes it easier to match the right chair to the right person,” she says.

Within that range, the RH brand is known for chairs that focus strongly on ergonomics and adjustability. Each model is designed to support specific needs, helping users fine-tune their seating for better posture and comfort.

In some cases, the need for adaptability is greater. This is where the RH Mereo stands out. “An RH Mereo chair offers a wide range of adjustments, from seat height and depth to armrest positioning and tilt tension,” explains Rebecka. “That makes it easier to adapt the chair to different body sizes and personal preferences.”

She notes that this level of adaptability is especially valuable in environments where chairs are shared. “When several people use the same workstation, Mereo makes it easy for each person to quickly adjust the chair to their own body,” she says. “The immediate reaction is often: ‘Oh, what a comfortable chair, you really feel the support in the back.’”

For Rebecka, this underlines why the right chair is more than just a matter of comfort. With RH Mereo, adjustability and support become tools for healthier postures and long-term wellbeing - a small change that can make a big impact. The result is fewer injuries over time and a workplace where people can stay focused and perform at their best.

Three quick ergonomic improvements

Even the most well-equipped workplaces can fall short if the basics are overlooked. According to Rebecka, these are the areas where companies most often miss the mark - and where quick changes can make a big impact:

1. Do not stop at buying the chair - “Review your office chairs - can they be adjusted for the individual?”
2. Close the knowledge gap -“Educate employees in sustainable ergonomic practices so staff know how to use their equipment and avoid static strain.”
3. Turn standing desks into everyday tools - “Help employees create more varied working positions. The recommendation is to stand for two hours a day, yet I would say that 80 per cent today do not use their height-adjustable desks at all.”

Key takeaways

For organisations looking to strengthen their approach, Flokk offers a wide range of ergonomic solutions to match different needs. Not every workplace requires the same level of adjustability - but where adaptability and shared use are priorities, the RH Mereo provides a unique advantage. Experts like Rebecka can help companies choose the right chair for the right people, and ensure ergonomic principles are put into practice every day.

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