Designing Healthier Hybrid Workspaces: Why Ergonomic Chairs Matter for Home and Office

Introduction

The hybrid work era is here to stay — and while it offers flexibility and freedom, it also presents new ergonomic challenges.

I’ve worked with many procurement teams over the past few years who’ve struggled with one common issue:

“How do we ensure our staff have the same ergonomic support at home as they do in the office?”

Prior to the hybrid revolution, employers only needed to fit out office spaces. Now, ensuring ergonomic safety extends to home workspaces too.

In this blog, we’ll explore why ergonomic chairs matter more than ever in hybrid environments, and how your organisation can make smart seating choices to support both health and productivity.

The Ergonomic Risks of Hybrid Work

Let’s be honest — most Aussie home offices weren’t designed with ergonomics in mind.

Common issues include:

• Kitchen chairs or dining stools replacing proper task seating
• Lack of lumbar support → back pain
• Incorrect seat height → neck and shoulder strain
• Static postures → fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries

According to Safe Work Australia, hybrid and remote work has led to:

• An increase in MSD reports from home workers
• More frequent claims related to upper limb pain and low back pain
• Heightened risk of sedentary behaviour during home workdays

Why Ergonomic Chairs Are Essential in Hybrid Workspaces

Ergonomic chairs are the single most important investment for hybrid ergonomics.

Here’s why:

1️⃣ Supports Healthy Posture at Home

Without a properly designed chair, staff are far more likely to:

• Slouch and lose lumbar support → low back pain
• Perch or lean forward → neck strain
• Rest arms incorrectly → shoulder and upper limb fatigue

An ergonomic office chair for home use helps replicate healthy posture habits from the office.

2️⃣ Encourages Movement and Dynamic Sitting

The best ergonomic chairs:

• Include tilt and recline mechanisms to promote dynamic sitting
• Encourage micro-movements → improving circulation
• Reduce static posture fatigue — a key risk in home setups where staff may sit longer without moving

3️⃣ Supports WHS Obligations

Under Australian WHS laws, employers have a duty of care that extends to home work environments.

Providing staff with:

• An ergonomic chair
• Basic ergonomic training
• Guidance on safe home workstation setup

...helps meet these obligations and demonstrates commitment to staff wellbeing.

Research-backed insights on hybrid ergonomics →

What to Look for in an Ergonomic Chair for Hybrid Work

If you’re procuring chairs for hybrid staff, prioritise:

• AFRDI-certified ergonomic task chairs → proven durability and ergonomics
• Lightweight and portable designs → easier to move between home and office
• Height adjustable seat → supports neutral leg and back posture
• Adjustable lumbar support → reduces back injury risk
• Synchro-tilt / dynamic recline → encourages movement
• Adjustable armrests → supports neck and shoulders

Avoid sending home old or fixed chairs — this creates more risk than it solves.

How to Support Hybrid Staff Ergonomically

In addition to supplying the right chair, consider:

1️⃣ Ergonomic Setup Guides

Provide clear guides covering:

• Chair adjustment
• Desk and monitor height
• Arm positioning
• Movement breaks

2️⃣ Virtual Ergonomic Assessments

Offer virtual check-ins where ergonomists or trained staff review home setups via video.

3️⃣ Complementary Accessories

For optimal home ergonomics, combine chairs with:

• Monitor arms → promotes neutral neck posture
• Sit-stand desks or risers → encourages posture variation
• Footrests → supports lower limb circulation

Case Study: Council Hybrid Program

One regional council in Victoria implemented a hybrid ergonomic program during their transition to flexible work.

Their approach:

• Provided AFRDI Level 6 ergonomic chairs to all hybrid staff
• Developed an internal Home Office Ergonomics Guide
• Delivered virtual workstation assessments via Teams

Results after 6 months:

• Significant reduction in back and shoulder complaints
• Improved staff feedback on comfort and productivity
• Stronger WHS compliance for home working

The key takeaway? An ergonomic chair was the foundation for healthier hybrid work.

FAQs

Are employers required to provide ergonomic chairs for home workers?

While not strictly required to provide chairs, employers are responsible for ensuring staff can set up a safe home workstation. Supplying chairs is strongly recommended.

Can staff claim ergonomic chairs on tax?

Yes — with professional advice. Many staff can claim ergonomic chairs as a deduction if required for work-from-home duties.

Are mesh chairs good for hybrid work?

Yes — mesh is lightweight, breathable, and suits varying home environments.

Should we standardise chairs across home and office?

Where possible, yes — this ensures staff benefit from consistent ergonomic support and reduces adjustment learning curves.

Conclusion: Smarter Chairs for Smarter Hybrid Work

As hybrid work continues to evolve, ergonomic chairs are no longer just an office investment — they’re essential for staff working anywhere.

By supplying ergonomic chairs for hybrid work, your organisation can:

• Reduce injury risks
• Support staff wellbeing and engagement
• Meet WHS obligations
• Drive productivity across diverse work environments

Explore our curated range of ergonomic chairs designed for hybrid workforces →.

Research-backed insights on hybrid ergonomics →