Gesundheit im Büro: Ergonomie, Bewegung und Wohlbefinden

Office Health: Ergonomics, Movement, and Well-being

by Anna Ullmann on Jan 09, 2026
WIEPA PRACTICAL GUIDE

Holistically promoting health in the office

Ergonomics, movement, light, indoor climate, and work organization jointly determine how healthy and focused office work can be.

In short: A healthy office workplace is not created by a single product. Key factors include suitable furniture, correctly adjusted screens, frequent changes in posture, good lighting, a comfortable indoor climate, and work organization that allows for breaks and focused work.

The most important influencing factors

Factor What matters Practical measure
Sitting and Standing Dynamics instead of rigid posture Adjust chair correctly, stand up regularly, use standing phases
Screen Viewing distance, height, reflections Top line of screen at eye level or slightly below, individual alignment
Light Sufficient illumination without glare Utilize daylight, supplement with desk lamp, avoid reflections
Indoor Climate Temperature, air quality, drafts Ventilate regularly, reduce heat sources, take complaints seriously
Organization Interruptions, workload, recovery Focus times, clear priorities, genuine breaks

Correctly adjusting an ergonomic workstation

  1. Choose chair height so that feet are firmly on the ground and thighs are relieved.
  2. Adjust backrest and, if applicable, lumbar support to the back.
  3. Adjust armrests so that shoulders remain relaxed.
  4. Adjust table height to forearms and sitting position.
  5. Position screen frontally; align multiple monitors according to frequency of use.
  6. Place keyboard and mouse close to the body.

The best setting is not permanently the same. The body benefits from changes. Standing during phone calls, short walks, active meetings, and small movement impulses distribute stress better throughout the day.

Realistically integrating movement into the office

Health promotion often fails due to overly ambitious resolutions. Small routines are more effective: deliberately placing the printer or water cooler a little further away, changing posture every hour, using stairs, and conducting short meetings while walking. Managers play a crucial role in shaping the culture. Visible acceptance of breaks facilitates healthy behavior.

Practical impulse: Instead of "sitting correctly for eight hours," the better goal is to change position as often as possible and avoid monotonous strain.

Light, acoustics, and indoor climate

Glare, noise, and poor air quality can impair concentration. Workstations should be arranged so that light enters from the side and screens do not show distracting reflections. In open-plan offices, zoning, acoustically effective surfaces, and rules for phone calls can help. For indoor climate, technical and organizational solutions must be considered together.

Considering psychological stress

Health in the office also includes work intensity, interruptions, social relationships, and scope for action. A risk assessment of psychological stress evaluates working conditions, not individual employees. Clear responsibilities, plannable tasks, accessible leadership, and undisturbed focus phases can be just as important as ergonomic equipment.

Checklist for companies

  • Design workstations to be individually adjustable.
  • Instruct employees on correct use.
  • Regularly check lighting, noise, and indoor climate.
  • Enable movement and posture changes in daily routines.
  • Include home office and mobile work.
  • Systematically evaluate complaints and feedback.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which office chair is healthy?

A suitable chair can be adapted to body measurements and activity, supports changing sitting postures, and is easy to adjust. Individual use is crucial.

How often should one stand up?

There is no one-size-fits-all minute count. Frequent short changes are more effective than one long standing phase at a time.

Is an height-adjustable desk necessary?

It is a helpful tool for changing posture, but it does not replace movement or good work organization.

What helps against dry eyes?

Conscious changes in gaze, appropriate screen position, breaks, and a suitable indoor climate can help. Persistent complaints should be medically examined.

Is stress part of the risk assessment?

Yes. Psychological stress resulting from work design is part of the risk assessment.

Further Wiepa guides

Related topics: Setting up a home office correctly, Occupational safety in companies and Agile collaboration.

Sources

Equipping workplaces healthily and appropriately

Wiepa advises companies in Wiesbaden and the Rhine-Main area on office chairs, desks, monitor solutions, lighting, and ergonomic accessories – including test sitting and personal coordination.

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