Last updated on Dec 11, 2024

How do you integrate adjustable desks and chairs with other employee wellness programs and initiatives?

Adjustable desks and chairs are becoming more popular in workplaces as a way to promote employee wellness, productivity, and comfort. But how do you integrate them with other wellness programs and initiatives that your company offers or supports? Here are some tips to help you make the most of your ergonomic furniture and create a healthy and happy work environment.

1 Assess your needs

Before you invest in adjustable desks and chairs, you need to assess your needs and preferences as well as those of your employees. Consider factors such as the size and layout of your workspace, the type of work you do, the amount of time you spend sitting or standing, and any health issues or concerns you may have. You can also survey your employees to get their feedback and input on what they would like to see in their workstations. This will help you choose the right models and features that suit your budget and goals.

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Ashwani Deswal

Life & Wellness Coach- I help leaders & organisations to create overall wellness & boost their performance using wholistic modalities through workshops, programs & retreats || Served 100+ countries ||Authored 2 books
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Start by evaluating the unique needs of your team. Are they hunched over laptops for hours, or juggling back-to-back calls? A simple survey can reveal ergonomic pain points and movement gaps. Once you have the data, make the case for adjustable furniture as an essential wellness tool—not a nice-to-have perk. 💡 Example: At one organization I worked with, a survey uncovered that employees wanted standing desks but didn’t know how to use them effectively. Feedback guided our wellness team to include training alongside the rollout.

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Josh Parkin

Health and Wellbeing Advisor for Cornish business-Helping people be healthier and stronger
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A company we recently evaluated for our Healthy Workplace Assessment had this nailed down. Each staff member went through a desk ergonomics assessment and was then provided with the correct equipment. Staff also were allowed to request specific kit.

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2 Provide training and guidance

Once you have your adjustable desks and chairs, you need to provide training and guidance to your employees on how to use them properly and safely. You can organize workshops, webinars, or videos that demonstrate how to adjust the height, angle, and position of the desks and chairs, how to maintain good posture and ergonomics, and how to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. You can also provide tips and resources on how to set up your workstation, how to avoid eye strain and fatigue, and how to incorporate stretches and exercises into your routine.

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Ashwani Deswal

Life & Wellness Coach- I help leaders & organisations to create overall wellness & boost their performance using wholistic modalities through workshops, programs & retreats || Served 100+ countries ||Authored 2 books
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Adjustable furniture is only as effective as its user. Without guidance, a standing desk can become a glorified coat rack. Host workshops, share short videos, or bring in an ergonomic specialist to teach employees how to optimize their setup for comfort and productivity. 💡 Pro Tip: Pair this training with broader wellness education. Teach “micro-movement moments,” like desk stretches or posture resets, to help employees embrace healthy habits beyond their chairs.

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3 Align with other wellness programs

Adjustable desks and chairs are not a standalone solution for employee wellness. They should be aligned with other wellness programs and initiatives that your company offers or supports, such as fitness classes, nutrition counseling, mental health services, or wellness challenges. You can integrate your ergonomic furniture with these programs by creating incentives, rewards, or recognition for employees who use them regularly, by sharing success stories and testimonials, or by organizing events or activities that involve them. For example, you can host a virtual yoga session using your adjustable desks and chairs, or you can sponsor a walkathon where employees can track their steps using their desks.

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Ashwani Deswal

Life & Wellness Coach- I help leaders & organisations to create overall wellness & boost their performance using wholistic modalities through workshops, programs & retreats || Served 100+ countries ||Authored 2 books
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Don’t let adjustable furniture be a standalone initiative. Integrate it with existing wellness programs like fitness challenges, mindfulness sessions, or health checkups. The synergy can amplify results and engagement. 💡 Example: Imagine pairing adjustable desks with walking meetings, step-count challenges, or even virtual yoga. The result? Employees who stand, stretch, and move naturally throughout their day.

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Tim DeBoer

Fostering wellness, engagement, and business success through inclusive programming
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Love this. Employees should not underestimate the effect of simple habits like simply "standing up" more, if able. It is such a POWERFUL gateway to incorporating more movement. Standing invites impromptu stretching, shifting, stepping, and maybe even some low grade strength movements. Standing alone works muscles and improves joint mobility and stability. An extra hour or two of standing during the work day can do wonders for one's "NEAT" score, which improves biometrics and helps with weight management. Big changes can start with simply standing up more

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4 Monitor and evaluate

Finally, you need to monitor and evaluate the impact of your adjustable desks and chairs on your employee wellness, performance, and satisfaction. You can use metrics such as absenteeism, turnover, productivity, engagement, feedback, or surveys to measure the outcomes and benefits of your ergonomic furniture. You can also solicit feedback and suggestions from your employees on how to improve or enhance your wellness programs and initiatives. By doing so, you can identify what works well and what needs improvement, and you can adjust your strategies accordingly.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you integrate adjustable desks and chairs with other employee wellness programs and initiatives?

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1 Assess your needs

2 Provide training and guidance

3 Align with other wellness programs

4 Monitor and evaluate

5 Here’s what else to consider

Employee Wellness Programs

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