Looking for clear, unbiased advice on ergonomic equipment? You've come to the right place. As independent DSE assessors, we've tested hundreds of products and helped countless organizations create healthier workspaces. Our unique position gives us a clear advantage: we don't sell any equipment, so our recommendations are driven purely by what works best for our clients, not by sales targets or commission.
We know how overwhelming it can be to navigate the world of ergonomic products. With countless options available and many vendors claiming their products are "ergonomic," it's hard to know what's actually worth investing in. That's why we've created this guide to help you:
This isn't just another product catalogue. For each category, we provide:
We've organized this guide to focus on practical solutions that make a real difference. While everyone knows about ergonomic chairs (which we cover in a separate guide), we spotlight the crucial accessories and equipment that complete a healthy workstation—from keyboards and mice to monitor stands and desk accessories.
Each section follows a consistent format:
You can use these recommendations to:
Remember, good ergonomics isn't about buying the most expensive products—it's about choosing the right tools that employees will actually use. Let's dive into the specific products that can help transform your workplace into a more comfortable, productive environment.
While having the right chair is fundamental to workplace comfort, sometimes even the best chairs need a little help. Chair accessories can provide that extra support for specific needs or conditions, offering a cost-effective way to enhance comfort without replacing entire chairs. Here are our carefully selected recommendations for chair accessories that consistently deliver results.
Coccyx wedges are one of the most versatile chair accessories we recommend. They're particularly valuable for pregnant employees or anyone experiencing lower back discomfort. The right wedge can transform an ordinary chair into a more supportive seat by encouraging better posture and reducing pressure on the tailbone. When selecting a coccyx wedge, look for:
For employees who spend significant time on the road, proper car seat support is essential but often overlooked. A good car support can make the difference between arriving at meetings fresh and alert or dealing with back strain and discomfort.Your car support should provide:
Often overlooked but absolutely crucial, footrests play a vital role in maintaining proper posture, especially for employees working at fixed-height desks. Our data shows that employees under 5'6" almost always benefit from a footrest, as it helps them maintain good posture while keeping their feet properly supported. The right footrest can prevent the cascade of posture problems that often start with feet dangling or resting awkwardly.
A well-designed standard footrest is our most common recommendation. The key is finding one that's stable enough to support active use throughout the day while being easily adjustable to accommodate different users and desk setups. Essential features to look for include:
For employees who benefit from more active sitting, particularly those with circulation concerns, a rocking footrest can be transformative. The gentle movement these footrests enable helps maintain blood flow while providing the same postural benefits as standard footrests. They're especially valuable for pregnant employees or those with conditions like DVT. Look for these key features:
While standard footrests work well for most users, employees under 5'2" or those working at higher desks often need additional height adjustment. Standard UK desk height is 74cm, but when this proves too high, or when dealing with elevated desks, a high-range footrest becomes essential rather than optional.
Proper foot support is crucial for two reasons: it enables employees to sit at the correct height for their desk while ensuring they can fully recline into their chair with stability. Without adequate foot support, employees might perch forward in their chairs or lower them too much, compromising their overall posture.
Key features to look for:
In our experience, keyboards are often overlooked in workplace ergonomics, with many assessors only considering them when upper limb issues arise. However, we've found that the right keyboard can prevent problems before they start, particularly for laptop users. By allowing laptop screens to be raised to eye level while maintaining comfortable typing positions, a well-chosen keyboard becomes a cornerstone of good posture.
Studies show that roughly 90% of users rarely, if ever, use the numeric keypad. This makes compact keyboards our most frequently recommended keyboard option. By eliminating the rarely-used number pad, these keyboards allow for a more natural mouse position, reducing shoulder strain and creating a more efficient workspace. When evaluating compact keyboards, look for:
While most keyboards place the numeric keypad on the right, this can cause issues for employees who frequently use number keys. The constant reaching to the right can lead to shoulder strain and postural problems. A left-handed keyboard offers an elegant solution by maintaining familiar typing patterns while repositioning the number pad for better ergonomics.
Essential features to look for:
While split keyboards might seem like the ultimate ergonomic solution, we take a cautious approach to recommending them. Our experience shows they work best for specific users - particularly touch-typists who are committed to adapting their typing style. For many employees, simpler solutions often prove more effective.
Key features to consider:
In today's digital world, managing physical documents alongside computer work presents unique challenges. The right document holder can transform an awkward juggling act into a smooth workflow, preventing the neck strain and awkward reaching that often comes with paper handling.
Essential features for an effective document holder:
While many DSE assessors consider wrist rests essential, our experience suggests a more cautious approach. They can be a helpful addition to a workspace when used correctly, but they're not the ergonomic cure-all they're often portrayed to be. In fact, improper use can potentially contribute to upper limb issues rather than prevent them.
The key is understanding their proper role: a wrist rest should provide occasional support between typing periods, not a constant resting place during keyboard use. Think of it as a reference point for maintaining good wrist position rather than a permanent support.
Essential features to look for:
Selecting the right mouse is crucial for preventing upper limb issues while maintaining productivity. We've found that the best mouse is one that employees will actually use consistently - which is why we focus on practical, user-friendly options rather than complex ergonomic devices that end up unused in desk drawers.
A good wireless mouse represents the sweet spot between ergonomic benefits and ease of use. It should feel like a natural extension of the hand while providing reliable performance throughout the workday.Essential features we look for include:
For employees experiencing early signs of RSI or those in high-risk roles, a vertical mouse can be transformative. The "handshake" position these mice promote helps reduce wrist strain without requiring a complete change in working style. Key features should include:
While it may look unusual, a central pointing device can be a game-changer for employees with serious upper limb issues. These devices allow for ambidextrous use and precise control without requiring traditional gripping motions, making them ideal for users with conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Look for these essential features:
We often say, "where your eyes go, your body follows." This simple principle underlies all our display recommendations. Even the best chair won't help if someone is hunching to view a poorly positioned screen. Proper screen positioning is fundamental to maintaining good posture throughout the workday.
With the majority of modern workers using laptops, a quality laptop riser is essential for any ergonomic setup. The key is finding one that actually elevates the screen to eye level - many popular options don't rise high enough to make a real difference.
Essential features for an effective laptop riser:
While some assessors suggest using monitor risers or blocks, we find that a proper monitor stand offers a more professional, stable, and space-efficient solution. Though slightly more expensive than basic risers, a quality monitor stand provides better adjustability and a cleaner desk appearance.
Essential features to consider include:
For shared workspaces or environments where frequent adjustment is needed, a monitor arm is worth the investment. While they may cost more initially, the flexibility and ease of adjustment they offer can significantly improve workspace efficiency and user comfort. We've found they're particularly valuable in hot-desking environments where different users need to quickly adjust their setup.
Key features to look for:
While we rarely recommend specific monitors, certain features are crucial for workplace comfort and productivity. The right monitor should offer clear visibility at standard viewing distances without causing eye strain, while providing enough adjustability to accommodate different users.
Essential monitor features include:
At first glance, a webcam might seem out of place in an ergonomic equipment guide. However, in today's hybrid workplace, where video calls make up a significant part of the workday, webcam positioning can significantly impact posture and comfort.
The built-in webcams on laptops often create a challenging trade-off: either position the laptop for good camera angles (leading to screen rotation and neck strain) or optimise screen position but appear to be looking away during video calls. An external webcam solves this dilemma by allowing proper screen positioning while maintaining natural eye contact during calls.
Key features to look for:
When it comes to desks, simplicity is key. We've found that straightforward, rectangular desks consistently outperform more complex designs in terms of usability and ergonomic benefits. The right desk provides a foundation for good posture and efficient work, while unusual shapes often lead to awkward positioning and reduced workspace efficiency.
For most employees, a well-designed fixed height desk is all that's needed. The key is ensuring it meets basic ergonomic requirements for depth, width, and under-desk clearance. We've found that many expensive "ergonomic" desk features go unused, while these fundamental aspects affect comfort every day. Essential features for any fixed height desk:
While sit-stand desks aren't essential for everyone, when they're needed, it's worth investing in a quality electric model. Manual or crank-operated desks often go unused due to the effort required to adjust them. A good electric desk should make height changes effortless, encouraging regular position changes throughout the day. Look for these key features:
When a full sit-stand desk isn't practical or possible, a desk converter can provide many of the same benefits. These are particularly useful in fixed desk environments or where permanent furniture changes aren't possible. While they require some lifting force to adjust, a well-designed converter can effectively transform a standard desk into a flexible workspace. Essential features include:
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