Workplaces are no longer just for work – they’ve become collaborative spaces designed to enhance physical health, mental wellbeing and productivity. Today, companies are investing in holistic solutions that support all three. From sit-stand desks and monitor arms to biophilic design and healthy food, offices are undergoing a transformation that benefits staff and companies alike.
JGBM Marketing Manager Melissa Doran believes adaptability is a key factor in the evolving ergonomics sector, emphasising that working comfortably in any setting requires better materials, new aesthetics and technological development. “COVID heightened the need for home office-compatible wellness solutions, driving the adoption of versatile products,” she explains. To maintain this momentum, continued innovation is essential – something manufacturers and resellers must remain committed to delivering.
Rising demand
Demand for ergonomic and wellness-focused products has surged over the past year, mirroring broader consumer trends. According to McKinsey’s 2024 Future of Wellness survey, Gen Z and millennials are investing more in wellness products and services than Gen X, reflecting a generational shift in priorities.
Lyreco UK & Ireland Product and Services Director Steve Weston has observed a significant increase in interest in ergonomic furniture, wellness snacks and office designs which promote a healthier lifestyle. He attributes this uptick to a greater understanding of the hidden costs associated with poor ergonomics, including musculoskeletal issues (MSDs), absenteeism and reduced productivity.
ExaClair UK Marketing Manager Lawrence Savage notes that corporate wellness spending in the UK is projected to reach £3.6 billion by 2033, with steady growth ahead. Meanwhile, the rise of the ‘workcation’ trend and increased business travel are boosting sales of ergonomically designed luggage products, including Exacompta laptop sleeves and Exactive business bags.
With business travel now surpassing pre-pandemic levels, Savage says ExaClair is seeing notable development in ergonomic travel solutions as people seek comfort and efficiency.
Sam Rylands, Head of Marketing at Durable UK, agrees that businesses increasingly recognise the role of wellness: “In today’s competitive job market, providing an ergonomic, health-conscious work environment is an appealing perk for potential employees. By investing in high-quality, durable solutions, employers demonstrate their commitment to wellbeing, which can be a deciding factor in attracting and retaining top talent.”
Additionally, research by the Furniture Industry Research Association (FIRA) highlights the importance of ergonomic design in education. FIRA’s An Exploration of Educational Furniture Procurement revealed that poorly designed classroom furniture can negatively impact student posture, concentration and long-term wellbeing. Even as requests for health-conscious solutions continue to grow in the workplace, this research suggests that educational settings could be the next space for wellness-focused design.
Benefits aplenty
Beyond being an attractive perk, a health-focused workplace has a direct impact on productivity. According to McKinsey Health Institute’s report Thriving workplaces: How employers can improve productivity and change lives, investing in employee health could generate between £3-£9 trillion in global economic value.
The report highlights the biggest potential benefits come from increasing productivity and reducing presenteeism. However, it also warns that companies are struggling to quantify the presenteeism costs, prioritising investment in tangible factors instead. To bridge this gap, education must be at the forefront of dealers’ sales strategies.
Doran agrees: “Education is everything. The more a dealer understands the proven links between employee health, wellbeing and productivity, the easier it is to communicate the value proposition to customers.
“Dealers that provide expert advice, tailored recommendations and value-added services have a clear edge over the old ‘box-shifter’ approach.”
Meanwhile, hybrid working has introduced new challenges. ACCO Brands UK & Ireland Marketing Director Martina Alexander says research by the manufacturer shows nearly half of home-based workers still lack proper ergonomic equipment. Many continue to work from kitchen tables or living room sofas, increasing the need for compact, adjustable solutions that fit into non-traditional workspaces.
Marius Moldovan, General Manager at Standivarius, has already noted rising interest in such innovations: “Compact, foldable desks and lightweight chairs are prime examples. People are more inclined to reclaim their home as a private space after work, improving work-life balance while maintaining ergonomic support.”
In 2023, the International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews published Clean and organised desks help improve your productivity which highlighted that such a workspace reduces distractions, leading to improved focus, efficiency and memory retention. Says Savage: “Implementing efficient filing systems helps reduce employee stress and saves time. With many UK office workers exhibiting signs of digital burnout, it’s no wonder companies continue to utilise paper-based processes alongside digital methods.”
Mental health awareness
The impact of workplace stress cannot be ignored. According to the UK Labour Force Survey 2023-24 from the Office for National Statistics, nearly half of work-related illnesses stem from stress, anxiety and depression, resulting in the loss of 16.4 million working days. In response, companies are recognising the financial benefits of investing in mental health. In 2024, Deloitte published Mental health and employers, which noted that for every £1 spent on mental health support, businesses can expect a return of £4.70 through increased productivity and reduced absenteeism.
To tackle mental health in the workplace, firms are prioritising initiatives that create supportive environments. Savage says this support can take many forms, including the training of mental health first aiders and offering flexible working arrangements. He adds: “Practical elements such as optimising office layouts and managing environmental factors like temperature, light, air quality and acoustics should be considered when looking to improve wellness.”
As businesses increasingly recognise the link between a healthy work environment and employee performance, there has been a noticeable shift towards integrating solutions that support mental and physical wellbeing. Dynamic Office Solutions Managing Director Nicola Speers states: “Biophilic design, mindfulness zones and stress-reducing lighting reflect a broader recognition of the need to address mental and emotional health in the workplace.”
Rylands highlights one of the standout innovations in this space is the use of lighting to mimic the effects of natural daylight. Products such as Durable’s Luctra LITE Floor and LITE Table regulate the body’s internal clock through customisable settings that support circadian rhythms. “By altering the light intensity and colour temperature, users can create an environment that promotes focus and reduces fatigue throughout the day,” she explains. “The ease of adjusting the light via intuitive gesture control adds a layer of convenience.”
Uncovering challenges
Although there are clear benefits to ergonomic and wellness solutions, selling them is challenging. The perception of high costs, particularly given the upfront investment required for some products, deters buyers, with many reluctant to commit without clear ROI.
Doran stresses the importance of shifting the conversation from cost to value, as ergonomic products are wrongly seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. “The real challenge is overcoming the lack of awareness about their long-term benefits,” she states.
ACCO Brand’s Alexander reinforces this point, stating: “Wellbeing is an investment, not a cost. Ergonomic solutions can be interesting, stylish and functional. Leitz products, for example, are intuitively designed, premium quality and made to last.”
Rylands believes that offering a range of products – such as adjustable monitor arms, ergonomic laptop stands and height-adjustable desks – to suit different budgets helps customers better understand the ROI. “Emphasising flexibility and customisation, while providing comprehensive solutions, also helps dealers position these products as essential for creating healthier, more productive workspaces,” she suggests.
Speers concurs, adding: “Offering flexible financing options or a range of price points can make solutions more accessible.”
Annaliese Curtis, Trade Marketing Manager at Fellowes Brands, points out that employers are legally obliged to protect staff, including from the risks related to Display Screen Equipment, for example. In response, Fellowes Brands’ ‘4 Zone Approach’ offers structured guidance on creating ergonomic workspaces.
Built on European standards ISO 9241-5 and EU Directive 90/270/EEC, this approach divides the workstation into four manageable zones: preventing back tension; avoiding wrist pressure; relieving neck strain; and reducing inactivity. “Each zone offers tailored advice on how to create a healthier and happier workspace,” states Curtis. “By educating businesses on these zones, dealers can help build a tailored range of solutions and drive sales opportunities.”
Despite the legal framework, resistance to change in traditional workplaces remains a barrier. Speers advises dealers to demonstrate the positive impact of ergonomic and wellness solutions through case studies or pilot programmes.
Solutions and opportunities
Beyond addressing cost concerns, identifying sales potential is key to gaining traction with new clients. Curtis recommends dealers look for signs of poor workstation setups, such as catalogues being used as makeshift monitor stands or staff with poor posture. She advises asking questions like ‘Do you carry out workstation risk assessments?’ or ‘Is absenteeism a concern?’ to open up valuable conversations.
To support this process, Fellowes has developed the Healthy Workstation Assessment – a free online tool that enables businesses to evaluate and improve workspace ergonomics within minutes.
Dealers can also build trust by promoting specialist-endorsed products. “Highlighting certifications and expert recommendations adds credibility and helps businesses feel confident in their purchases,” notes JGBM Solutions Manager Mark Smith.
Sustainability has become a primary factor in purchasing decisions, with businesses now expecting ergonomic solutions that align with broader environmental goals. “Companies are looking for certifications like B Corp or carbon neutral status to demonstrate their commitment to employee wellbeing and environmental responsibility,” says Speers
The Breyta range from Fellowes illustrates this trend, incorporating recycled foam in cushions and fully recyclable packaging. Likewise, ACCO Brands has embedded eco-conscious design into its Leitz Ergo range, with products such as the desk foot rest made from 80% post-consumer recycled plastic.
Moldovan notes that sustainability is now about more than just recyclability or circular design principles. “Manufacturers are focusing on smarter designs using durable materials that resist wear and tear. Additionally, more intuitive functionality ensures ease of use, reducing frustration and extending product lifespan,” he adds.
A prime example is Durable’s Luctra LITE, which is engineered with both wellness and longevity in mind. Built from high-quality materials like aluminium and using energy-efficient LEDs that last over 50,000 hours, it reduces waste and the need for frequent replacements.
What lies ahead?
Wellness solutions will continue to evolve, with hybrid-friendly products and ergonomic-focused designs shaping the future of workplaces. Investing in these solutions is no longer just about improving comfort – it’s a statement of commitment to workplace wellbeing.
Beyond enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity, these investments help businesses future-proof their operations. As the demand for ergonomic work setups grows, companies that prioritise wellness will be best placed to attract and retain talent.
As Rylands states: “By promoting these products and solutions, dealers not only support growth but also make a positive impact on society by inspiring healthier, more sustainable workplaces.”
Quickfire dealer tips
- Offer educational resources on the productivity and cost-saving benefits of ergonomic investments
- Provide trials to demonstrate effectiveness
- Develop flexible pricing models to make quality solutions more accessible
- Look for eco and circular products and solutions
- Conduct thorough assessments of what’s going on in a customer’s workplace – from a wellness and ergonomics point of view
- Don’t forget homeworking situations, as they can generate an additional revenue stream
