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Ergonomics in the workplace
A classroom scene where three children are seated at a table, engaged in a creative art activity. They are surrounded by art supplies, and a teacher is overseeing their work, smiling and interacting with them.

Why is ergonomics important in schools?

Ergonomics is all about designing environments to suit the needs of individuals. In schools, it plays a vital role in supporting student health, comfort and concentration. Students spend long hours seated in classrooms, so poor posture or inadequate furniture can quickly lead to discomfort, loss of focus and even long-term musculoskeletal issues. Likewise, factors like insufficient lighting can cause eye strain and headaches, making it harder for students to stay engaged.


The importance of movement and variation

Just as adults are encouraged to avoid prolonged sitting at work, it’s equally important for students to move regularly during the school day. Encouraging varied seating positions and offering the chance to stand helps improve circulation and reduces the risk of strain or fatigue.

That’s why it’s essential to incorporate flexible, movement-friendly options into the classroom - from height-adjustable desks and wobble stools to perch seats and sit-stand tables. These solutions support active learning and make it easier to cater to a range of student needs.

A classroom with a few students where a girl in a yellow sweater sitting at a desk raise her hand to answer a question

Explore our ergonomic range of office furniture:

Tip! Children of the same age can vary significantly in height. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose desks first, then pair them with chairs that are either height-adjustable or available in a range of sizes. This ensures every student can sit comfortably and with proper support.


Ergonomic conditions in the classroom

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to creating an ergonomic learning environment. From making sure students are seated correctly to managing classroom noise. But by focusing on a few key principles, you can make a big difference!

a classroom wall decorated with three large, round, gray sound absorber felt wall panels.

1. Effective sound insulation

Excessive noise levels in the classroom can have a negative impact on learning, performance and sleep quality. Constant background noise may also lead to physical tension in the shoulders and neck, resulting in headaches or muscle pain. Solutions like study screens, floor screens and sound-absorbing benches can help reduce disruptive sounds. However, for the best results, these should be combined with wall and ceiling absorbers. 

2. Good posture

Working in front of a screen is becoming increasingly common in schools and it is important to sit correctly to prevent strain on the arms, shoulders and neck. The monitor should be positioned at arm's length and students should be able to work with their hands close to the body with their forearms supported on the desk. A desk forearm support can be a simple yet effective addition to further reduce pressure on the upper body and promote a more ergonomic working position.
Standing desk mat under a student desk

3. Comfortable relief

When working in a standing position, a standing mat offers a simple way to increase comfort. Most school floors are hard and not ideal for standing still over long periods. That’s why anti-fatigue mats are designed specifically to relieve pressure on the legs, knees and back. They’re a practical solution in the classroom and can easily be shared between students who alternate between sitting and standing.

4. Proper lighting

Visual ergonomics in the classroom  is essential for supporting students’ concentration and overall wellbeing, creating the right conditions for effective learning. The most effective setup combines direct lighting on work surfaces with indirect ambient lighting on walls and ceilings. To achieve the right light levels, classrooms should include multiple rows of ceiling luminaires along with dedicated lighting for whiteboards or blackboards to support the teacher’s visibility and instruction.
a girl sitting at a school desk writing on a notebook
Tips! Our in-house designed student chair, YNGVE, was developed together with students from three different schools. The result? A versatile chair available in a range of models, heights and colours - with a unique design that allows students to sit comfortably in four different directions. Read more about the design process here

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