Bridging the Ergonomic Divide: Why Women Need More Than a One-Size-Fits-All Workplace

When we think about workplace ergonomics, we often assume that desks, chairs, and equipment are designed to suit everyone. The reality? Many of these products were built around a “default male” model, leaving women to navigate workspaces that don’t truly fit their bodies or needs.

With International Women’s Day upon us, it’s time to address the ergonomic gender gap—because a workplace designed for men doesn’t work for everyone. From poorly fitted office furniture to the overlooked needs of expectant mothers and menopausal women, these gaps can impact health, productivity, and equality in the workplace.

The Problem: A Workplace Designed for Men?

Historically, workplace designs and ergonomic standards have been based on anthropometric data (body measurements) taken from male-dominated studies. This means:

• Office chairs, desks, and tools are often too big or not easily adjustable for smaller body frames.
• Standard keyboard and mouse sizes can cause increased strain on smaller hands.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) in industries like construction and healthcare is typically designed for men, leading to discomfort or even safety risks for women.

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), women report a higher rate of work-related ill health than men (5,900 cases per 100,000 female workers vs. 4,590 for men). Many of these issues stem from poor workstation setups, leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), fatigue, and stress.

Ergonomic Challenges Unique to Women

1.The Office Setup Struggle

• Women, on average, have shorter torsos, narrower shoulders, and longer legs compared to men, yet standard office furniture often doesn’t reflect this.
• Desks set at fixed heights (typically designed for men around 5’10”) can force women to hunch or sit uncomfortably.
• Office chairs with deep seats and wide armrests can reduce lower back support and increase strain on the shoulders.

Ergonomic Fix: Footrests to allow the sitting height to be raised, a chair with a seat depth adjustment, chairs with lumbar support, armrests adjustable in height, width and depth, adjustable monitor stands or monitor arms. A few extra adjustment capabilities can make a big difference, particularly when hot desks are used.

2. Pregnancy & Ergonomics: Supporting Expectant Mothers

• As the body changes during pregnancy, spinal alignment, weight distribution, and balance are affected.
• Sitting for long periods can cause swelling, back pain, and discomfort.
• Workstations not designed for pregnant employees can lead to reduced productivity and increased risk of injury.

Ergonomic Fix: Providing adjustable seating with extra lumbar support, footrests, and alternating between sitting and standing can improve circulation and comfort for expectant mothers.

3. Menopause & The Workplace

• Joint pain, stiffness, fatigue, and hot flashes are common during menopause, yet workplace ergonomics rarely take this into account.
• Temperature control is a major issue—many offices are set to temperatures more suited to men’s metabolic rates.
• Chronic pain and discomfort caused by MSDs can be exacerbated during menopause, reducing concentration and performance.

Ergonomic Fix: Giving employees control over their workspace temperature, providing ergonomic chairs that reduce joint stress, and encouraging movement-friendly work setups can ease discomfort.

Bridging the Gap: What Employers Can Do

Ergonomic Assessments – Regular DSE (Display Screen Equipment) assessments can help identify workstation issues and tailor setups to fit women’s ergonomic needs.

Education & Training – Teaching employees postural awareness and ergonomic best practices can prevent long-term health issues.

Flexible Workspaces – Offering adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and alternative working positions supports a more inclusive work environment.

Maternity & Menopause-Friendly Policies – Providing ergonomic support for pregnancy and menopause ensures women can work comfortably at all stages of life.

Ergonomic issues aren’t just about comfort—they impact health, productivity, and business outcomes. Companies that prioritise ergonomics see a 61% reduction in musculoskeletal problems and an 87% decrease in staff turnover according to The Chartered Institute of Ergonomics & Human Factors (CIEHF). Good ergonomic practices lead to better engagement, fewer sick days, and a stronger, healthier workforce.

At DSE Assessments Ltd, we specialise in tailored ergonomic solutions that support all employees—regardless of gender, body type, or life stage. Contact us today for a consultation.

Tel: 0844 335 6188

Email: info@dse-assessments.co.uk