Common Workstation Challenges Faced by Indian Employees-And How to Solve Them

India’s corporate sector is evolving rapidly, with technology-enabled workspaces becoming the norm across industries. Yet amidst this progress, a silent crisis continues: poor workstation ergonomics. Many Indian employees face daily discomfort and long-term health risks simply because their workspaces are not designed with user wellbeing in mind.

Here, we explore common workstation challenges reported by employees in Indian offices-and practical solutions to address them effectively.

1. Problem: Prolonged Sitting and Back Pain

Why it happens:
Many offices in India still provide standard fixed-height desks paired with non-adjustable chairs. Employees spend hours sitting in static, unsupported postures, leading to lower back pain, spinal compression, and fatigue.

Solution:
Introducing ergonomic chairs with adjustable lumbar support, seat depth, and tilt functionality can significantly reduce back discomfort. Paired with height-adjustable desks, employees can alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, promoting circulation, reducing strain on the spine, and improving overall energy levels.

2. Problem: Neck and Shoulder Tension

Why it happens:
Laptop use without external monitors or document holders forces employees to look down constantly, leading to neck flexion and shoulder tension. Poor monitor height and positioning also contribute to this strain.

Solution:
Ensure monitors are positioned at eye level, with the top of the screen at or slightly below eye height and at an arm’s length distance. Providing document holders allows reading materials to be positioned upright, minimising neck bending. For laptop users, introducing external keyboards and stands creates an ergonomic desktop setup.

3. Problem: Wrist Pain and Repetitive Strain Injuries

Why it happens:
Traditional mice force the wrist into a pronated position, increasing tension in the forearm and wrist extensors. Continuous clicking and dragging without ergonomic support lead to repetitive strain injuries over time.

Solution:
Switch to ergonomic mice designed to maintain a neutral wrist posture, such as vertical or contoured mice. These designs reduce muscle tension, prevent strain injuries, and promote natural movement during computer use

4. Problem: Eye Strain and Headaches

Why it happens:
Inadequate lighting, excessive screen glare, and poor monitor contrast settings cause employees to squint and strain their eyes, leading to headaches and visual fatigue.

Solution:
Position monitors perpendicular to windows to reduce glare. Adjust brightness to match ambient lighting and use anti-glare screen filters if needed. Encourage staff to apply the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to relax eye muscles.

5. Problem: Limited Movement During Work

Why it happens:
Indian office culture often rewards constant desk presence, discouraging breaks or movement. Prolonged immobility leads to fatigue, reduced circulation, and reduced productivity over the day.

Solution:
Cultivate a culture that encourages micro-breaks, posture changes, and walking meetings where possible. Height-adjustable desks empower employees to transition between sitting and standing, boosting alertness and reducing fatigue.

Why ergonomic solutions matter

Ignoring workstation challenges is costly. Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of absenteeism, medical claims, and reduced productivity worldwide, and Indian offices are no exception. Beyond compliance and duty of care, investing in ergonomic solutions:

• Improves morale and retention: Employees feel valued and supported.
• Enhances productivity: Comfortable employees work more efficiently with better focus.
• Reduces injury-related costs: Preventing discomfort is always more cost-effective than managing injuries later.

How Workplace Adjustments can support your team

At Workplace Adjustments, we understand the realities of Indian offices and the unique needs of diverse workforces. Our product range is carefully curated to address these challenges:

• Ergonomic chairs with multiple adjustment features to support healthy posture
• Height-adjustable desks that enable healthy movement and adaptability
• Ergonomic mice designed to prevent wrist and forearm strain
• Document holders to maintain optimal neck alignment while reading and typing

Additionally, our ergonomic assessments identify workstation risks and provide tailored recommendations to transform your workspace into a healthier, more productive environment.

Invest today for a healthier tomorrow

A comfortable, ergonomically optimised workstation is not a luxury-it is a necessity for long-term health, morale, and business success. Contact us today to explore how our ergonomic solutions can resolve your employees’ daily workstation challenges and empower them to perform at their best.