Troubleshooting Common Workstation Complaints

A comfortable, well-adjusted workstation is critical for productivity, wellbeing, and long-term musculoskeletal health. Yet in offices across India, employees continue to report aches, pains, and fatigue that directly affect their performance. Often, these issues stem from small, overlooked ergonomic problems.

By understanding and addressing common workstation complaints, organisations can protect their employees from discomfort and create a more engaged and effective workforce.

1. Complaint: “My lower back hurts after sitting for long periods.”

Root causes:

• Lack of lumbar support
• Chair height not adjusted correctly
• Sitting in a slouched posture

Troubleshooting solution:
Invest in ergonomic chairs with built-in adjustable lumbar support and seat depth options to encourage a natural spinal curve. Encourage staff to adjust chair height so their feet rest flat on the floor, with knees at roughly 90 degrees. Additionally, training on posture and regular reminders to sit back fully into the chair’s support can prevent slouching.

2. Complaint: “My neck and shoulders feel stiff and painful.”

Root causes:

• Monitor positioned too low or too high
• Leaning forward to read documents
• Poor screen distance and angle

Troubleshooting solution:
Ensure monitors are positioned at eye level so the user looks straight ahead without bending their neck. The top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level, placed at approximately an arm’s length away. Introducing document holders to position papers next to the screen or below it at a readable angle prevents constant neck bending.

3. Complaint: “My wrists ache when using the mouse.”

Root causes:

• Mouse too far from the body
• Standard mouse design forcing wrist pronation
• Overuse and repetitive movement

Troubleshooting solution:
Replace standard mice with ergonomic designs that maintain a neutral wrist position, such as vertical mice or contoured ergonomic models. Position the mouse close to the body and at the same height as the keyboard to minimise overreaching. Encourage micro breaks and wrist stretches to reduce tension build-up.

4. Complaint: “I feel tired and restless after sitting all day.”

Root causes:

• Prolonged static posture
• Poor circulation due to immobility
• Fatigue from lack of postural change

Troubleshooting solution:
Introduce height-adjustable desks to enable staff to alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day, promoting circulation and alertness. Remind employees to change posture regularly, take short movement breaks, and adjust positions to reduce fatigue and stiffness.

5. Complaint: “I get eye strain and headaches after computer work.”

Root causes:

• Screen glare or poor lighting
• Incorrect monitor brightness or contrast
• Viewing distance or angle causing visual fatigue

Troubleshooting solution:
Position monitors to avoid reflections from windows or overhead lights. Adjust brightness to match ambient lighting and set contrast to comfortable levels. Apply the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to reduce visual fatigue. If needed, anti-glare screen filters or blinds can further optimise the workstation.

How proactive adjustments create healthier workplaces

These common complaints are not trivial. Left unaddressed, they can escalate into repetitive strain injuries, chronic pain, absenteeism, and decreased morale. The good news is that most issues can be prevented or resolved through proactive ergonomic adjustments and the right equipment.

How Workplace Adjustments can help

At Workplace Adjustments, we specialise in creating comfortable, safe, and productive work environments through high-quality ergonomic solutions. Our range includes:

• Ergonomic chairs with lumbar support and multiple adjustment features to suit every body type
• Height-adjustable desks to encourage healthy sit-stand working patterns
• Ergonomic mice that promote natural wrist posture and reduce strain
• Document holders to position reading materials ergonomically and reduce neck bending

Additionally, our ergonomic assessment services identify risks and provide tailored recommendations for your team to resolve workstation complaints efficiently.

Investing in prevention saves long-term costs

Providing ergonomic equipment is not just about comfort - it is a strategic decision to protect employee health, improve performance, and reduce absence-related costs. Organisations that proactively address workstation complaints foster a culture of care, resulting in higher morale and retention.

Contact us today to discuss how we can help you troubleshoot workstation complaints and create an environment where your employees can work comfortably, healthily, and productively.