Ergonomics: The Key to New Hire Success

Starting a new job comes with a mix of excitement and pressure. New hires are eager to make a great first impression and absorb a whirlwind of information, processes, and tools. But one thing that’s often overlooked in onboarding? Ergonomic support!

Whether your new employee is working in an office, from home, in a hybrid role, or in a specialized lab environment, setting them up with a healthy, well-designed workstation from the start is not just a “nice to have”—it’s a foundational piece of their long-term success.

Ergonomics Isn’t Just About Comfort—It’s About Culture

Proactively addressing ergonomics during onboarding sends a powerful message: “We care about your well-being.” This kind of investment boosts morale, increases loyalty, and makes employees feel valued from day one. When employees are comfortable and supported, they’re more productive, more engaged, and less likely to experience pain or injuries that lead to absenteeism—or worse, long-term health issues.

Companies that integrate ergonomics into the onboarding process benefit too. Not only can you prevent costly workers’ comp claims and reduce turnover, but you’re also building a culture of care, performance, and accountability, not to mention making sure you are in compliance.

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Let’s face it, work environments vary. A new engineer in a cleanroom has different ergonomic needs than a remote marketing hire or a hybrid team member who splits their time between home and the office. That’s why your new hire ergonomic program should account for:

• In-office staff: Provide adjustable chairs, desks, monitor arms, and keyboard trays. Offer in-person ergonomic evaluations or self-assessments and quick-start guides to help them self-adjust.

• Work-from-home hires: Provide ergonomic essentials (laptop risers, external keyboards, supportive chairs) as well as information about stipends and company policy to procure.  In addition, provide access to self-assessments, remote training as well as virtual evaluations if needed.

• Hybrid workers: Teach them how to set up both environments properly. Provide portable equipment or kits they can carry between locations. The name of the game here is training, training and more training. 

• Lab environments: If applicable, address task-specific risks like microscope use, pipetting, or standing work. Include tailored lab ergonomic evaluations and behavioral coaching.

5 Practical Steps for a New Hire Ergo Program

Want to create a sustainable ergonomic onboarding experience? Start with these five steps:

1. Include ergonomics in your onboarding checklist.

   Add a simple ergonomics orientation session, video, or webinar as part of your new hire’s first week.

2. Provide self-assessment tools or evaluations.

   Give new hires access to an online ergonomic self-assessment and/or schedule a virtual or in-person evaluation to customize their setup.

3. Supply the right tools and equipment early.

   Don’t wait until there’s a problem. Send new employees a workstation kit (or grant access to order what they need) before day one.

4. Educate on movement and posture.

   Teach simple stretch routines, healthy posture tips, and strategies for microbreaks to keep energy up and injuries down.

5. Track and follow up.

   Set a reminder to check in with new hires after 30–60 days to ensure their setup is working well and adjust if needed.

Last But Not Least, Don’t Forget About the Rest of Your Team

While new hires deserve a strong start, ongoing ergonomic support shouldn’t stop there. Existing employees often face evolving roles, new tasks, or physical wear from years of suboptimal setups. A holistic program includes periodic check-ins, upgrades, and refresher trainings for everyone—not just the newbies.

The bottom line: Investing in ergonomic support during onboarding is one of the smartest ways to support your people and protect your company. It’s a small step with a big impact, and a win-win for everyone!