Every year, on 28 April, the International Labour Organization (ILO) dedicates a day to raise awareness about safety and health at work. It is a reminder that the environment in which we work every day has a direct and measurable impact on our health, our mood and our productivity.

According to data from the World Health Organization, more than 1.7 billion workers worldwide experience some form of work-related musculoskeletal disorder, pain in the back, neck, wrists or shoulders.

In the majority of cases, the cause is not heavy physical labor. It is hours spent in incorrect posture, on unsuitable equipment, in spaces that are not designed with human physiology as a basis.

Prevention is possible, and it doesn’t always require large investments. You just need to know what to change.

The 6 basic principles of ergonomics for the office space

    1.The seat, the basis of everything

An ergonomic chair is a support system that adjusts to the characteristics of your body.

The key points to check:

Seat height: feet should be flat on the floor, thighs parallel to the floor with a 90° angle at the knees.

Lumbar support: the back of the chair should follow the natural curve of the spine, particularly supporting the lumbar region.

Armrests: elbows should rest comfortably with shoulders relaxed, not raised.

Seat depth: there should be a 2–3 finger gap between the back of the knee and the edge of the seat.

Dromeas work chairs are designed based on these very principles, incorporating fully adjustable height, lumbar support and armrest systems. It is certified according to the European standard EN 1335 which determines the ergonomic dimensions, safety requirements and test methods for office chairs.

When chair height adjustment is not sufficient to ensure the correct angle at the knees, a footrest is a simple and effective solution. It supports the feet, reduces pressure on the thighs and significantly improves circulation, without requiring changes to the rest of the equipment.

    2.The desk, height and layout

The desk should allow your hands to type with your elbows at a 90° angle, without having to raise or lower your shoulders.

An ideal choice for maximizing ergonomics are electrically adjustable desks, which allow you to alternate between sitting and standing work positions throughout the day. Studies show that alternating positions every 45–60 minutes significantly reduces spinal fatigue and improves blood flow to the lower extremities.

The Dromeas series of electric height-adjustable desks offers precise adjustment with an electric mechanism, stability in use and a design that fits naturally into any work environment.

For those who work long hours at the keyboard, an additional step of ergonomics at a low cost is the Dromeas “Anesis” ergonomic arm rest. It supports the elbow and wrist during typing, reducing muscle fatigue in the shoulder and arm. It is a prime example of an affordable accessory that can make a noticeable difference in everyday comfort, without requiring an upgrade to the entire equipment.

    3.Screen, position and distance

Height: The top of the screen should be at or slightly below eye level. Constantly looking down puts strain on your neck.

Distance: About 50–70 cm from your eyes, about the length of your arm.

Angle: Slightly tilted back (5–15°) to reduce glare and relieve eye strain.

If you use two screens, the main one should be directly in front of you, while a monitor arm can help with proper positioning.

    4.Lighting: The factor we underestimate

Incorrect lighting is one of the most common causes of eye strain and headaches in office workers. Natural light is ideal when available, but the computer should be positioned parallel to a window. For artificial lighting, avoid reflections on the screen and prefer lighting in the 4,000–5,000K (neutral white), which mimics natural light and reduces visual fatigue.

Opt for the Aura smart lighting system from Dromeas, specially designed for heightadjustable desks, with light and motion sensors that automatically adjust the intensity depending on the conditions.

    5.Breaks as an integral part of ergonomics

Even the most well-equipped space cannot compensate for the effects of prolonged immobility.

For the eyes, the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds and then allow your eyes to blink naturally 20 times to rehydrate.

For the body: every 45–60 minutes, get up and move around for 2–3 minutes. This is enough to activate circulation and reduce muscle stiffness.

    6.Soundproofing, the often overlooked factor

In open-office environments, noise is one of the main factors of stress and reduced concentration. Studies show that environmental noise can reduce productivity by up to 66%. Sound-absorbing systems, from desk dividers to acoustic ceiling panels, play a key role in creating an environment that is conducive to concentration.

The role of equipment

A common argument against upgrading work equipment is cost.

What is often overlooked is the opposite cost

• days lost due to illness
• reduced productivity
• occupational diseases that develop gradually.

A quality ergonomic chair with a 5-year warranty, such as those manufactured by Dromeas in Serres since 1979, is a piece of furniture that depreciates quickly and protects the most important asset of any organization: its people.

When it comes to occupational health and safety, certifications are not just an added advantage, but a critical factor of protection. Non-certified products can pose serious risks, as they often emit harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from their base materials, such as adhesives, paints, foams (sponges) and work surfaces.

These substances, especially in long-stay areas, can be detrimental to the health of users and the quality of indoor air. In contrast, Dromeas products that comply with the LEVEL 3 level and carry the Blauer Engel certification ensure strict emission control, safe materials and responsible production. Choosing certified solutions is not a matter of aesthetics or cost — it is a matter of health, safety and substantial responsibility towards the people who use the equipment daily

What can you do today?

April 28th is a good time for a simple self-check.

◊Are your feet flat on the floor?

◊Are your elbows at a 90° angle when you type?

◊Is the top of your screen at eye level?

◊Do you take breaks every hour?

If the answer to any of these is “no”, there is room for improvement. And the improvement doesn’t have to be dramatic, a properly adjusted chair, a desk at the right height, a few extra minutes of movement a day can make a noticeable difference.

If you want to explore ergonomic solutions tailored to your space, Dromeas’ experts are at your disposal, in one of the 23 stores throughout Greece or at dromeas.gr.