With so many options on the market, buying an office chair can feel overwhelming. Labels like “ergonomic” are often thrown around — but what do they really mean? In this episode of the Ergonomically Speaking…, I break down the essential features to look for in a DSE-appropriate office chair, especially if you’re buying for yourself or your team.

Rather than focusing on specific brands or models, I outline the key adjustments and supports that make a real difference when it comes to comfort, posture, and long-term musculoskeletal health. Whether you work from home or in a traditional office setting, this episode will help you make informed decisions about your seating setup.

📩 Want Help with Your Workstation Setup?

Boyne Ergonomics offers professional DSE assessments and tailored advice to help you and your team work safely and comfortably. Visit www.boyneergonomics.ie to learn more.

The blog for this episode can be found at:

https://boyneergonomics.ie/what-to-look-for-in-your-office-chair/

As always, I can be found online and on social media:

www.boyneergonomics.ie

Instagram: boyne_ergonomics

Bluesky: boyne-ergonomics.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhpentony

TikTok: @niamh_boyneergo

In this episode of the Ergonomically Speaking…podcast, I’m focusing on something we all use every day — screens. Whether you're working on a laptop, using a dual-monitor setup, or checking emails on your phone, poor screen positioning can lead to a range of issues including neck and back pain, eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• • Why monitor placement matters more than you think
  • How to correctly position one, two, or even three monitors
  • The ideal monitor distance and height based on your setup
  • How to reduce glare and eye strain in any environment
  • Best contrast, brightness and colour temperature settings for comfort
  • Why the 20-20-20 rule is a game-changer for eye health
  • When to get your eyes tested — and what to watch out for
  
  

🛠 Mentioned Tools & Tips:

• • F.lux – Free app to automatically adjust screen hue
  • 20-20-20 Rule – Look 20 feet away every 20 minutes for 20 seconds
  • Use your arm as a measuring tool to check monitor distance
  • How to test your screen for glare (tip: turn it off and check reflections!)
  
  

✨ Small Changes, Big Difference

Proper screen setup is one of the simplest ways to reduce discomfort and stay productive — whether you’re in the office or working from home.

📩 Want Help with Your Workstation Setup?

Boyne Ergonomics offers professional DSE assessments and tailored advice to help you and your team work safely and comfortably. Visit www.boyneergonomics.ie to learn more.

The blog for this episode can be found at:

https://boyneergonomics.ie/how-to-position-your-monitor-and-why-it-matters/

As always, I can be found online and on social media:

www.boyneergonomics.ie

Instagram: boyne_ergonomics

Bluesky: boyne-ergonomics.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhpentony

TikTok: @niamh_boyneergo

So, you finally invested in a sit-stand desk—great move! But now, weeks (or months) later, you’re realising… you’re still sitting most of the day.

You’re not alone.

Many people find themselves in the same situation: the desk is there, the option to stand is available, but the habit just hasn’t clicked. The good news? With a few simple tweaks, you can turn your sit-stand desk from an unused feature into your secret weapon for better posture, energy, and focus.

In this episode, I give you 5 easy, effective ways to build the standing habit into your day

The blog for this episode can be found at:

https://boyneergonomics.ie/i-bought-a-sit-stand-desk-so-why-am-i-still-sitting-all-day-5-easy-tips-to-help-you-remember-to-switch-it-up/

As always, I can be found online and on social media:

www.boyneergonomics.ie

Instagram: boyne_ergonomics

Bluesky: boyne-ergonomics.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhpentony

TikTok: @niamh_boyneergo

As an employer, you invest significant resources into attracting top talent, ensuring workplace safety, and fostering a culture of well-being. Yet, one critical factor is often overlooked in these efforts—workplace ergonomics. All too often I am brought into a business to address an issue that has already caused, or contributed to, employee discomfort or absence. Taking a proactive approach to workplace ergonomics can help identify and address key risk factors before they result in loss of productivity and employee absence. Integrating ergonomics into your employee onboarding, health and safety protocols, and wellness initiatives is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a business necessity.

In this episode, I discuss how ergonomics can be integrated in to your business to ensure your employees are healthy, happy and productive.

The blog for this episode can be found at:

https://boyneergonomics.ie/how-your-business-benefits-from-ergonomics/

As always, I can be found online and on social media:

www.boyneergonomics.ie

Instagram: boyne_ergonomics

Bluesky: boyne-ergonomics.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhpentony

TikTok: @niamh_boyneergo

Ergonomics often gets a reputation for being overly technical, expensive, or something only needed after an injury or for safety-critical roles. The reality? Ergonomics is for everyone. Whether you’re a desk worker, gamer, or hobbyist spending hours at a computer, understanding ergonomics can save you from aches, pains, and long-term health issues.

In this episode, I tackle some of the most common myths about ergonomics and uncover the truth.

The blog for this episode can be found at:

https://boyneergonomics.ie/debunking-ergonomics-myths/

As always, I can be found online and on social media:

www.boyneergonomics.ie

Instagram: boyne_ergonomics

Bluesky: boyne-ergonomics.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhpentony

TikTok: @niamh_boyneergo

Unbelievably, it has been nearly 5 years since the beginning of Covid lockdowns and home working! Looking back, that time feels surreal but the legacy lives on in more ways than one. 

The pandemic changed how many people, including myself, work and working from home remains a part of many people’s roles. Still today, I work with people who are working from home in suboptimal conditions, with inadequate furniture or equipment, resulting in discomfort, stress, reduced productivity and injury.

Don’t wait until you start to feel pain to step back and look at your workstation. Grab a coffee and listen my guide to the must haves for a safe and productive home workstation.

The blog for this episode can be found at:

https://boyneergonomics.ie/the-equipment-you-definitely-need-and-equipment-you-should-have-to-create-a-safe-dse-workstation/

As always, I can be found online and on social media:

www.boyneergonomics.ie

Instagram: boyne_ergonomics

Bluesky: boyne-ergonomics.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhpentony

TikTok: @niamh_boyneergo

Hello 2025!

During DSE workstation assessments, we put a huge emphasis on trying to achieve the optimum DSE workstation posture, but does it really matter? To put it bluntly, yes it does matter, in the short and the long term.

Adverse postures, along with prolonged sitting, longer working hours and increased stress levels, can increase the risk of developing health issues that can have a negative impact for years to come.

In this episode, I will outline why posture is important, common adverse postures associated with computer workstations, the negative effects of adverse postures, what constitutes a good / neutral computer workstation and tips to maintain a neutral posture during the working day.

The blog for this episode can be found at:

https://boyneergonomics.ie/why-is-dse-workstation-posture-important/

As always, I can be found online and on social media:

www.boyneergonomics.ie

[email protected]

Instagram: boyne_ergonomics

X: niamh_pentony

Bluesky: boyne-ergonomics.bsky.social

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhpentony

Productivity and performance are critical for success at an individual and an organizational level. Anecdotally, I have noticed an increase in podcasts and articles with tips for improving productivity, including time-blocking, improving sleep quality, reducing distractions, avoiding multitasking and AI among others. This got me thinking about the role that ergonomics has to play in enhancing productivity. 

When employees work in ergonomic environments, they experience fewer physical distractions—like back pain or wrist discomfort—which means they can focus more intently on their tasks. Ergonomics also helps conserve energy, allowing employees to maintain high levels of performance throughout the day. Ergonomics can help improve workflow and efficiency, improve engagement and in the long term reduce absenteeism. All of these benefits will increase productivity at an individual and organizational level and are the focus of this episode.

The blog for this episode can be found at:

https://boyneergonomics.ie/the-role-of-ergonomics-in-boosting-productivity/

As always, I can be found online and on social media:

www.boyneergonomics.ie

[email protected]

Instagram: boyne_ergonomics

Twitter: niamh_pentony

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhpentony

Halloween is over, we are into November and all the winter weather that comes with it (although here in Ireland, it is fierce mild right now, my 2 are still in shorts and the grass needs to be cut again!) 

Winter brings lower light levels, but also glare as the sun is lower in the sky, cold and damp weather and sometimes, a little low mood. Now is the perfect time to make sure your home workstation is set up for comfort and productivity during these darker, colder months. By making a few adjustments, you can stay warm, comfortable, and focused all winter long. 

In this episode, I share my top tips for winter-proofing your home workstation to keep you warm, healthy and productive.

The blog for this episode can be found at:

https://boyneergonomics.ie/winter-proof-your-home-workstation-for-comfort-and-productivity/

As always, I can be found online and on social media:

www.boyneergonomics.ie

[email protected]

Instagram: boyne_ergonomics

Twitter: niamh_pentony

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhpentony

There were certainly positives to using video for meetings when working from home. It offered connection between employees working from home and increased employee engagement. It helped new starters become familiar with their colleagues in the absence of the office. Even now, with the return to the office and hybrid working, virtual meetings remain a staple of the working week. They allow for convenient arrangement of meetings between people in different locations, reducing the need for travel (climate friendly too!) and allow employees to work from home while still linking in with their colleagues.

But from an ergonomic perspective, a high level of video calls and virtual meetings can have a negative impact on employee wellbeing.

In this episode, I will identify the potential negative impact of excessive virtual meetings, as well as the steps that employers and employees can take to reduce these risks and foster health, wellness and productivity in the remote & hybrid workforce

The blog for this episode can be found at:

https://boyneergonomics.ie/reducing-the-negative-impact-of-video-meetings/

As always, I can be found online and on social media:

www.boyneergonomics.ie

[email protected]

Instagram: boyne_ergonomics

Twitter: niamh_pentony

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niamhpentony