Design for What Matters: Health, Productivity, and Flexibility at Work
A conversation on ergonomics & wellbeing in the workplace, with Dr. Alan Hedge
In an era where organisations are vying for agility, innovation, and talent retention, one foundational aspect remains consistently undervalued, and yet, it may hold the key to unlocking workforce wellbeing and productivity: ergonomics.
In a fascinating one-on-one with Space Matrix, ergonomics expert and thought leader Dr. Alan Hedge breaks down why ergonomics is far more than chairs and keyboards. It’s a science and a strategy that shapes how people feel, think, and perform at work.
From Desks to Dynamic Touchpoints
Rethinking the Geography of Work
With the rise of hybrid work and mobile-first models, the traditional desk has become just one of many “touchdown points” where work happens. But while the locations may be fluid, the ergonomic standards applied to each must be consistent.
“You have to think of this like you would think of a flock of birds. Where does a bird land? Every point... should be a location where that person can work in a healthy posture, in a comfortable setting and be productive.”
This analogy is deceptively simple yet deeply strategic. In today’s workscape, people transition between collaborative zones, café corners, outdoor pods, transit lounges, and home offices. Dr. Hedge argues that each space, no matter how informal, must be designed with intentionality.
This marks a shift from workplace planning to ecosystem design, where every touchpoint is ergonomically sound and psychologically supportive.
The Inclusivity Imperative
Why Ergonomics Must Be Personalised
Workplace inclusivity isn’t just about DEI policies; it starts with how spaces are designed. From millennial tech professionals to Gen X leaders to older employees delaying retirement, the workplace now serves an incredibly diverse population. And ergonomics must flex to meet them all.
“We don't all come in one size. Some people are much shorter, others are much taller... Are you dealing with people who are slender or people who have more body mass?”
Dr. Hedge pushes us to think of ergonomics as human-centred design at its best. Physical diversity isn’t the only factor. He highlights the overlooked importance of training:
“It's a bit like if you were a cricket player but nobody trained you how to hit a ball, how to bowl, how to field. That's what we do with employees. You need ergonomics education.”
The insight is provocative: companies invest in onboarding, systems training, leadership development, but not in how to sit, stand, or move through their workday without harming themselves. In a knowledge economy where employees are a company’s most valuable asset, this is a major blind spot.
Space Matrix & Dr. Alan Hedge on Ergonomics & Wellbeing in the Modern Workplace. Watch the full conversation now!
Agile ≠ Ergonomic
Designing for Behaviour, Not Just Aesthetics
Design trends often romanticise minimalism, open floor plans, and collaborative zones, but those spaces can fail if not built around human behaviour. Dr. Hedge critiques this aesthetic-first approach:
“Architectural magazines are full of images of empty spaces, but that’s not how places work. Places work when people are in them.”
He introduces the concept of “behaviour settings”, spaces optimised for how people work, communicate, and focus. By shifting the design brief from how a space looks to how it functions, companies can create environments that are not just attractive but psychologically safe, physiologically comfortable, and cognitively supportive.
This makes ergonomics not a constraint on creativity, but a framework for effective innovation.
Designing for Change
Building People-First Environments
As technology accelerates, static workplaces become obsolete quickly. Dr. Hedge advocates for modular thinking in workplace strategy, planning not just for today, but for what’s next.
“The building might exist for many years, but what's inside it won’t. You have to plan for that flexibility.”
He outlines a spectrum of innovation already underway:
- Height-adjustable desks replacing static ones
- Auto-adjusting chairs that reduce setup time and injuries
- AI-integrated furniture that adapts to your ideal posture
- Sensors and wearables that provide live ergonomic feedback
All of these point to a future where workspaces are responsive, able to adapt in real time to the needs of the person, task, or context. But technology alone isn't the answer. As Dr. Hedge puts it:
“You need to train people right so they know how they should be working so they won’t get injured.”
The future of work, it turns out, is not just digital, it’s deeply physical. The best strategies will strike a balance between automation and education.
Designing for Every Mind
Ergonomics Meets Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity is no longer a fringe HR topic; it’s a business-critical design challenge. From dyslexia and ADHD to autism and sensory sensitivity, neurodivergent employees bring unique strengths and specific needs.
Dr. Hedge unpacks four critical branches of ergonomics that collectively enable inclusive, high-performing environments:
- Physical Ergonomics: Accommodating strength, mobility, body size, and ability
- Cognitive Ergonomics: Supporting focus, memory, comprehension, and mental load
- Environmental Ergonomics: Controlling lighting, temperature, air quality, and motion
- Organisational Ergonomics: Facilitating team communication and inclusive workflows
“To implement a good ergonomics program, you have to plan for all four areas… That’s how you accommodate neurodiversity, through thoughtful environments, clear information, adaptable tools, and the right training.”
This multidisciplinary lens positions ergonomics as a bridge between wellbeing and performance, inclusion and efficiency, comfort and culture.
Ergonomics & Wellbeing as a Business Strategy
The conversation with Dr. Hedge makes one thing clear: ergonomics is a leadership issue. It’s not a checklist item for facilities teams. It’s a lever for strategic advantage.
Organisations that embed ergonomic thinking into their design, operations, and culture will benefit from:
- Reduced injuries and absenteeism
- Enhanced employee satisfaction and retention
- Higher productivity and collaboration
- Greater inclusivity and belonging
- Future-readiness amid rapid tech shifts
"People should be able to be productive and healthy for much longer than they currently are in fixed workplaces.”
The best-designed workplaces don’t just house people, they empower them. They anticipate needs, adapt seamlessly, and help individuals show up at their best every day.
Designing Workplaces That Move With You
At Space Matrix, we believe the most powerful workplaces aren’t just beautiful, they’re behaviorally intelligent, ergonomically strategic, and deeply human.
If you're reimagining your workspace for the future, understanding the science of ergonomics is a crucial first step.
Watch the full interview with Dr. Alan Hedge as he explores real-world workplace scenarios, shares future-facing innovations, and unpacks the ergonomics principles shaping tomorrow’s most adaptive, inclusive environments.
