Ergonomics in the workplace | VS

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Ergonomics in the workplace | VS

Young woman in a yellow dress sits on the ergonomic stool Hokki by VS

Ergonomics in the Workplace

Rooms – no matter where – bombard us with lots of different sensations. They can stimulate us positively, but also inhibit us or even make us ill.

Young woman in a yellow dress sits on the ergonomic stool Hokki by VS

Ergonomics in the Workplace

Rooms – no matter where – bombard us with lots of different sensations. They can stimulate us positively, but also inhibit us or even make us ill.

Did you know that around 400,000 pieces of information blitz our sensory organs every second?

The eyes, nose, ears and skin work very hard! And the limbic system in the brain, which influences our emotions and intuitive decision-making processes, runs at full pelt. We take in many of these stimuli unconsciously, but they still influence how we feel and behave.

Anyone who designs rooms nowadays therefore has to include the human sensory system in their thinking and set out to address them. Health-oriented room concepts set great store by natural daylight, relaxing acoustics, a comfortable temperature and attractive materials. This enhances the mood and the performance of the staff. Stimulation of the musculature and motor system and the sense of balance is just as important. We at VS bring it all together

woman balancing on a hemisphere of the FloorFriends series by VS in a modern office with Hokki and trampoline

Training for all Senses

People have specific sensory organs that are located in the inner ear (sense of balance) and in the muscles, tendons and joints. Like ‘eyes’, these sensors monitor the interior of the body and register the smallest changes; they also have a stimulating effect on our brains.
The only way this vestibular-proprioceptive sensory system stays fit and keeps our nerve cells on the go is if it is stimulated. The sense of balance and the muscle and motion sensors need a regular change of position – just like our eyes need daylight and our noses need fresh air.

Movement also influences our biochemical system: if we are active, molecular neurotransmitters are released that promote the growth and networking of nerve cells. Scientific studies show that there is a close connection between a physically active lifestyle and neural-cognitive health. 

That’s why ergonomics at work nowadays means more than a straight back. It considers the whole motor system and our sensory system.

A young man sits sideways on a yellow JUMPER Air swivel chair by VS

Wobbling Welcomed!

Children do it instinctively: wobbling on their chairs, lounging on them, or sometimes just turning round with their tummies facing the chair back. And that’s good! Because a child’s brain needs movement. Sitting still in the same position for more than 15 minutes? No thank you! Incidentally, the same is true for teenagers and adults.

As soon as muscle fibres are activated, there is a positive effect on the body, mind and soul. The organs are better supplied with blood, the brain is supplied with more oxygen. And not only that: fat and sugar metabolism also accelerates, the growth and networking of nerve cells gets up to speed. With the result that performance improves. 

A young man leans against the Puzzle multipurpose table by VS surrounded by Stakki chairs

Exercise Keeps You Healthy – And Makes You Clever

‘Sitting is the new smoking.’ Have you ever heard anyone say that? The fact is we sit more than ever before nowadays, and that has considerable negative consequences.

Studies show that the energy metabolism during passive sitting is so low that the risk of diseases such as obesity, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, dementia and cancer increases significantly. 

It doesn’t have to be this way. Therefore our ambition is to free you from the trap of sitting lethargically. Because permanently sitting still leads to stagnation, including mental stagnation. 

Flexible Sitting on Moveable Seats

Chairs should provide a lot of flexibility, not just for children but also for adults. But what does that actually mean?

Firstly, chairs should adapt to different body sizes. That means they must either be height-adjustable or be available in different sizes. 
Secondly, mobile sitting instead of sitting still is what’s needed. Chairs should therefore have a seat that can move in three dimensions. This supports even the smallest individual movement impulses, thus promoting healthy, flexible sitting. 

The crux of it all is the pelvis: the whole musculo-skeletal system is activated through it, the back, shoulders and neck remain relaxed, the blood can circulate unhindered. This has a positive influence on the ability to concentrate in the short and medium term and on brain activity. 

The advantages of a multi-dimensional moveable seat:

  • Supports changes of position

  • Supplies the discs with nutrients 

  • Stimulates the muscles involved in sitting 

  • Supports the fat and sugar metabolism 

  • Activates the more than 100 joints in the spinal column 

  • Dynamically stresses and relieves the internal organs 

  • Encourages the blood circulation and thus the supply of oxygen to every organ

  • Stimulates brain activity 

A young woman standing at the high table M-Table with integrated display holder M-Panel by VS.

Come to the Table!

It may surprise you, but tables can also play a part in everyday life at the office involving moving more.

Far too often, offices only contain tables and desks for sitting at. But standing desks provide a healthy change and should be part of the basic equipment. Our standing desks are fitted with footrests for dynamic standing. They encourage spontaneous changes of posture and are especially suited to group work. For larger groups, several desks can be pushed together. 

Our desks on casters offer maximum flexibility. They can be moved easily and constantly placed in different groups in different places. 

Inspirations

TriUnion standing tables, height-adjustable Hokkis and other VS furniture in a lounge area

TriUnion features horizontal and vertical tubular steel fittings. The desk has an all-round foot railing in two different heights for people of different sizes. The foot railing encourages the intuitive change between the standing and resting leg. The body therefore keeps moving and the back is relieved.

TriUnion features horizontal and vertical tubular steel fittings. The desk has an all-round foot railing in two different heights for people of different sizes. The foot railing encourages the intuitive change between the standing and resting leg. The body therefore keeps moving and the back is relieved.

TriUnion features horizontal and vertical tubular steel fittings. The desk has an all-round foot railing in two different heights for people of different sizes. The foot railing encourages the intuitive change between the standing and resting leg. The body therefore keeps moving and the back is relieved.

Meeting point consisting of M-Table cheek table with M-Panel display holder by VS

Together with the M-Panel module, the M-Table cheek table forms a versatile meeting point at standing height. The foot rails on both sides encourage you to switch comfortably between your standing and resting leg. The PantoMove-Soft (Plus) star-foot chair with its especially big height adjustment range enables supportive standing-sitting. You can rest your feet on an adjustable ring, while the 3D tilt mechanism ensures that you are sitting ergonomically. 

Together with the M-Panel module, the M-Table cheek table forms a versatile meeting point at standing height. The foot rails on both sides encourage you to switch comfortably between your standing and resting leg. The PantoMove-Soft (Plus) star-foot chair with its especially big height adjustment range enables supportive standing-sitting. You can rest your feet on an adjustable ring, while the 3D tilt mechanism ensures that you are sitting ergonomically. 

Together with the M-Panel module, the M-Table cheek table forms a versatile meeting point at standing height. The foot rails on both sides encourage you to switch comfortably between your standing and resting leg. The PantoMove-Soft (Plus) star-foot chair with its especially big height adjustment range enables supportive standing-sitting. You can rest your feet on an adjustable ring, while the 3D tilt mechanism ensures that you are sitting ergonomically. 

Open-plan office landscape with double workstations and meeting corner featuring HiBack armchairs from the Lounge series

The Series 910 table system covers the entire range of needs in the office with its versatile options. There are two advantages to the electric motor or manual height adjustment: Firstly, the table height can be individually adjusted when sitting and, secondly, it enables an easy transition between working sitting down and working standing up. 

The Series 910 table system covers the entire range of needs in the office with its versatile options. There are two advantages to the electric motor or manual height adjustment: Firstly, the table height can be individually adjusted when sitting and, secondly, it enables an easy transition between working sitting down and working standing up. 

The Series 910 table system covers the entire range of needs in the office with its versatile options. There are two advantages to the electric motor or manual height adjustment: Firstly, the table height can be individually adjusted when sitting and, secondly, it enables an easy transition between working sitting down and working standing up. 

An office coffee kitchen with the high table JustBe by VS

Each item in the JustBe range looks like a living individual piece. Just right for an office that is both a workplace and a living space, which makes space for individuality and fosters teamwork. The range’s natural look also creates a warm atmosphere.

Each item in the JustBe range looks like a living individual piece. Just right for an office that is both a workplace and a living space, which makes space for individuality and fosters teamwork. The range’s natural look also creates a warm atmosphere.

Each item in the JustBe range looks like a living individual piece. Just right for an office that is both a workplace and a living space, which makes space for individuality and fosters teamwork. The range’s natural look also creates a warm atmosphere.

Compass-VF chairs made by VS are placed in front of a display and a lectern for presentations
Project room with VS high table TriUnion, Hokkis, mobile partition walls and interactive whiteboard
The height-adjustable Rondo table in a coffee kitchen
The round, height-adjustable RondoLift meeting table surrounded by JUMPER upholstered office chairs by VS
A meeting room with the VS TeamTable high table and upholstered VS PantoMove swivel chairs with foot ring
Project work space with height-adjustable desks of the 910 series and small workstations with VS stools Hokki

Thanks to its convex basic shape, the Hokki can move in all directions. The soft base covering prevents slipping when sitting dynamically. The Hokki therefore offers free mobility under controlled conditions and stimulates the entire motor system in lots of ways. This activity enhances well-being and promotes physical and mental processes. 

Thanks to its convex basic shape, the Hokki can move in all directions. The soft base covering prevents slipping when sitting dynamically. The Hokki therefore offers free mobility under controlled conditions and stimulates the entire motor system in lots of ways. This activity enhances well-being and promotes physical and mental processes. 

Thanks to its convex basic shape, the Hokki can move in all directions. The soft base covering prevents slipping when sitting dynamically. The Hokki therefore offers free mobility under controlled conditions and stimulates the entire motor system in lots of ways. This activity enhances well-being and promotes physical and mental processes. 

The TriUnion is ideal for spontaneous meetings. And it takes centre stage when it comes to organising multifunctional rooms. We have given the TriUnion special qualities for this purpose. It is easy to move and fits through any door with a passage width of 90 centimetres or more. This means it can also be used across multiple rooms.

The TriUnion is ideal for spontaneous meetings. And it takes centre stage when it comes to organising multifunctional rooms. We have given the TriUnion special qualities for this purpose. It is easy to move and fits through any door with a passage width of 90 centimetres or more. This means it can also be used across multiple rooms.

The TriUnion is ideal for spontaneous meetings. And it takes centre stage when it comes to organising multifunctional rooms. We have given the TriUnion special qualities for this purpose. It is easy to move and fits through any door with a passage width of 90 centimetres or more. This means it can also be used across multiple rooms.

Sitting and standing desk in one: the height of RondoLift can be adjusted continuously and can therefore be used as either a sitting or a standing desk. Thanks to the lockable casters, its position in the room can be easily changed. For safe transport, the desk can be fitted with a folding and lockable tabletop. 

Sitting and standing desk in one: the height of RondoLift can be adjusted continuously and can therefore be used as either a sitting or a standing desk. Thanks to the lockable casters, its position in the room can be easily changed. For safe transport, the desk can be fitted with a folding and lockable tabletop. 

Sitting and standing desk in one: the height of RondoLift can be adjusted continuously and can therefore be used as either a sitting or a standing desk. Thanks to the lockable casters, its position in the room can be easily changed. For safe transport, the desk can be fitted with a folding and lockable tabletop. 

In our JUMPER Air active cantilever chair with forward spring, the seat tilts forwards. This opens up the angle of the hip, and the spinal column is straightened. When leaning back, the seat faces backwards and the back can relax actively. A welded cross brace between the skids provides additional stability, This makes dynamic and ergonomic sitting a matter of course. 

In our JUMPER Air active cantilever chair with forward spring, the seat tilts forwards. This opens up the angle of the hip, and the spinal column is straightened. When leaning back, the seat faces backwards and the back can relax actively. A welded cross brace between the skids provides additional stability, This makes dynamic and ergonomic sitting a matter of course. 

In our JUMPER Air active cantilever chair with forward spring, the seat tilts forwards. This opens up the angle of the hip, and the spinal column is straightened. When leaning back, the seat faces backwards and the back can relax actively. A welded cross brace between the skids provides additional stability, This makes dynamic and ergonomic sitting a matter of course. 

The TeamTable standing desk invites you to work standing up. With its idiosyncratic concave tabletop shape, it can easily be integrated in a group.
The Serie 600 storage element not only provides shelving space, but is also mobile.

The TeamTable standing desk invites you to work standing up. With its idiosyncratic concave tabletop shape, it can easily be integrated in a group.
The Serie 600 storage element not only provides shelving space, but is also mobile.

The TeamTable standing desk invites you to work standing up. With its idiosyncratic concave tabletop shape, it can easily be integrated in a group.
The Serie 600 storage element not only provides shelving space, but is also mobile.

Serie 910 also includes a battery-operated, autonomous sitting/standing table, which can be fitted with lockable casters. In this way, the office layout can be changed without a ‘cable spaghetti’. 

Serie 910 also includes a battery-operated, autonomous sitting/standing table, which can be fitted with lockable casters. In this way, the office layout can be changed without a ‘cable spaghetti’. 

Serie 910 also includes a battery-operated, autonomous sitting/standing table, which can be fitted with lockable casters. In this way, the office layout can be changed without a ‘cable spaghetti’. 

An open-plan learning space with ergonomic JUMPER swivel chairs in front of an interactive whiteboard, alongside high tables TeamTable and Solo stools by VS

The JUMPER Air Move college swivel chair is perfect for mobile use thanks to its writing surface – optionally fitted on the right or left. Due to its optional height adjustment and the adaptable writing support, it ideally meets the user’s needs. Every Solo stool has a foot railing at three different heights, thus enabling versatile, individual and comfortable sitting. 

The JUMPER Air Move college swivel chair is perfect for mobile use thanks to its writing surface – optionally fitted on the right or left. Due to its optional height adjustment and the adaptable writing support, it ideally meets the user’s needs. Every Solo stool has a foot railing at three different heights, thus enabling versatile, individual and comfortable sitting. 

The JUMPER Air Move college swivel chair is perfect for mobile use thanks to its writing surface – optionally fitted on the right or left. Due to its optional height adjustment and the adaptable writing support, it ideally meets the user’s needs. Every Solo stool has a foot railing at three different heights, thus enabling versatile, individual and comfortable sitting. 

The leg pillars of the FlipTable skid table with square tubular steel are on the far edges, so that the whole width of the table can be used for sitting. When the table is not in use, the tabletop can be flipped up and locked in a vertical position. Thanks to the lockable casters, the table can be moved very easily. The mobile catering module in Serie 600 can be used wherever it is needed at any particular time, thanks to its lockable casters. The VS displays are mobile and can therefore be easily moved around the building. Thanks to the height adjustment – either by gas spring or an electric motor – the screen can be adjusted into the ideal position. 

The leg pillars of the FlipTable skid table with square tubular steel are on the far edges, so that the whole width of the table can be used for sitting. When the table is not in use, the tabletop can be flipped up and locked in a vertical position. Thanks to the lockable casters, the table can be moved very easily. The mobile catering module in Serie 600 can be used wherever it is needed at any particular time, thanks to its lockable casters. The VS displays are mobile and can therefore be easily moved around the building. Thanks to the height adjustment – either by gas spring or an electric motor – the screen can be adjusted into the ideal position. 

The leg pillars of the FlipTable skid table with square tubular steel are on the far edges, so that the whole width of the table can be used for sitting. When the table is not in use, the tabletop can be flipped up and locked in a vertical position. Thanks to the lockable casters, the table can be moved very easily. The mobile catering module in Serie 600 can be used wherever it is needed at any particular time, thanks to its lockable casters. The VS displays are mobile and can therefore be easily moved around the building. Thanks to the height adjustment – either by gas spring or an electric motor – the screen can be adjusted into the ideal position. 

A meeting table from the 910 series by VS in a conference room

The height of the meeting table can be easily adjusted from 68 to 120cm. Various tabletop shapes and sizes meet your requirements and fit in the rooms. The JUMPER Air Move is a swivel chair with continuous height adjustment thanks to a gas spring and patented 3D tilting mechanism for dynamic sitting. The body therefore remains permanently active and ergonomic interplay between various sitting postures is supported. 

The height of the meeting table can be easily adjusted from 68 to 120cm. Various tabletop shapes and sizes meet your requirements and fit in the rooms. The JUMPER Air Move is a swivel chair with continuous height adjustment thanks to a gas spring and patented 3D tilting mechanism for dynamic sitting. The body therefore remains permanently active and ergonomic interplay between various sitting postures is supported. 

The height of the meeting table can be easily adjusted from 68 to 120cm. Various tabletop shapes and sizes meet your requirements and fit in the rooms. The JUMPER Air Move is a swivel chair with continuous height adjustment thanks to a gas spring and patented 3D tilting mechanism for dynamic sitting. The body therefore remains permanently active and ergonomic interplay between various sitting postures is supported. 

Cafeteria with green Stakkis at VS Puzzle tables

With its amoeba shape, the free-form Puzzle provides an informal environment that integrates every member of a group without a hierarchy. The VS Stakki with its distinctive triangular shape and flexible back goes very well with it. The award-winning chair is designed in such a way that it supports a wide variety of sitting positions. Anyone can sit on Stakki however they like.

With its amoeba shape, the free-form Puzzle provides an informal environment that integrates every member of a group without a hierarchy. The VS Stakki with its distinctive triangular shape and flexible back goes very well with it. The award-winning chair is designed in such a way that it supports a wide variety of sitting positions. Anyone can sit on Stakki however they like.

With its amoeba shape, the free-form Puzzle provides an informal environment that integrates every member of a group without a hierarchy. The VS Stakki with its distinctive triangular shape and flexible back goes very well with it. The award-winning chair is designed in such a way that it supports a wide variety of sitting positions. Anyone can sit on Stakki however they like.

Take advice!

As you can see, ergonomics at work is a vast subject - and  a worthwhile investment. That is why many experts working for us cooperate on designing furniture and its integration into the overall concept. Our experienced teams of advisors will ensure that everything ultimately fits together.

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One-to-One with ...  
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An early sketch for the multi-award-winning, sustainable chair Stakki, created by designer Martin Ballendat

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