As we wrap up another year of hybrid meetings, overloaded inboxes and improvised home-office setups (yes, people are still working from the sofa), it’s clear that 2026 is not going to be business as usual.
Work is changing. Staff expectations are changing. And the way organisations approach ergonomics has to change with them.
If you want healthier employees, fewer MSD issues, better retention and a smoother year ahead, now is the time to get proactive.
Here’s what employers really need to prepare for in 2026 — and how to stay ahead of the curve instead of playing catch-up next autumn.
1. Hybrid Working Is Here to Stay — and So Are the Risks
Five years on from the remote work revolution, hybrid work still brings some of the biggest ergonomic headaches.
People are still logging in from kitchen tables, sofas, spare rooms, and the front seat of the car outside the school. DSE compliance hasn’t faded away — if anything, expectations are higher.
What employers need to know in 2026:
- You’re responsible for the comfort and safety of staff at home and in the office.
- “Send me a photo of your setup” is not a valid DSE assessment.
- More staff will seek proper home-office equipment or guidance.
- Hybrid workers continue to report higher rates of back, neck and shoulder discomfort.
The smart move:
Plan structured DSE assessments for both environments — hybrid workers can’t be an afterthought.
2. Musculoskeletal Issues Are Rising — and Becoming More Expensive
Sedentary time is up. Stress levels are up. Younger workers are presenting with chronic pain far earlier in their careers.
For employers, that means:
- More complaints
- More absence, more sick pay obligations, more HR pressure to manage complaints, and a real impact on productivity and retention
- Increased need for early intervention
MSDs remain one of the biggest contributors to lost productivity worldwide — and ignoring early signs is costing organisations more than they realise.
Employer priorities for 2026:
- Build annual DSE assessments into your safety programme
- Commission ergonomic risk assessments for high-risk roles & employees
- Encourage early reporting and reduce presenteeism
- Track internal patterns so root causes can be fixed
3. “Whole-Person Ergonomics” Will Become the New Expectation
In 2026, ergonomics will extend far beyond chair height and monitor distance.
The modern approach includes:
- Cognitive ergonomics (focus, mental load, digital fatigue)
- Environmental ergonomics (lighting, noise, temperature)
- Workload and task design (meeting culture, breaks, deadlines)
- Neurodiversity considerations (sensory needs, flexibility)
- Mind–body links (stress absolutely amplifies pain)
Discomfort is rarely caused by a single factor. It’s usually a system problem — and organisations that see the bigger picture will make the biggest improvements.
4. Neurodiversity Will Be Front and Centre
Awareness continues to grow, and more employees are seeking adjustments to help them thrive.
In 2026, expect:
- More accommodation requests
- Greater focus on sensory-friendly environments
- Increased need for individualised workstation setups
- More HR teams seeking clarity on their obligations
Smart employer actions:
- Integrate ergonomic and neurodiversity considerations where helpful
- Offer quiet zones or alternative work environments
- Provide varied lighting options
- Consider coaching or specialist supports when appropriate
5. Proactive Ergonomics Will Replace “Firefighting”
The old model — wait until someone is in pain, then act — is fading fast.
In 2026, expect a shift towards:
- Annual workplace programmes
- Preventative workstation reviews
- Documented follow-up processes
- Alignment with wellbeing and retention strategies
Proactive ergonomics is cleaner, cheaper and far more effective in preventing long-term issues.
6. Compliance Pressures Are Increasing
With more hybrid work, more discomfort reports, and more scrutiny, organisations need to demonstrate clear, documented DSE compliance.
Areas under the spotlight in 2026:
- Up-to-date DSE policies
- Documented workstation assessments
- Clear follow-up actions for adjustments
- Support for hybrid and home workers
The HSA continues to view poor DSE management as a preventable risk — because it is.
My Expert Predictions for 2026
- Hybrid ergonomics budgets will finally catch up with reality.
- Neurodiversity and cognitive ergonomics will become standard considerations.
- Organisations will shift to full-year ergonomics programmes.
- Employers who invest early will see healthier, happier and more productive teams.
What Employers Should Do Before January
✔ Schedule 2026 DSE assessments (home + office)
✔ Review and update hybrid and DSE policies
✔ Plan ergonomic risk assessments for higher-risk roles
✔ Budget for adjustments and equipment
✔ Train managers to spot early signs of discomfort
✔ Include ergonomics in your 2026 wellbeing strategy
2026 will reward proactive organisations — those who invest in comfort, safety, compliance and employee wellbeing.
If you’d like support with planning your 2026 ergonomics strategy, I’m here to help.
