Explore the new ergonomics self-assessment tool (employee access only)
Ergonomics at Microsoft
Microsoft recognizes the importance of supporting ergonomics in all settings: traditional offices, home offices, laboratories, datacenters, and remote nonoffice spaces. The global Ergonomics Program supports employees in evaluating, addressing, and mitigating ergonomic risks across work environments. The program offers workstation assessments, ergonomics guidance, workstation setup support, and recommendations for ergonomic furniture and equipment to enhance health and safety for all employees.
Ergonomic support
The global Ergonomics Program supports two primary work environments:
Office and home office settings: Employees working in traditional offices and home offices can access services including:
Online workstation self-assessments
Virtual one-on-one consultations with ergonomics specialists
Workstation setup and adjustment guidance
Recommendations for ergonomic equipment and furniture
Industrial settings: Employees working in nonoffice environments such as datacenters, laboratories, manufacturing areas, and warehouses can access services including:
Task, tool, equipment, process, and work area evaluation
Assessment of ergonomic risks related to material handling, repetitive motion, force, and awkward postures
Practical recommendations to reduce risk and support safe work design
Specific services, equipment options, and delivery methods may vary based on geographical location and local availability. Requests involving medical accommodations should be directed to Accommodations services. Physical therapy is outside the scope of the Ergonomics Program; employees should contact their medical provider or an available local service. For employees in Puget Sound, the Living Well Health Center offers physical therapy services.
Assessing workstation ergonomics
Microsoft’s two-step process helps employees identify and address ergonomic risks.
Step 1: Employees are encouraged to complete an online ergonomic self-assessment of their workstation setup using VelocityEHS.
Step 2: Employees with high ergonomic risk assessments can schedule a one-on-one consultation with an ergonomics specialist to address their risk factors.
Employees with low or moderate workstation ergonomic risk may still require ergonomic equipment. Contact Global OHS to request a one-on-one consultation.
Access the Ergonomics FAQs page for more information.
If you have a medical accommodation need, please contact HR Accommodations for assistance.
Understanding ergonomic risk
Microsoft is committed to helping our teams maintain safe, healthy, and comfortable ways to perform their jobs by understanding the importance of ergonomics and providing resources employees can use to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). To the best of our ability, we strive to adapt the work environment to fit the way people work to limit their fatigue, stress, and discomfort.
We work with employees to design tasks, workspaces, and equipment that accommodate them. Whatever type of workstation employees use or tasks they routinely perform, they should be aware of workspace risk factors and resources to help them work safely and comfortably. Risks include:
Uncomfortable desk or workstation setup
Performing repetitive tasks, either a single task or series of tasks, continually or frequently over an extended period
Awkward positioning
Reaching above shoulder height
Prolonged kneeling or squatting
Improper material handling techniques, such as twisting while lifting
Using excessive force
Pushing or pulling heavy loads
If these are risk factors in your workspace, work with your manager to resolve them or contact Global OHS.
Other ergonomic requests
Requests related to physical therapy services are outside the scope of the global Ergonomics Program. Employees should contact their healthcare provider or physical therapist with questions about physical therapy.
Requests related to medical accommodations should be directed to Accommodations Services. Employees requiring accommodation-related support may be referred to the appropriate team as needed.
Establishing healthy routines that include regular breaks to stretch and stand can reduce ergonomic risk. For many employees, taking “microbreaks” that involve exercise (e.g., walking, stretching) can be effective in reducing stress on the back, neck, and shoulders. For example, while seated, stretch your fingers and hands from time to time.