The Hidden Impact of Non-Adjustable Armrests (or No Arm Support at All)

When people think about ergonomics, chairs often come to mind first, especially lumbar support. But one feature that often gets overlooked is just as important for comfort and long-term health: armrests.

Whether they’re poorly designed, fixed in the wrong position, or missing entirely, armrests play a surprisingly big role in how your body feels at the end of a workday.

Why Armrests Matter

Armrests provide more than just a place to rest your elbows. When properly adjusted, they:

• Support the weight of your arms, reducing strain on the shoulders and neck.

• Encourage a relaxed, natural posture while typing or using a mouse.

• Reduce pressure on the lower back by helping to distribute body weight evenly.

Without good arm support, your muscles are left to do all the work. Over time, this leads to fatigue, discomfort, and in many cases, injury.

The Problems with Non-Adjustable Armrests

Armrests that don’t move up, down, forward, or sideways are rarely a good fit for everyone. Common issues include:

Too high: Causes shoulders to shrug upward, leading to tension and stiffness.

Too low: Encourages slouching or leaning, placing pressure on the spine.

Too wide: Forces arms out to the side, straining shoulders and wrists.

Too narrow: Restricts natural movement and can feel uncomfortable against the body.

In some workplaces, chairs don’t have armrests at all. While this might seem harmless, the absence of support places constant load on the upper body, especially during long hours of typing or mouse use.

The Ergonomic Consequences

Poor or absent arm support can contribute to:

• Shoulder and neck pain from unsupported weight.

• Increased risk of repetitive strain injuries in the wrists and forearms.

• Tension headaches caused by shoulder and neck strain.

• Back discomfort due to compensatory slouching.

Over weeks and months, these issues add up, often leading to lost productivity, absenteeism, and long-term musculoskeletal conditions.

What’s the Fix?

The ideal solution is a chair with fully adjustable armrests, ones that can move up, down, in, out, and even pivot slightly to support natural arm movement.

If replacing chairs isn’t possible, here are some simple adjustments:

• Use a supportive desk setup that allows your forearms to rest lightly on the desk surface without strain.

• Keep your elbows close to your body at around 90 degrees when typing.

• Ensure your wrists stay straight and relaxed when using a keyboard or mouse.

Small Adjustments, Big Difference

Arm support might seem like a minor detail, but it has a major impact on comfort, posture, and health. By ensuring your team has the right support, you’ll be preventing injuries and creating a more productive, sustainable workplace.

Want to make sure your office chairs and workstation setups are supporting your staff properly?

At Urban Ergonomics, we provide expert ergonomic assessments in North Sydney to identify hidden risks like poor arm support, and we’ll give you practical solutions to fix them. Book a consultation today and start building a healthier workplace.