The Overlooked Ergonomic Tool: Why Shorter Employees Need Footrests

When setting up an office workstation, most of the focus is on chairs, desks, and screens. But for shorter employees, one of the most important ergonomic tools is often missing: a footrest.

It might seem like a small detail, but the absence of a footrest can have big consequences for posture, comfort, and long-term health.

Why Footrests Matter

A properly adjusted chair should allow your elbows to rest at desk height with your feet flat on the floor. For shorter employees, this balance is almost impossible to achieve. If the chair is raised so arms and elbows sit correctly at the desk, feet often dangle above the floor. This creates pressure on the thighs, disrupts circulation, and destabilises posture.

A footrest bridges the gap, allowing shorter employees to maintain the same ergonomic alignment as everyone else.

How Lack of Foot Support Affects the Body

Without a footrest, the body compensates in ways that create strain and discomfort:

Circulation problems: Dangling feet restrict blood flow, leading to swelling, numbness, and even long-term vascular issues.

Lower back pain: Unsupported legs pull the pelvis forward, flattening the spine’s natural curve and stressing the lower back.

Hip and thigh pressure: The edge of the chair digs into the thighs, creating discomfort and reducing circulation.

Poor posture: Employees may tuck their feet under the chair or cross their legs for support, reinforcing poor habits and uneven loading on the spine.

Fatigue: Constantly shifting to find a comfortable position drains energy and reduces focus.

The Ergonomic Fix

The solution is simple and cost-effective: provide adjustable footrests. These allow employees to:

• Keep feet flat and stable, distributing body weight evenly.

• Support proper hip, knee, and ankle alignment at 90 degrees.

• Reduce lower back strain by helping the spine maintain its natural curve.

• Improve circulation, comfort, and focus during long periods of sitting.

For workplaces without footrests, even temporary solutions , like a sturdy box or small platform, can provide relief until proper equipment is supplied.

The Bottom Line

Ergonomics is about fitting the workplace to the worker, not the other way around. Something as simple as a footrest can make a huge difference to posture, comfort, and long-term health, particularly for shorter employees.

Want to make sure your team’s workstation setups are truly inclusive?

At Urban Ergonomics, we provide comprehensive ergonomic assessments across North Sydney, ensuring that every employee, regardless of height or body type, has the support they need to work comfortably and safely. Book a consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier, more productive workplace.