Bent backs, varicose veins, digestive issues—this life-size doll illustrates the potential toll of poor office ergonomics on future workers.
As experts in workplace wellness, we've seen firsthand how sedentary desk jobs impact health. Proper ergonomics is key, yet many overlook it. To highlight the dangers of suboptimal workstations, Fellowes created Emma, a realistic doll modeling these risks.
Emma features a hunched back, leg varicose veins from poor circulation, chronic stomach tension, and dry eyes from prolonged screen time—common issues in modern offices.
Featured in the report The Coworker of the Future, based on a survey of 3,000 office workers in France, Germany, and the UK, it shows 50% experience eye strain, 49% back pain, and 48% headaches.
"Unless we make drastic changes—like moving more, adapting desks, taking walk breaks, or optimizing workspaces—offices will make us very sick," warns William Higham, the report's lead author.
While commissioned by Fellowes, a maker of office products, the message rings true: misconfigured setups harm health. Studies confirm even two weeks of inactivity drops cardiorespiratory fitness, adds waistline inches, and raises insulin resistance—yet these effects reverse with better habits.
Prioritize movement during office hours. For ergonomics: keep your back straight, feet flat, eyes 60cm from screens, and elbows at 90 degrees on the desk.
