10-Minute Ergonomics Self-Check
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Ergonomics & Occupational Safety€0 · freeunder 30 min

10-Minute Ergonomics Self-Check

The next essential building block in BGM: a structured ergonomics self-check uncovers incorrect settings – an ideal complement to risk assessments and back-health prevention.

Why the most expensive chair is useless if it's set up wrong Many companies invest in good furniture and overlook the fact that its effectiveness depends on how it's adjusted. A screen edge set too low, an incorrect seat height, an awkward mouse position – each harmless on its own, but together they're fertile ground for chronic complaints. Experience shows that a large share of the workforce has at least one critical issue they're not even aware of.

Self-checking beats a one-off consultation A self-check based on clear criteria has two advantages: it reaches everyone at once, and it trains the eye. Once someone has understood what matters, they'll correct their own setup in the future too – for example after a move or when working from home. A one-time measure thus becomes lasting self-sufficiency.

The ideal kickoff for a back-health campaign The self-check works perfectly as a first step: it makes the problem visible and creates motivation for what follows – such as short movement breaks or desk yoga. Scheduling it around Back Health Day concentrates attention and impact. Cost: virtually none, apart from ten focused minutes per person.

How to put it in place

  1. 1
    Download the BG checklist (DGUV)
  2. 2
    Distribute it to all office employees by email
  3. 3
    Set a deadline: "Complete by Friday"
  4. 4
    Collect results anonymously
  5. 5
    Identify and communicate the top 3 issues

What you need

Effort
under 30 min
Cost
Free
Setup
30 min
  • Free (BG material)
  • Personal responsibility
  • Fast implementation
  • Measurable

Eligible for funding: up to €600 tax-free

As part of a structured workplace health process, this measure is tax-free under § 3 no. 34 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) up to €600 per employee per year — BGF-Kompass supplies the process. Certified offers (e.g. from Upfit) are additionally subsidised by statutory health insurers under § 20b SGB V.

Health-insurer funding & tax: how to apply →
Ideal to start with

Start this measure now

Register for free — and the measure is ready to go in your cockpit: invitation, feedback survey and appointment are already set up. First cycle, first numbers for the boss.

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Contributes to

Conduct ergonomics checksReduce physical complaints

Measure the impact with

Ergonomie-Selbstcheck

Related best practices

Not sure where to start? 5-minute self-check →

BGF-Kompass covers German workplace health promotion (BGF): funding paths, figures and legal references (e.g. § 20b SGB V, § 3 No. 34 EStG, the statutory-health-insurer prevention guidelines) apply to Germany.