Hi All, I was wondering what everyone's experiences were regarding the provison of expensive ergonomic office equipment for employees. New staff are asked to complete a self assessed DSE for their workstation and following that any requests for ergonomic mice, laptop stands, foot rests etc are usually granted. However, one of our home based members of staff has recently requested a height adjustable desk as she finds sitting for prolonged periods too uncomfortable. She has issues with her back and regularly sees a chiropractor. I know we have to a duty of care towards staff working at home and have to ensure they are comfortable at their workstation, however, these desks are quite costly so my manager is resisting her request. My manger is also concerned that if I grant the request then 'everyone will want one', which I doubt. What would be best practice in these situations, e.g should I ask the employee to get a note from her GP supporting her request? Thanks.

Presuming she has 'homeworker' contract ? I would provide one on reasonable adjustment grounds.  If not, and a desk is available in the office, i would ask her to use that and not provide one.   If only we could get an update to 1992 regs to reflect modern working !

Regards 

Of course there are also folding tables which then sit on existing desks raising the height.

My late father had a drop down shelf over his desk for when he wanted to stand at the computer.

Sit / stand desks are not all that expensive these days. Doubt this provision would justify a specialist referal, or that a GP would have any insight either. I would be interested in the whole set up including chair and accessories.

Point to note is that there is little variation once the sit and the stand height are determined for an individual. So it is quite possible that a stand-up portion or adapter could be used with a standard desk, as in a previous response. It is unhealthy to always stand, as it is to always sit. There is guidance out there for this.

If the person has space for an actual desk, that's something in itself, although the classic work from home ironing board desk does at least have height adjustment!

Do you have a set budget for homeworking equipment for each person?

We have a strict top limit on the cost for each item e.g. desk or chair.  So, if there is a height adjustable one they like that can be delivered to their home for that price (or less) and and is stable etc, then I'm happy to authorise it's procurement.

If they want anything above that amount (so a certain style to match their existing furniture), then they can pay the excess and claim back the set amount through expenses. That gives them some choice over the equipment they can have.  To give them an idea, I'll usually send links to a couple of different designs but stress the top limit for each item and leave it to them to check dimensions etc.

If they want something different then I would ask them to send me the link and I'd check it meets the DSE regulations and is suitable. If it doesn't / isn't and they are still adament that's the item they want then I point out the shortcomings of the design (and document that) so they are aware of my concerns and I copy in their line manager. 

Where it's an occupational health report for a specific item however, I'll review and procure as necessary based on the report.

Hope that helps...

Edited by user 18 September 2024 12:19:03(UTC)  | Reason: amended text