Ergonomic design in ancillary spaces - supporting teams beyond the desk

In the race to make offices 'destination' spaces', many companies are focused on making them 'super cool' to draw people back. But this push for buzzing work cafés, stylish lounges, and social hubs raises a crucial question: Have we forgotten about ergonomics?

As companies ask teams to spend more time in the office, the reality is that hybrid work still reigns. Most workplaces haven't returned to a one-desk-per-person model; they are intentionally designed with fewer desks than employees.

This shift means more people are working from these ancillary spaces. Once seen as supplementary, these settings have become central to how work happens. That’s why ergonomic thinking needs to extend beyond the traditional desk, so everyone feels considered and supported, wherever they are in the office.

What is ancillary furniture?

Ancillary furniture refers to the pieces used to populate non-traditional work settings inside the office:

“This is furniture for office lounges, in-between spaces, enclaves, conference rooms, patios, work cafés and other collaborative spaces - areas that don’t represent workers’ primary work settings but are becoming increasingly vital in contemporary work life."

Coalesse

What furniture is needed for these spaces?

• Sofas and lounge chairs
• Individual booths and pods
• Café tables, stools and benches
• Side tables
• Agile storage and zoning solutions

Rolo seating by Davison Highley

Why are ancillary spaces central to modern work patterns?

Today’s workplace is balancing two realities: a renewed push for in-person connection and the continued need for flexibility. To support both, many offices have intentionally moved away from a one-desk-per-person model. 

With fewer dedicated desks, employees coming into the office naturally turn to in-between spaces - such as work cafés, lounges, or touch-down zones - to get work done. These ancillary spaces are no longer just for overflow; they're an essential part of the workplace ecosystem.

They also offer flexibility for a workforce where:

• Each day is different - You may need a quiet area for deep work in the morning and a collaborative setting in the afternoon. Ancillary spaces allow for that choice.
• People want comfort - After spending time working from home and in cafés, employees now expect office spaces that are relaxed and welcoming. Ancillary furniture, such as soft seating, built with high-qualitymaterials and modular layouts, helps create this atmosphere.
• The workplace is multigenerational - From Generation X to Generation Z, today’s employees have diverse preferences. Younger workers in particular value posture variety, mobility and casual environments.
• Inclusion matters - Ancillary spaces can support neurodiverse employees by offering a range of settings, including low-stimulus areas, quiet zones and comfortable furniture that improves wellbeing.

Outdoor space by Coalesse

Why ergonomics shouldn't stop at the desk

This is where the gap between a 'cool' space and a functional one becomes clear. Perching at a high bench, leaning against a soft stool, or working from a sofa are now all part of the workplace experience. The challenge is that many of these spaces weren’t designed for longer periods of use.

When seating is too low, surfaces too high, or lighting too harsh, a space can quickly become uncomfortable. Over time, small ergonomic missteps add up - causing fatigue, strain and disengagement, particularly for people who use these areas regularly.

Bringing ergonomic thinking into ancillary spaces ensures everyone can work comfortably and feel supported. From height-adjustable tables and responsive seating to good acoustics and lighting, every detail contributes to a workspace that’s productive, inclusive and fit for purpose.

Ergonomic comfort isn’t just physical, either. When people feel supported - able to move easily, focus naturally and settle into a space that feels right - it shapes how they feel at work. These small signals of care influence wellbeing, belonging and engagement, reinforcing the idea that the workplace is designed for people, not just productivity.

Ergonomic ancillary design in action

When furniture flexes to meet different needs, ancillary spaces become truly adaptive.

In practice, ergonomic design in these areas is about supporting a spectrum of moments, from quiet, focused work to spontaneous collaboration. A comfortable lounge might serve as a thinking spot in the morning and an impromptu meeting area after lunch. A high bench can host a quick check-in that naturally evolves into a longer discussion.

Each setting should anticipate these shifts and sustain people comfortably throughout the day. From side tables that turn sofas into agile workstations, to mobile storage that zones open areas, to soft seating designed for movement and posture support, every element contributes to spaces where people can focus, reconnect and stay in flow.

Functionality matters

To be productive, workspaces need to be comfortable. But they also need to be functional. Is there a surface big enough for a laptop, a notebook, and a cup of coffee - so people can get their work done?

A compact, height-adjustable table can bring real functionality to soft seating areas. The Float Micro table by Humanscale, for example, allows people to work in a variety of settings without compromising on posture, supporting laptops, notebooks or tablets with ease.

Float Micro by Humanscale

Away from soft seating, perching solutions and active seating bring the same ergonomic thinking to more active zones. The Co-chair by Cascando, for example, bridges the gap between sitting and standing. With its elevated perch height and swivel base, it supports active participation in informal meetings or café-style working. It's also equally comfortable for quiet, solo work for long stretches of time.

Co-chair by Cascando

Ergonomics also extends to how spaces flex and evolve throughout the day. The Pillow Space collection by Cascando can be easily moved on castors to zone open areas, reduce noise, or create quieter corners, while allowing personal items and work essentials to be kept close at hand. Designed to move with the flow of work, Pillow Space adds adaptability without adding clutter.

Pillow Space by Cascando

Options for privacy

For workers needing privacy, acoustic screens, biophilia, and pods offer good solutions. The Tulipad pod by Industrial Facility is ergonomically designed to support moments of quiet focus within open, active environments, blending architectural presence with personal comfort.

Tulipan pod by Industrial Facility

Staying connected

Ergonomics extends beyond furniture; it includes how people interact with technology. Adjustable lighting, portable screens and accessible power points reduce strain and frustration, allowing people to stay connected and productive without awkward setups or unnecessary movement.

For example, portable sockets, like the Omnicharge power bay, allow flexibility while keeping every corner of the workspace connected. 

Designing for everyone, everywhere

In many offices, not everyone has a permanent desk. But everyone deserves an equally supportive place to work. Ergonomic design in ancillary spaces helps create place equity, ensuring shared and flexible settings offer the same level of care, comfort and functionality as traditional workstations.

At Insightful Environments, we help organisations create flexible, human-centred workspaces that go beyond aesthetic appeal. Through considered, ergonomic furniture choices, we help shape spaces that support posture, movement and comfort, wherever work happens

Ready to transform your ancillary spaces into high-performing, people-first environments? Talk to our team to get started.