Does the department offer ergonomic desks and chairs?
UCLA: About 3 out of 4 people have a nice adjustable chair. Desks are far from ergonomic. UCB: For desks – no. For chairs – yes, but some jumping through hoops is required. UCSC: The short answer is no. However, since several grads in our department have suffered mild to severe RSI injuries, we’ve become rather well-educated on the subject. So now we know that if you ask someone from Environmental Health and Safety to come and evaulate your workspace, then the department is required to make the changes suggested in the evaluation. UW: Yes, they’re pretty nice, although the desks aren’t adjustable in height. UA: Chairs (yes) but you have to ask. UCol: Chairs, yes. Desks, no. UT: The chairs arent horrible, but in general, a grad student will go to their advisor to ask for a better chair if it is needed. CalTech: Not exactly, although we all have comfortable, adjustable chairs. One student has one of these chairs you sort of kneel in, although I’m not sure who provided it. The desks are s
