Sit, Stand, Perch: A Better Approach to Working at the Lab Bench
Standing workstations have become increasingly common in life science laboratories - and for good reason. Standing can provide greater freedom of movement and make it easier to move between instruments, samples and work areas.
But standing for an entire shift isn't necessarily the answer either.
For scientists and technicians who spend significant time at a lab bench, the better ergonomic approach may be changing positions throughout the day. That's where perch-style seating, such as the Bimos Allround Saddle Stool, offers a workable alternative that sits in the gap most lab seating options leave open.
The Best Position Is the Right Position
Laboratory work can require people to remain at the same workstation for extended periods, whether pipetting, preparing samples, documenting results or monitoring a process.
A conventional chair works well for many tasks, but at a standing-height bench it may be too low or cumbersome. Standing continuously can also become tiring.
A saddle or perch stool creates a useful middle ground. Rather than fully sitting back into a chair, the user can work in a higher, more open position with their feet remaining engaged with the floor. This makes it easy to shift position, reach within the workstation and transition between perching and standing.
The goal isn't to identify one "perfect" working posture. It's to give people more opportunities to move and change positions as their work changes.
Why Perch Seating Works Well in the Lab
The benefits go beyond simply giving someone a place to sit.
Supports movement. A saddle-style seat encourages subtle changes in position instead of holding the user in one fixed posture.
Works at elevated benches. With the appropriate height range, perch seating can bring the user closer to the working height of a standing lab bench without requiring them to stand continuously.
Makes transitions easy. Moving from a perched position to standing is quick—particularly useful in laboratories where users regularly move between the bench, instruments and other areas of the lab.
Keeps the workstation accessible. A compact stool without arms or a large backrest can be easier to position close to the bench and move out of the way when it isn't needed.
Designed for Laboratory Environments
Of course, ergonomics isn't the only consideration when selecting laboratory seating.
The Bimos Allround Saddle Stool combines its saddle-shaped seat with 3D seating dynamics that allow the seat to follow the user's movements. Its stepless height adjustment ranges from approximately 21.2 to 31.5 inches, making it suitable for a variety of elevated workstations.
For laboratory environments, it is also available with seamless, easy-to-clean upholstery designed to withstand common disinfectants and cleaning agents. Specialized versions are available for cleanroom and ESD applications.
Give Your Team More Than Two Choices
When designing an ergonomic laboratory workstation, the question doesn't have to be: Should this person sit or stand?
A better question may be: How can we make it easy for them to change positions throughout the day?
Providing the right combination of traditional seating, standing and perch seating gives lab personnel more flexibility to adjust their working position to the task at hand.
For standing-height benches in particular, a saddle stool can provide that often-missing in-between - a comfortable place to land without taking the user completely out of a standing work position.
Sit. Stand. Perch. Move.
Better ergonomics isn't about finding one ideal position, it's about giving your team the freedom to keep moving.
