Humanscale: Pioneering Workplace Ergonomics In India For Over A Decade

FDT Bureau

Sathish Nandagopal, Founder and Director of S Cube Ergonomics Pvt Ltd (Authorized India Distribution Partner of Humanscale), shares insights on ergonomic innovations and trends in office furniture.

KINDLY TELL US ABOUT YOUR ASSOCIATION WITH BRAND HUMANSCALE.
Sathish: Headquartered in New York, Humanscale is the global leader in office ergonomics. In India, Humanscale offers its entire range of ergonomic products, including chairs, sit/stand desks, monitor arms, and ergonomic tools, through S Cube Ergonomics Pvt Ltd (S Cube). We have exclusive showrooms and Ergonomics Experience Centres in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, along with a presence in over 10+ multi-branded stores catering to the pan-India market. I am proud to share that a few months ago, S Cube celebrated 10 years of association with Humanscale as its Authorized India Distribution Partner.

WHAT ARE THE KEY CATEGORIES AND BRANDS YOU OFFER?
Sathish: As I mentioned, we are a single brand partner, exclusively representing Humanscale in India. This long-standing association reflects our commitment to the brand. We handle operations for the entire Indian market, dedicating ourselves to delivering Humanscale’s solutions every day.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE RECENT LAUNCHES IN INDIA BY HUMANSCALE?
Sathish: Humanscale, a company with 40 years of expertise, focuses on functional products rather than following fleeting trends in the furniture industry. Product development is driven by real-world needs, ensuring functional solutions for workplace challenges. One of our latest offerings is the ‘Perfect Workstation,’ a comprehensive solution featuring an H-Frame Linear Workstation combined with a height-adjustable desk, ergonomic chair, monitor arm, docking station, and keyboard system. We’ve also expanded our range with innovative premium products like the ‘Smart Conference Chair,’ designed for comfort during long meetings; ‘Active Pony,’ promoting movement and better posture; and ‘Float Mini,’ a compact height adjustable desk for smaller workspaces. Everything we introduce revolves around enhancing workplace ergonomics.



WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS IN THE INDIAN OFFICE FURNITURE MARKET?
Sathish: Over the past five years, particularly post-COVID, office design trends have evolved significantly. Traditional setups with rows of desks and cabins have given way to collaborative spaces, now constituting over 50% of office layouts.
A notable trend is the adoption of PODS— individual meeting cubicles for private calls or small meetings. These are increasingly popular in modern offices.

WHAT CAN VISITORS EXPECT TO SEE AND EXPERIENCE WHEN THEY VISIT YOUR SHOWROOMS?
Sathish: When visitors step into a Humanscale showroom, they can expect much more than just a display of ergonomic products. We are committed to creating awareness about workplace ergonomics, showcasing how thoughtful design can enhance health, comfort, and productivity. Unlike conventional furniture stores, our showrooms serve as knowledge hubs. Visitors gain insights into proper workplace ergonomics and learn about the interplay of various tools— ergonomic chairs, monitor arms, articulating keyboard trays, laptop risers, and footrests—in creating a healthy workspace. The goal is to help people understand that the workspace should adapt to the user, not the other way around. For instance, we demonstrate how using a monitor arm allows the screen to adjust to eye level, preventing neck strain. Similarly, tools like keyboard trays and footrests ensure a natural posture, minimizing long-term health risks. Our experienced staff walks customers through these solutions, offering personalized advice on how to set up their workstations for maximum comfort and wellness.



"WE ALWAYS TALK ABOUT PREVENTIVE MEASURES. WHY DO YOU WANT TO GET INTO ODD POSTURE AND MOVE TO AN ISSUE AT A LATER STAGE"

HOW DO HUMANSCALE PRODUCTS ENSURE COMFORT WHILE MAINTAINING A PREMIUM EXPERIENCE?
Sathish: Humanscale products stands out for their Innovation, Function, Simplicity, and Longevity. The hallmark of our brand is ease of use—our products are designed to be intuitive and adaptable without requiring complex adjustments. For instance, our monitor arms move fluidly with just a touch, and our chairs automatically adjust to the user’s posture, eliminating the need for manual configuration. This simplicity stems from extensive research and development aimed at making ergonomic solutions accessible and user-friendly. Premium quality isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about ensuring the product delivers a superior experience. Humanscale’s designs incorporate advanced materials and engineering, ensuring durability, reliability, and seamless functionality. Our products feel like they are tailored to individual users, working as though they are custom-made for each person. This philosophy of “user first” design sets Humanscale apart from competitors and defines our premium positioning in the market.



WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MARKET FOR HUMANSCALE?
Sathish: In India, Humanscale has established itself as a premium brand, primarily catering to multinational corporations in sectors such as IT, BFSI, and Technology. These industries value workplace ergonomics and invest in creating environments that promote employee well-being. INTERVIEW majority of our corporate clientele, who have adopted Humanscale products in large numbers. Geographically, Bengaluru and Hyderabad are our largest markets, owing to the concentration of tech hubs and multinational offices. Pune, Mumbai, Chennai and Delhi follow closely as growing markets. These cities house the While we focus on premium segments, our broader vision is to make ergonomic solutions accessible across India, and we are actively working toward this goal. We believe ergonomics is not a luxury but a necessity for health and wellness. By expanding our outreach and creating awareness, we aim to ensure every individual who works long hours has access to ergonomic tools that improve their quality of life.



HOW CAN POTENTIAL CLIENTS GET IN TOUCH WITH YOU?
Sathish: Clients can connect with us through various channels. We have dedicated Ergonomic Experience Centres in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune, where visitors can explore and experience our full range of products. Additionally, Humanscale products are displayed in around 15–18 retail partner locations across India, making them more accessible. For those preferring online shopping, our website www.scube-ergo. com offers a convenient platform for browsing and purchasing ergonomic solutions. Word-of-mouth referrals play a significant role in our growth. Many corporate clients who use our products recommend us to their colleagues and peers, highlighting the value they experience with Humanscale solutions. Over the past decade, we’ve built a robust customer base, including companies with tens of thousands of Humanscale chairs in use, further reinforcing our reputation in the market.

ANY MESSAGE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOUR CUSTOMERS?
Sathish: Ergonomics is crucial for anyone spending long hours working on a laptop or desktop. Unfortunately, many individuals remain unaware of the importance of proper workplace ergonomics and continue to adapt to poorly designed setups. This neglect can lead to severe health issues, including back pain, neck strain, and long-term spinal injuries. Our message is simple: invest in ergonomics today to avoid lifelong health challenges. Proper posture and well designed workstations not only improve productivity but also enhance overall well-being. Business owners, employers, and individuals must recognize the need for ergonomic tools to create healthier work environments. At Humanscale, our mission is to create an ergonomic India. For over a decade, we’ve been dedicated to spreading awareness and advocating for preventive measures rather than reactive solutions. Together, we can ensure that health and wellness are at the forefront of every workplace.



SO, WHAT ARE YOUR VIEWS ABOUT SURFACES REPORTER (SR) MAGAZINE AND FURNITURE DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY (FDT) MAGAZINE?
Sathish: I am genuinely impressed with your magazines. Your dedicated focus on furniture and ergonomics is commendable, as it plays a vital role in spreading awareness about high-quality, innovative products in the market. Many people remain unaware of the advancements and options available in ergonomic furniture. By showcasing these products and highlighting the businesses behind them, you are helping bridge the gap between innovation and accessibility. Your efforts are making a significant impact in educating the public and promoting better workplace solutions. I deeply appreciate the work you do and wish you continued success in this valuable initiative.