Logitech’s Agnes Lisowska Masson Talks Wellbeing, Building Better Ergonomics in interview

Did you know March is International Wellbeing Month? I surely didn’t until earlier this month, when I was alerted to this blog post from Logitech wherein the Bay Area-based tech maker marked the occasion with “a fresh focus on everyday comfort.” As the title says, Logitech’s goal here is to identify (and fix!) “the hidden strain of your workday.”

“If you end your workday feeling stiff or achy, you’re not alone. When Logitech surveyed over 5,500 people across 11 countries, more than half said they experience pain or discomfort by the end of the day,” Logitech wrote in leading off its post. “That’s why this March, Logitech’s International Wellbeing Month returns for its fifth year with a clear message: your workspace should support your wellbeing, not work against it. And this year’s theme, Ritual Rescue, helps you transform your daily desk habits with smarter setups and intentional design.”

Logitech said its wellbeing study led to an enlightening conclusion: the “clear cause” of daily discomfort at one’s desk is caused by bad posture. In particular, the company reported Gen Z and Millennials indicated they “[feel] more strain than older groups and women across most countries reported higher levels of discomfort than men.”

“What remains consistent is 8 out of 10 people wish they knew how to optimize their workspace for comfort and ergonomics. Yet tools like keyboards and mice are an overlooked factor in the comfort equation,” Logitech said.

I got to connect with Logitech’s Agnes Lisowska Masson, a human-computer interface specialist and scientific leader of the company’s Ergo Lab. The Switzerland-based lab is described on Logitech’s website as “a world-renowned technology and research hub” devoted to employing a “human-centered and science-driven approach to designing, developing, and reinventing tools that help people feel better at work.”

Masson explained wellbeing (and by extension, accessibility) are central to the Logitech’s ethos. She called wellbeing the “foundation” of its Ergo line of products such as keyboards and mice. Moreover, the products are “ergonomist-approved,” adding people and science lay at the heart of the company’s efforts. Masson pointed to the Lift, a $69 mouse she told me “puts your hand in a more natural handshake position to relieve strain on the forearm and put less pressure on your wrist.” Likewise, the $59 Wave Keys keyboard has a wavy design which “provides cushioned palm support and accommodates a more natural typing posture,” according to Masson.

“By understanding how the human body naturally moves and functions, we create tools that encourage healthier postures, reduce muscle strain, and help you stay comfortable for longer… these products [from Logitech] aren’t just about making you more comfortable, they’re about supporting long-term wellbeing and helping you work better and feel better throughout the day,” she said.

It seems evident International Wellbeing Month is one to celebrate if you’re Logitech.

The human body was destined to move, not dedicate itself to desk duty, per Masson.

“International Wellbeing Month is a time for us to shed light on workspace wellbeing. On average, most of us will spend 82,000 hours of our lives working, so it’s important that your workspace supports your wellbeing, not works against it,” she said of the importance of raising awareness for greater ergonomics. “Throughout the month, we offer simple tips and smarter setups that improve how work feels. A few small changes can make a big difference on how we feel both at work and beyond.”

As a practical matter, when asked about product development, Masson explained Logitech’s work involves a cross-functional approach involving professionals such as ergonomists, as well as physical and occupational therapists. The end result, she said, has been the manifestation of “science-backed tips and tools designed to help people feel better at the workspace.” Furthermore, Masson said the aforementioned experts "utilize a human-centered and research-driven approach to create products, while also discovering actionable insights for optimizing workspace comfort and wellbeing.”

She continued: “The right tools are just one factor contributing to workspace wellbeing. For other areas, we collaborate with external partners to provide expertise such as Modern Health for mental wellbeing tips on how to manage burnout or find connections when working from home. This combination of ergonomic science and external insights helps us empower users with tools and tips that enhance both physical and mental wellbeing at work.”

Masson said prioritizing wellbeing has increasingly become “a prominent trend,” particularly amongst younger people. In fact, Logitech’s survey showed 80% “wished they knew how to optimize their workspace for more comfort and ergonomics.”

“The desire is there, and we see this through our community on social [media] platforms,” Masson said.

She added: “People are eager to learn about actionable tips and tools that can make a real difference in their daily lives. With International Wellbeing Month, we’re able to provide these solutions, which empower people to work smarter and live better.”

A brief bit of editorializing is apropos here. The timing of doing this story is fortuitous, as I’m doing the reporting amidst immense personal turmoil and recalibrating new spaces and systems in return. One example is my office, in which I’m writing this piece on a nice new desk and a badass monitor—yet I’m doing it sitting in my grandmother’s 80-year-old dining room chair. It’s a lovely heirloom, and I festooned it with a more comfortable seat cushion, but it’s decidedly not ergonomic nor attuned to my sleek, modern design sensibilities. On the bright side, I have a new, eminently more modern chair picked out, but haven’t pulled the trigger on ordering it with the background noise. The salient point is my posture sucks and my body aches in consequence.

Masson’s final words should be motivating. Ergonomics beget accessibility, after all.

“Small changes can make a big impact on your wellbeing, both at work and beyond,” she said. “Simple adjustments like taking regular breaks, elevating your screen to eye level, or maintaining proper posture can significantly enhance comfort throughout the day. At Logitech, we believe there is no one-size-fits-all solution. It’s all about finding what works for you, because your setup should truly support you.”