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From Cluttered to Capable:

The case for an ergonomically
designed workplace

How ergoCentric Transformed a Workplace
Through Ergonomic Design

The Records department at the Toronto South Detention Centre (TSDC) had long operated in a space that didn’t reflect the professionalism, workload, or dedication of its team.

 

Cramped, dimly lit, and filled with outdated furniture, staff often described the environment as “dark and dungeonous.” When the opportunity arose to revitalize the department, TSDC wasn’t just looking for new furniture—they were looking for a partner that could deliver comfort, functionality, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Did you know?

Employees in dark, cluttered, and outdated environments are 16% less productive and more likely to experience stress and burnout than those in modern, well-designed spaces.¹ Ergonomic design begins with a properly fitted and adjustable task chair and extends to height-adjustable desks and accessories like monitor arms and cable management, creating a workspace that supports wellbeing and productivity.

Initial Environment

Outdated static furniture, unsupportive seating, and unmanaged monitor and cable clutter.

From Listening to Understanding

The challenges weren’t generic. They were operational, functional, and human. Staff needed ergonomic flexibility, better lighting, and storage systems suited to a high-volume records workflow. They wanted uniform workstations, a balance of openness and privacy, and efficient shared areas. Storage wasn’t an afterthought for TSDC, it was a priority. This project wasn’t about fitting furniture into a room. It was about designing a space that fit the people who use it every day.

Purpose-Built, People-Focused

ergoCentric responded with a comprehensive, purpose-built solution tailored to the realities of TSDC’s workflow, and backed by over 35 years of expertise and The science of sitting®. The Records department operates in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment with constant document flow and shifting priorities. Each team member needed a dedicated space to focused on their tasks, while remaining connected and collaborative.

To meet these needs, ergoCentric proposed two types of ergonomic workstations, designed for different roles:

upCentric 3L height-adjustable L-shaped desks offered generous worksurfaces to accommodate files, documents, and dynamic movement.

upCentric 2LV height-adjustable desks provided compact, ergonomic stations ideal for focused administrative tasks.

Both options offered full ergonomic adjustability and sit-stand flexibility. They reduce fatigue and support long-term comfort by allowing users to set desk height to their individual needs and easily transition between seated, perched, or standing postures throughout the day.

Each workstation was equipped with ergonomic accessories to support well-being and boost productivity:

  1.  Zgonic monitor arms enabled effortless screen adjustment to reduce neck strain, maintain proper viewing posture, and free up desktop space by lifting monitors off the surface.
  2. upCentric cable management baskets and power bars kept cables organized and off the floor, eliminating visual clutter and reducing tripping hazards.
  3. upCentric Power Data Rails delivered power and data from above, eliminating the need to connect each desk individually and keeping the floor area clear.

The result: a safer, cleaner, and more flexible environment.

A Workplace Transformed

Privacy Without Isolation

Collaboration mattered, but so did focus. Instead of isolating team members in traditional cubicles, ergoCentric installed frosted acrylic privacy panels and cream-toned acoustic dividers to reduce distractions while preserving a bright, open feel. 

 

The contrast from the previous setup was striking. Where once there were dark, dystopian cubicles, there is now a clean, modern workstations that foster both productivity and team connection.

Storage That Supports the Mission

Records management demands fast access to the right documents. ergoCentric designed a storage solution that was both intuitive and efficient.

 

• Personal pedestal drawers gave staff quick access to daily use tools, files and records.

• Strategically placed lateral filing cabinets handled bulk and shared storage.

• Custom lockers offered secure, individual storage.

• A multi-drawer unit with day-of-the-week slots streamlined morning prep.

 

The light, modern finishes were selected with the team to help brighten the once-dark space symbolize a fresh start.

A Weekend Turnaround with Zero Disruption

To avoid any downtime that could not be afforded, installation was strategically completed over a single weekend. The ergoCentric team worked 12-hour days to ensure the space was fully operational by Monday morning. TSDC leadership praised the team’s professionalism and attention to detail, calling it “second to none.”

Staff feedback was immediate
and overwhelmingly positive

People are very happy with their desk space… they love that it’s a sit-stand and they’re able to use it at their convenience. It’s night and day. The space was so dark and gloomy before. Now it’s bright—even without windows. It just feels better.

Beyond comfort, the redesigned space improved workflow, reduced clutter, and made daily operations smoother and more efficient. Even post-installation issues were handled quickly reinforcing ergoCentric’s commitment to long-term service and support.

A New Standard for Institutional Workspaces

This project set a new benchmark for workspace design in public-sector environments. It proved that even the most utilitarian spaces can be transformed into environments that promote wellness and productivity.

For ergoCentric, this wasn’t just a successful installation—it was a demonstration of what ergonomic design can achieve when it’s truly built around the people it serves.


Ready to improve your workspace?

Contact [email protected]

 

There’s nothing I can say that’s negative… It was a great experience from start to finish. I’m sure more departments will be contacting ergoCentric in the future.

Shown in photo: tCentric™ Hybrid, upCentric® 3L electric height adjustable desks, Zgonic monitor arms, storage pedestal.

Transform your workspace with ergoCentric Design Services

Contact us today to learn how we can transform your office into an ergonomic, high-performance environment!