About
Humanscale
Our Company
Humanscale is the leading designer and manufacturer of ergonomic products that improve the health and comfort of work life.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our award-winning office solutions, including self-adjusting seating, sit/stand desks, monitor arms and task lighting, inspire movement and support the user in every posture.
The Humanscale Design Studio, based in New York City, abides by the philosophy that good design achieves more with less. Function, simplicity, and longevity, and sustainability are at the core of all our designs. When thinking through the design and manufacturing of each product, we carefully consider the materials and resources used, in aim of creating an overall Net Positive impact.
We are known for our history of collaboration with the legendary designer Niels Diffrient, who designed many of our task chairs, including the iconic Freedom chair -- the first self-adjusting chair without manual knobs and levers. We also partner with other esteemed industrial designers, including Don Chadwick and Todd Bracher. Our innovations have been honored with more than 200 prestigious awards since 2007 and featured in various museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art.
Founded in 1983
Founded in 1983 by CEO Bob King, Humanscale set out to rethink how people interact with their workstations. The objective was clear: create tools that support a more active and intuitive way of working.
For over 40 years, Humanscale has helped pioneer modern workplace ergonomics, shaping industry standards and influencing how organizations design for performance.
Headquartered in New York, the company supports corporate, healthcare, and institutional environments worldwide.
Expert-Led Design
From the beginning, Humanscale has worked alongside leading ergonomists and world-renowned designers to develop intuitive, high-performance solutions grounded in research.
In 1999, the introduction of the Freedom chair, designed by Niels Diffrient, marked a defining moment in seating design. Its weight-compensating recline reduced the need for manual adjustments and established a new benchmark for simplicity through engineering.
Collaboration with experts remains central to how we design and refine every product.
Shaping Workplace Innovation
Over the last four decades, Humanscale has introduced innovations that have influenced modern workplace design.
From pioneering weight-compensating recline in seating to developing intuitive monitor arms and height-adjustable workstations, our products support natural movement while minimizing mechanical complexity.
Innovation at Humanscale is guided by refinement. We remove what is unnecessary and focus on what improves performance.
Sustainability as a Core Principle
Sustainability shapes our product development process from day one. We design with fewer parts, prioritize material transparency, and engineer for durability and repairability.
Humanscale is a Certified B Corporation. All global manufacturing facilities have achieved TRUE Zero Waste certification without reliance on waste-to-energy offsets. We offer 29 Climate Positive products and meet rigorous third-party standards, including BIFMA LEVEL 3 and DECLARE labeling.
We continue to reduce operational emissions beyond our Science-Based Targets, scale solar energy at our Dublin facility, divert over 90 percent of waste from landfill and incineration, and harvest rainwater to support 100 percent of global production.
Environmental responsibility guides how we design and manufacture at scale.
Global Reach and Measured Impact
Humanscale operates in more than 28 countries and supports multinational corporations, healthcare systems, educational institutions, and government organizations worldwide.
Our products have received international design recognition and have appeared in film and television productions, including The Newsroom, New Girl, 24, The Bourne Ultimatum, Mission Impossible III, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
We publish environmental data and verify claims through independent third parties as we continue to expand global manufacturing and distribution capabilities.
Designing the Future
We are proud of what we have achieved and mindful of the responsibility that comes with it.
Humanscale will continue to refine, improve, and raise the standard for workplace ergonomics. Our commitment is ongoing. To thoughtful design, measurable impact, and progress that moves the industry forward.
