In short

A workstation assessment identifies ergonomic issues at the desk, chair, and screen.
It is conducted by an ergonomist, occupational health service, or prevention advisor.
With the checklist, you’ll know in advance what the assessment focuses on and what it approximately costs.

Office workplace assessment: what it costs, who conducts it, and the checklist

Is your team experiencing neck, shoulder, or back complaints? Or are you moving to a new office space soon? The question will arise sooner or later: do we actually need a workplace assessment, and what does it entail exactly? In this article, you’ll learn what a workplace assessment is, whether it’s mandatory, who conducts it, what it costs, and what it specifically focuses on.

What is a workplace assessment exactly?

A workplace assessment (also called a workplace check or ergonomic assessment) evaluates an employee’s individual workspace: desk, chair, screen, lighting, noise, and posture. An ergonomist, occupational therapist, or occupational health service reviews it – often on-site or via video consultation – and suggests concrete adjustments: different chair settings, a monitor arm, a sit-stand desk, or an acoustic intervention if noise is the issue.

This is distinctly different from an employee survey: a workplace assessment focuses on the physical, individual workspace, not on how employees experience the organization or their overall work experience. If you're interested in the latter, be sure to read our upcoming article on employee surveys on the shop floor.

Is a workstation assessment mandatory?

Not as a standalone legal requirement with that exact name, but rather as a practical consequence of the Work and Safety Act (*Arbowet*) and the Work Conditions Decree (*Arbeidsomstandighedenbesluit*). The Work Conditions Act imposes a general duty of care on employers in Article 3: they must ensure a healthy and safe work environment. For screen work, the Work Conditions Decree elaborates on this, particularly in relation to the risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E).

Article 5.9 requires employers to include screen work in the risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E), focusing on physical strain, mental strain, and vision.
Article 5.10 requires that screen work be alternated with other tasks or breaks.
Article 5.11 entitles employees to an eye and vision examination before starting screen work or if they experience complaints.

In practice, this means: as soon as you identify RI&E risks related to screen work, or when employees report complaints, you, as an employer, are obliged to address them—and conducting a workplace assessment is the logical, verifiable next step. A (spot-check) workplace evaluation is also a wise measure, and often recommended by the company doctor or occupational health service, in cases of relocation, reorganization, or transitioning to more remote work.

Who conducts a workplace assessment?

Usually an ergonomist or occupational therapist, either directly or through an occupational health service. Some providers work with certified workplace advisors specifically trained in office ergonomics. Objectivity is key: an external, independent perspective ensures the workplace assessment doesn’t degenerate into a checklist employees could have filled out themselves. For larger projects (such as a full relocation or a new office concept), it’s also wise to have the workplace advisor collaborate with those supplying the furniture and acoustic solutions, ensuring advice and execution align.

What Does a Workplace Assessment Cost?

The price varies greatly depending on the provider, format, and scope:

Online / short consultation: typically between €100 and €250 per workstation.
On-site assessment with detailed report: typically between €300 and €600 per workspace.
Via an occupational health service with a full report: can amount to €700+ per workstation, depending on the package.

For a team of, for example, 20 employees, costs can quickly range from a few thousand euros (online, spot-check) to significantly more for a full, individual assessment via an occupational health service. Always request a tailored quote: it makes a noticeable difference whether you check 5 workstations or an entire office.

Checklist: What does a good workplace assessment focus on?

Work Posture and Furniture – seat height, desk height, wrist and forearm support, height-adjustability of desk and chair.
Screen and equipment – distance and height of the screen, glare, separate screen and keyboard for intensive use.
Lighting – sufficient and adjustable lighting, no glare or harsh reflections.
Sound and acoustics – echo, ambient noise from colleagues or installations, and whether there is sufficient soundproofing or quiet areas. This aspect is often underestimated: research by Oxford Economics (cited by knowledge platform Werk & Veiligheid) shows that 63% of employees report that the lack of quiet spaces has a negative impact on productivity, satisfaction, and health.
Work pace and breaks – alternating between screen work and other tasks, in accordance with Arbobesluit Article 5.10.
Personal complaints – linked to any existing neck, shoulder, or back complaints that have been reported.

What happens with the results?

A thorough workplace assessment always provides a concrete, personalized recommendation: sometimes a simple adjustment (e.g., readjusting the chair, raising the screen) is sufficient, while other times new furniture or an acoustic intervention may be necessary. Document the findings and measures taken in or alongside your Risk Inventory and Evaluation (RI&E) – this is not just mandatory paperwork, but also proof that you, as an employer, take your duty of care under Article 3 of the Work and Safety Act (Arbowet) seriously.

Unsure where to start? With Offyce’s free well-being scan, you can quickly identify the biggest pain points on the shop floor in just a few minutes, and explore our sit-stand desks and office chairs categories to see which solutions fit best. For a complete, tailored journey – from workplace advice to setup – check out our services.

FAQ

Is a workplace assessment legally required?
There is no standalone law that uses the term ‘workplace assessment,’ but the Work and Safety Act (duty of care, Article 3) and the Work Conditions Decree (RI&E for screen work, Article 5.9) make it practically mandatory as soon as risks or complaints arise.

What does a workplace assessment cost on average?
Budget €100-€250 per workspace for an online consultation, €300-€600 for an in-depth on-site assessment, and sometimes €700+ through an occupational health service. Always request a customized quote.

Who conducts a workplace assessment?
Typically, an ergonomist, occupational therapist, or occupational health and safety advisor specializing in workplace ergonomics.

How often should you repeat a workplace assessment?
There is no legally defined frequency. Repeat it during a relocation, reorganization, new complaints, or as a standard every 2-3 years as part of your risk and improvement evaluation (RI&E).

What is the difference between a workstation assessment and an employee survey?
A workstation assessment evaluates the physical, individual workstation (chair, desk, lighting, sound). An employee survey gauges how employees experience the organization and their work experience more broadly. Both can complement each other but measure different aspects.

Sources

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Last updated on 24 October 2026 by Stijn Belmans