These days, most people spend a significant portion of their day sitting at desks and working on computers, so ensuring proper workplace ergonomics is essential for maintaining health and productivity among your employees. Poor ergonomics can cause various painful and limiting health issues, including musculoskeletal disorders, eye strain, and fatigue. However, by making simple adjustments to our work environment and habits, employers can significantly enhance their employees’ well-being, which leads to improved focus and efficiency.
What Is Workplace Ergonomics?
Workplace ergonomics is the discipline that studies the design of a workspace to maximize efficiency and prevent injuries and strain on the body. The main principle of workplace ergonomics focuses on adapting the person’s work environment to their body, and not the other way around. Most workplace ergonomics initiatives aim to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) which can cause intense discomfort leading to low productivity and absenteeism.
Types of Workplace Ergonomics
Workplace ergonomics targets several areas of concern:
Physical Ergonomics
The most widely acknowledged aspect of ergonomics focuses on the design of employees’ physical working environment, such as the layout of workstations, the positioning of chairs and desks, and the lighting. This type of ergonomic assessment aims to prevent musculoskeletal disorders and help workers to have relaxed and natural postures while working.
Organizational Ergonomics
Ergonomics also pertains to the time and structure of work: work schedules, team structure, workflow, and the job workload. Organizational ergonomics aims to create a healthy work system and streamline workflows through teamwork and communication.
Environmental Ergonomics
Environmental ergonomics considers the impact of temperature, electromagnetic waves, and visual and acoustic characteristics of the workstation distribution. This discipline interlocks with the safety, efficiency, and comfort of employees.
Noise and visual clutter, temperature conditions, and airflow can affect concentration and productivity.
Fix the Workplace: 4 Tips for Great Ergonomics
In today’s sedentary work environments, it’s particularly important to pay attention to the effects the working environment has on employee well-being. Let’s explore four essential tips to improve workplace ergonomics.
1. Invest in Adjustable Furniture
Studies show that ergonomic workstations promote lean processes by 27% and improve productive time by 18%. Provide adjustable options and learn how to optimize your office’s workstation setup. Encourage employees to adjust the height, position, and alignment of desks, chairs, and equipment. Doing this will help maintain proper posture and reduce strain on their bodies. Hang visual aids like diagrams and posters at the office to instruct and remind employees of the importance of proper posture and alignment.
Ergonomic guidelines to provide to your employees:
- No slouching! Provide information on how to adjust an ergonomic chair.
- Keep the monitor at eye level.
- Work from sitting and standing desks.
- Use ergonomic keyboards.
- Take a short break every 20 minutes to stand up, move and stretch the body.
2. Optimize Lighting and Display Settings
Poor lighting and display settings can contribute to eye strain, headaches, and discomfort, especially for those who spend extended periods in front of screens. Organizations should make sure there is abundant and appropriate lighting in the workplace.
Consider the following tips to improve lighting and display settings:
- Adjust contrast and glare: Choose lighting that reduces reflection and glare from the monitors.
- Ensure proper lighting: When possible, capitalize on natural lighting, and use a mix of white and yellow light.
- Promote healthy eyesight: Encourage employees to follow the 20-20-20 rule.
3. Incorporate Movement Into the Daily Routine
Sitting for prolonged periods can be detrimental to a person’s health, regardless of how ergonomic the workspace may be. Initiatives such as allowing standing desks, balance balls, and corporate wellness programs can encourage employees to keep moving throughout the workday.
Some initiatives to prevent sedentarism may include:
- Foster awareness of possible exercises: Incorporate information about easy stretches and leg lifts employees may do during their short breaks.
- Implement a flexible infrastructure and work culture: Allow different workstation options, such as standing desks or balance balls.
4. Communicate the Importance of Ergonomics
Raising awareness about ergonomics is key to promoting a healthier and more productive workplace. To apply ergonomic practices, employees first need to understand how they can prevent injuries, reduce discomfort, and enhance their overall well-being.
Communicate the benefits of ergonomics to employees in ways that are practical, short, engaging, and clear.
- Training sessions: Regular workshops and training sessions educate employees on the importance of ergonomics and best practices, such as workshops on proper posture, desk setup, and stretching exercises. Online courses and webinars ensure remote employees have access to the same information.
- Ergonomic assessments: These help identify and address potential issues in the workplace. Bring in an ergonomic specialist to assess workstation setups and provide personalized recommendations.
- Allocate a budget to replace problematic arrangements: Outdated furniture can cause more harm than you might expect. Allocate funds to purchase adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and monitor stands, and ensure all employees have access to these resources.
By prioritizing employee well-being and investing in ergonomic solutions, organizations can enhance productivity, reduce absenteeism, and foster a healthier work environment overall.
Prioritize Employee Well-Being and Incorporate Ergonomics Into Your Corporate Wellness Plan
Improving workplace ergonomics is not only essential for preventing injuries and discomfort but also for promoting overall health and productivity. By investing in adjustable furniture, and fostering a culture of ergonomics awareness, individuals and organizations can create workspaces that support well-being and performance. Making small changes to our work environment and habits can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health, ultimately leading to a happier and more efficient workforce.
CoreHealth helps incorporate ergonomic principles into your corporate wellness plan. By designing a customized wellness plan, tailored to your employee’s needs, you can improve their well-being.
Learn how CoreHealth simplifies designing the perfect wellness plan. Book a demo and speak to one of our technology experts today!
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