Tilt your head to the right, bringing your ear to your shoulder, now to the left. Doesn’t that feel better? Most of us know the feeling of having a crick in our neck after spending too long in an uncomfortable position. Oftentimes, we accept this as a normal part of our workday.
But it doesn’t have to be.
With ergonomics in the workplace, discomfort is a thing of the past. Read on to learn more about how ergonomics can transform your workplace.
What is Ergonomics?
One simple ergonomics definition is the study of creating a workplace that fits a worker’s needs. Ergonomics seeks to eliminate pain and discomfort at work by modifying workstations.
For example, imagine an office chair that is far lower than the height of the desk. In order to work on their computer, a worker has to lift their arms up to shoulder level and crane their neck up to see their screen properly. Over time, this office worker is going to feel discomfort in their neck and back.
On the other hand, an ergonomic chair will be height-adjustable. The worker can lift the chair to the right height so that they are staring head-on at their computer. They will likely also have armrests where they can rest their elbows while they are typing at their computer.
The Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace
The benefits of an ergonomic workplace extend beyond simply keeping employees comfortable. Read on to learn more about why your workplace should keep ergonomics front and center when choosing office furniture and layout.
1. Increased Productivity
Despite simply eliminating the fatigue and discomfort that comes from poor design, ergonomics can also increase productivity. With the proper setup, employees can actually decrease the amount of time it takes to do a task and are likely to be focused on completing that task.
2. Higher Quality Work Product
When ergonomics is front and center in your office design, employees are more likely to consistently deliver high-quality work. When employees are sitting on an ergonomic office chair, they are less likely to experience fatigue and discomfort that distracts them from consistently delivering the highest quality work product.
3. Improved Health and Safety
Ergonomics can help to keep employees safe and healthy while also contributing to company culture. Employee morale increases when they feel as though their health and safety are prioritized.
4. Optimized Worker Engagement
Job satisfaction is critical in keeping workers engaged and energized about their work. With an ergonomic desk setup, workers are less likely to feel frustration, fatigue, and discomfort that pose a risk to their engagement and satisfaction.
5. Reduces Cost
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for a third of all workplace injuries in the U.S. The indirect costs of these claims average over $32,000 per claim. With ergonomic design, workplaces can eliminate the discomfort that causes MSDs. Ultimately, this saves the business money and decreases employee downtime.
Transform Your Workplace Today
Ergonomics in the workplace can change the way that you do work. With happier and healthier employees, your business can thrive.
At Workplace Solutions, we do more than sell you furniture. Our team of experts will help you pick out the best furniture, create an efficient layout, and install all of the furniture for you.
Contact us today to learn how we can transform your office space.
