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The Importance of Office Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the discipline of designing equipment to fit the users’ needs. The term ergonomics comes from the Greek word ergon meaning work, and nomoi meaning natural laws.
A poorly designed workstation can cause employees musculoskeletal disorders, fatigue, depression and even increase the risks of cardio vascular problems.
What are the benefits of office ergonomics?
Ergonomics reduces the health risks caused by being sedentary in the work place.
Adapting your desk, chair and work space to suit individual requirements and using them in the correct way means you’re less likely to put extra strain on your spine, muscles, ligaments and nerves. Slouching can cause pressure in your back, neck and shoulders and cause long term musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Read more on the health risks here [Infographic]
An ergonomic work space helps reduce costs for a business
Work related MSDs (WRMSDs) accounted for 41% of all work related illnesses in 2015/16 (HSE). They contributed to 34% of all working days lost, losing business a total of 8.8 million working days. An ergonomic work space can help reduce MSDs & subsequent sick days.
The amount of money lost to a business a year is on average £1655 per MSD case. In total WRMSDs cost the UK economy around £15 billion a year!
An ergonomic work space boosts productivity
If you are suffering from aches and pains at work, you may be sitting with bad posture. Bad posture increases tension in your spine, causing your muscles to work harder to maintain the position you’re sitting in or hold you up. You exert extra energy making you fatigued. That, combined with any aches and pains will make you less productive.
An ergonomic workspace & good posture means less exertion on those muscles and increased energy levels. Less pain & more energy makes a more efficient and productive workforce!
An ergonomic working environment improves quality
More energy and increased productivity can help improve quality of work. An employee is less likely to make mistakes if they aren’t fatigued or suffering from aches and pains.
Not only is it beneficial to the long term health of your employees, but it is important for your business to save costs and improve productivity.
A great place to start is with our range of ergonomic office chairs & if you’re unsure what to look for read our guide to ergonomics here.
