How To Improve Workstation Ergonomics And Wellness

Officer workers spend an average of 30 to 40 hours a week in the workplace, which puts a lot of stress and strain on their minds and bodies. Things like sitting for long periods to limited access to natural light and fresh air can cause health problems ranging from neck and back aches to high blood pressure and mental illness. Ultimately, employers and team members are encouraged to work together to improve the ergonomics and wellness of office workstations.

What Is Ergonomics?

Workplace ergonomics is the process of designing an office or workstation strategically to enhance team member use, wellness, and productivity. Ergonomics also focuses on reducing the risk of health complications or injuries.

Also read: A Great Good Workplace: Keeping Employees Happy During the Labor Shortage

Why Ergonomics Matter

Health, wellness, and safety are essential to your company’s success. Below are a few examples of why ergonomics in the workplace matters.

• Improve Health, Wellness, And Safety – Sitting indoors for eight hours daily can impact team members’ physical and emotional well-being. Consequently, team members get sick, injured, or experience mental health problems and perform poorly, take time off, or file insurance claims. When your team isn’t well, it is hard to produce the same quality of work. However, creating ergonomically-friendly spaces that support wellness reduces these risks substantially.
• Better Performance And Quality Results – When a person is physically or emotionally unwell, it harms their performance. Poor office and workstation design can also hinder a team member’s ability to complete everyday tasks. If this is an office-wide problem, it lowers the quality of company products and services. When a business prioritizes team member wellness by using ergonomic strategies, they see a significant increase in performance and quality.
• Saves Money – an unhealthy team costs businesses a lot of money. From compensating for staffing shortages and covering insurance claims to preventable mistakes and poor product quality, companies flush money down the drain. Using ergonomic practices in the workplace ultimately reduces your out-of-pocket expenses.

Ergonomic Tips For Employers

What can employers do to improve workplace ergonomics? Check out these suggestions below:

• Risk Assessment – Conduct regular risk assessments to inspect and evaluate any potential dangers to your staff. Write down anything that needs to be improved.
• Talk To Your Team – The best way to understand what each team member needs to support their health and wellness is to ask. Compile a list of their needs and suggestions to evaluate later. You should designate a human resource member to handle product requests and purchases for future needs.
• Shop Ergonomic Furniture – Whether you’re purchasing cubicle desks, conference tables, or office chairs, ensure that they are ergonomically friendly. Keep factors like height and materials in mind regarding posture and comfort.

Also read: How To Encourage Employee Development

Ergonomic And Wellness Tips For Team Members

• Maintain Proper Posture – Slouching in your chair can cause neck, shoulder, and back strain. Improve ergonomics by maintaining good posture. Adjust your desk, chair, and computer screen to avoid slouching, arm, or eye strain. If necessary, put in a request for keyboard pads to support your wrists.
• Get Up And Move – Take a few minutes to get away from your desk and walk around during your breaks. It will improve circulation, regulate blood pressure, and strengthen your muscles. If possible, head outdoors to get some sunlight and fresh air.
• Incorporate Elements Of Wellness – Sitting indoors in the same place for hours can impact your emotional health. Incorporating elements of wellness can help boost your mood. Organize your desk so everything is neat. Bring the outdoors in with indoor plants. Open the windows or blinds to get fresh air and sunlight. Lastly, add personal touches with family photos, aroma therapy diffusers, artwork, and motivational products.

Team member wellness isn’t a personal subject; it’s a concept that requires the collaborative efforts of employers and staff to accomplish. As team members are happier, better performers, and more productive in a work environment that supports their well-being, using the ergonomic and wellness advice above is essential. When everyone works together to create a healthier and safer workspace, it results in a highly-productive company culture that cultivates success.