By definition, office ergonomics relates to the scientific study of people’s working conditions to make work more effective. Ergonomics is gaining momentum worldwide as more and more people are entering the workforce. Ergonomic furniture is different from traditional furniture because it is strategically designed to provide support to the parts of your body that tend to get tight and stressed while working. If you are planning on upgrading your office but aren’t aware of the benefits, this is the only blog post you will need. Let us look at some of the ways ergonomics can be beneficial.
#1 Improvement in productivity
Ergonomics has a positive correlation to productivity, as demonstrated in previous studies while poor office ergonomics, according to HSE in their “Fast Fact Ergonomics” booklet, may lead to staff who underperform due to fatigue and injuries. Wondering how? Well designed, comfortable furniture eliminates slouching, bad posture and unpleasant resting positions. This has a direct impact in the workplace as it allows staff to focus more on work than tend to their aching backs. Another factor that helps productivity is through integrated wellbeing at the workplace. A study conducted by Willis Towers Watson states that employees observe when the company goes the extra mile to ensure health and safety. Companies with higher levels of employee wellbeing have better business outcomes, like less turnover and 70% fewer stressed employees.
#2 Safety in the workplace
Not having furniture that is ergonomically designed may not seem like a major safety hazard to most companies. However, it is very important to take into consideration the long-term effects this sort of furniture will have on the health of your employees. Comfortable office furniture not only gives you an erect posture but also reduces pressure on your hips and neck. Emphasising on this furniture can avoid repetitive stress injuries arising from constant bending and typing. It reduces and even prevents such musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and symptoms like numbness, tingling, cramping, burning and stiffness to name a few. Standing while working can drastically improve blood circulation and help decrease lower back pain due to prolonged sitting.
#3 Customisable options
Ergonomic furniture does not have to be drab. Well designed and chosen office furniture can increase the appeal and functionality of any workplace. New hires are more likely to be enthralled by modern, posture-friendly furniture than old, cumbersome chairs. The world of ergonomically structured furniture is popular for its customisability. From ergonomic chairs to height-adjustable desks and storage solutions, almost everything can be made to fit your needs.
#4 Ensuring workplace wellbeing
Workstation set-up and reduction of sitting often go overooked when we speak of workplace wellbeing. According to a recent study published by the American Heart Association sitting for prolonged hours per day is associated with cardiovascular health issues. If you have a desk job, an easy solution would be to go for short walks during the day along with using height-adjustable desks and monitor mounts. Minimising sedentary time, eating nutritious food and exercising regularly can not only improve your productivity but also reap some long-term health benefits.
#5 Reduction of costs and an increase in returns
One of the very first steps to buying ergonomic furniture is to treat it as an investment. Even though it is a bit on the pricier side, considering the long-term advantages mentioned above, the benefits will clearly outweigh the costs. Human capital is the most important element of any business and the healthier this workforce is, the better your business will perform. Ergonomic furniture ensures that employees take less sick leaves. Treating Musculoskeletal diseases can be very expensive and there can be compensation costs involved. Therefore it is very practical to invest in good quality furniture than to suffer both physically and monetarily.
At Radius Office we celebrate ‘Wellbeing Month’ this September 2019. Therefore, we offer our customers 10% off on all products in the ergonomic range for the whole month! Just use the code WELLBEING10 at checkout and make healthy working a part of your life!
Leave A Comment