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Ergonomic furniture is designed to ensure that employees are working in a comfortable environment. Creating an ergonomic workspace does not need to come at the cost of productivity, however. In many ways, productivity is directly linked to office comfort. A day of focused, effective work requires comfort. In addition, an ergonomic workspace could lead to greater collaboration and greater productivity due to a more open floor plan in the office. This also contributes to a reduction in repetitive tasks, which can help to curb repeated unnecessary motion. All of these factors combined within a comprehensive ergonomic plan can help to increase office morale, boost effectiveness, and minimize absenteeism. Higher office morale and productivity will lead to increased sales and greater revenue.
FOCUS
Office work can be repetitive and specific and may require attention for long periods of time. To be focused for a majority of the workday increases productivity and efficiency. There are many distractions, however, that could interfere with focus in the workplace. One of these distractions that often goes overlooked is employee comfort. An ergonomic workplace works within a comprehensive strategy to provide a healthy, pain-free, and physically stress-free workspace.
Ergonomic chairs help to relieve stress on the back, legs, shoulders, and neck by providing the necessary supports for the musculoskeletal system. Underlying physical stress or pain can be a significant distraction in the workplace. Using ergonomic chairs as a way to alleviate this physical distraction can lead to greater productivity through greater focus for longer periods of time. Ergonomic equipment, such as phone headsets, keyboards, mice, and flexible computer monitor bars or raised laptop stands can provide additional benefit by minimizing discomfort or pain in the wrists, joints, neck, and eyes.
REPETITIVE MOTION
Many office tasks require the use of repetitive motion. This could involve anything from typing to using the phone or completing paperwork. By keeping in mind the idea of an ergonomic workspace, you can design an office layout which is more comfortable for your employers; one that can reduce the need for unnecessary repetitive motion which in turn will help to boost productivity.
Ergonomic desks can be a great help in designing an office space with ergonomics in mind. Many ergonomic desks are “sit-stand” desks that can be adjusted for height with the touch of a button. These desks allow the worker to sit or stand at will, and to adjust the height of the desk for different tasks. By using an ergonomic sit-stand desk, the worker has more ownership of the workspace. Adjusting the height of the desk for different tasks can lead to a reduction in repetitive motion, leading to less pain, more comfort, and greater focus.
OPEN FLOOR PLAN
When considering the addition of ergonomic furniture in any office environment, it is important to think about the floorplan and privacy. Some ergonomic chairs, desks, and computer equipment are customizable, with each employee making adjustments to height, tilt, and other variables depending on their own unique characteristics. With sit-stand desks, however, there might be opportunities for greater collaboration with an open floor plan. Getting employees up and about can decrease unnecessary repetitive movements while at the same time providing a more collaborative workspace.
These factors can lead to a favorable change in office culture. With employee buy-in and an increase in work comfort, employees can have more ownership of the work and feel like they are contributing to the team. When considering ergonomic furniture, office managers and owners must consider a more comprehensive plan that includes a design that allows for greater collaboration. This can lead to more productivity and a higher quality result.
OFFICE CULTURE
A comfortable, pain-free, collaborative, and customizable workplace changes the office culture for the better. Challenges such as absenteeism and low morale are addressed when a comprehensive office plan is in place that includes ergonomic office furniture and a design that promotes health and wellness. This refocuses employees on the collective tasks that bring greater revenue and productivity. It allows for employees to spend more productive time at the office with fewer distractions.
Employee buy-in is crucial in order to capitalize on the investment in ergonomic office furniture. Involving the current office staff and other stakeholders in the selection of ergonomic equipment and the office floor plan may help to increase employee buy-in and maximize the effectiveness of the investment.
A decision to include some training on how to use the furniture may also contribute to a more healthy and responsive office culture by ensuring that the employees are knowledgeable in the ways to customize the equipment to meet their needs. When employees feel included in the development of an ergonomic workspace, they will be more inclined to spend more time and effort to contribute to the success of the business and to increase productivity with greater focus and collaboration.
Some furniture companies also offer discount deals if you work for specific companies like the Amazon employee discount program offered by Autonomous. These programs aim to help employees get discounted office equipment for their personal use and promote the importance of using ergonomic equipment.
WHAT ERGONOMIC EQUIPMENT SHOULD YOU GET?
- CHAIRS
A good ergonomic chair can help to avoid bad posture and provide long term physical benefits. One of the most important aspects of an ergonomic chair is adjustability. Every person is different, so the ergonomic chair must be adjustable to meet the needs of each person. Most standard office chairs allow for some adjustment of height, but ergonomic chairs provide even more customization. This might include headrest and lumbar support, armrest adjustment and location, weight-activated mechanisms for support, and tilt.
Another key feature of an ergonomic chair is its material; the fabrics and materials used improves airflow when seated for a long period of time. The design may include a mesh or weave instead of a more traditional foam seat and back, or may include the use of temperature regulating fabrics. The increased airflow allows for better personal heat regulation, which reduces sweating and keeps the user at a more comfortable temperature.
- DESKS
Most employees stare at a computer for long periods of time during the day Many use a keyboard and mouse for up to 8 hours or more. The design of an ergonomic desk provides customization to set the keyboard, mouse, and monitor at the correct eye level for maximum comfort and efficiency. In addition, some ergonomic desks are height adjustable, allowing for the user to stand up to work.
Many of the sit-stand ergonomic desks are electric, allowing the user to adjust the height at the touch of a button. There are many things to consider when choosing a standing desk, including ease of use, construction and sturdiness, and noise when in motion. Weight capacity is also a consideration, depending on office use and sustainability.
WHY SHOULD I USE IT?
Work-related injuries or disorders can result from an uncomfortable or inefficient workspace. Ergonomic furniture helps to alleviate the pain and soreness from long days in front of a computer or at a desk. Many everyday work-related tasks involve repetitive movement or sustained activities that can affect joints, muscles, and vision. In addition, an environment that is not designed for comfort could result in a lack of productivity due to stress, fatigue, or even pain.
The combination of ergonomic chairs, desks, and technology can create a more effective and comfortable working environment. The correct equipment can provide workers with a healthy and productive workspace. When done correctly, this can lead to increased productivity and efficiency without sacrificing employee health, safety, and happiness. It’s now time to offer your employees with affordable ergonomic furniture via an employee discount program. Don’t wait until your employees start complaining.
