How Do Your Office Ergonomics Stack Up?

Is one of your company’s core objectives to improve productivity? Have you considered prioritizing an ergonomic workspace in an effort to counter the health issues that might contribute to absenteeism? You should! Companies that focus on office ergonomics are fostering a healthy wok environment that increases employee retention and productivity.

Promoting an efficient workstation in terms of ease of access, good posture, less exertion, and height adjustability enhances productivity, employee engagement, and quality of work, while helping to reduce long-term costs associated with work-related injuries. So let’s evaluate your office ergonomics…

1.    Is it a custom fit for your employees?

Non-ergonomic workspaces are a problem because they don’t adjust to individual needs. Eyestrain, poor posture, and improper equipment placement are common in the office.

[caption id="attachment_3239" align="alignright" width="210"] © Global Total Office


Height adjustable monitor arms are an easy addition that allows a user to adjust both the height and the depth of their computer screen. Other desk options like keyboard trays and task chairs with height adjustable arms are perfect for employees who share space. An office-wide way to reduce glare is to consider solar window shades or even a move away from fluorescent lighting.

2.    Is it supportive?

You want employees to feel comfortable working for several hours as required to complete their duties, but you’d also like to avoid irritability and physical problems interfering with that. An ergonomic task chair is what employees need to get the right kind of support for their muscles.

A good workspace will be flexible, but keep in mind that not all task chairs are created equal. Check our helpful guide to choosing the perfect task chair for your space.  Additional tools like chair mats and footrests can also encourage better posture while seated.

3.    Is it adjustable?

It might not seem like much, but a comfortable workplace can be the deciding factor when you’re trying to attract new talent to your company. The old adage, “location, location, location!” can definitely apply to height adjustable workstations.

Sitting is now considered a major contributing factor to things like diabetes and heart disease. Sit-to-stand desks encourage movement and facilitate circulation, and they’re another reason why those height adjustable monitor arms make so much sense.

[caption id="attachment_3242" align="aligncenter" width="750"] © ViaSeating


There are even seating options that perfectly compliment height adjustable desks. Manufacturers like ViaSeating have an entire seating line known as “motion seating.” These options are promoted as "perches" so that employees are somewhere between sitting and standing without putting too much pressure on their backs or legs. The workspace has to be completely adjustable if it’s to be considered ergonomic.

4.    Do your office ergonomics encourage movement and positive psychology?

Office ergonomics is as much about the equipment and the space as it is about you and your colleagues’ attitudes. A treadmill desk might be a good choice to start with, but it shouldn’t be your only adjustment. A meeting while walking, stretching at your desk, frequent but timed breaks, gym on site (hey, you’ll even get an insurance break with an option like this), or having space to accommodate those who bike to work are great alternatives too.

Likewise, the layout of the cubicles and office, the colors, and feeling like a part of a community all influence mood and comfort level. Remember, comfortable employees are happy employees!

 
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About Jasmin

Jasmin handles Internet sales and digital marketing here at Creative Office Furniture. She's been a valuable member of the Creative team since March 2014.[/author_info] [/author]