If you're working in an office, you've at some point experienced some type of aches and pains. Long hours of sitting and use of bad furniture are usually the root cause of discomfort. The key to a healthy workplace lifestyle is making ergonomic changes. Here are crucial ergonomic changes you can make to create a healthy work environment.
Benefits of Ergonomics at the Workplace
Making ergonomic changes can ensure a healthy and safe work environment for employees. Here are the key benefits of workplace ergonomics:
- Increase productivity and efficiency
- Can help reduce the risk of injury
- Reduce fatigue and stress during long working hours
- Promote a safe and healthy work environment
- Improve morale by providing a comfortable and pleasant work environment
- Reduce the costs associated with workplace injuries
Ways to Make Ergonomic Changes at the Workplace
Some people take ergonomic comfort for granted at work. But office workers spend an average of six to seven hours a day sitting in front of a computer. That's a lot of hours being uncomfortable if your workstation setup isn't right. Discomfort can have a direct effect on both employees and employers. The following ergonomic changes can help evade such challenges.
If you're an employer, here are some key ergonomic changes you can make:
Invest in Ergonomic Office Chairs
A quality ergonomic office chair is critically important because it will get a lot of use for the worker. It provides optimal support for the back and is adjustable to allow the user to sit in the best position. So, the employer should invest in a task chair that is practical and functional. The most important features to look for in an ergonomic chair include:
- Height adjustable seat
- Depth adjustable seat pan
- Adjustable backrest
- Adjustable lumbar support
- Fully adjustable armrests
- Reclining backrest
- Adjustable tilt tension
- Comfortable padding
- Premium upholstery for added comfort
- Heavy-duty wheelbase and easy-rolling castors
Invest in Standing Desks
Prolonged sitting is associated with serious health risks like weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, and back pain. You can help your workers use more muscles, stay active, and maintain a healthy lifestyle at work with a standing desk. There are two types of standing desks to consider – fixed height and height adjustable.
Standing desk designs are usually height-adjustable. They are also referred to as sit-stand desks. They are perfect for maximising comfort and efficiency while working. Switching between sitting and standing regularly helps prevent back problems and increases blood circulation. People of various heights can easily adjust a sit-stand desk to suit their needs. You can review Australia's best standing desk before purchasing a sit-stand desk.
Create Employee Awareness
Not all workers know how to make the necessary adjustments to their office furniture. So, it’s crucial to train your staff in office ergonomics. When members of your staff can correctly adjust their chairs and desks to suit their needs, your company will experience improved engagement and productivity. Workers will also feel safe in an ergonomic workstation that they have helped to create.
If you’re a worker, the following ergonomic changes can help improve your workplace health:
Proper Posture
Push your hips back against the backrest of the chair. Make sure the seat pan depth is deep enough so that the area behind your knees doesn’t hit the front of the seat. Then adjust the height of the seat until your feet rest flat on the floor. Besides, you can use a footrest if your feet don’t touch the floor when you adjust the seat height to its lowest setting.
Position your keyboard directly in front of your body and keep the mouse close to minimise reaching. Now centre the monitor to face your direction. Make sure it is at an arm’s length from you. Position the monitor so your eyeline is 5 to 7 centimetres below the top of the screen. You can also maintain a good posture by placing your phone and documents within easy reach.
Switch Between Sitting and Standing
Here’s a very simple solution to the problem of excessive sitting – stand up more regularly. If your employer invests in a high-quality sit-stand desk, make good use of it. You may immediately feel an improvement in circulation and well-being compared to sitting all day. But it’s a big change that may take time to get used to.
When you start using a sit-stand desk, split your time 50-50 between standing and sitting. This can help you get used to standing more throughout your workday. Standing for most of your day can make huge differences in the way your neck, shoulders, and back feel at the end of the workday.
Take Breaks and Increase Movement
It’s important to take breaks regardless of how ergonomically sound your workstation might be. Key benefits of taking regular breaks at the office include:
- Increased focus and mental health
- Reduced risks of injuries, pains, and aches
- Reduced stress and improved morale
- Better employee engagement
- Increased efficiency and productivity
Besides taking regular breaks, you should increase movement. Movement is the best way to do away with a sedentary lifestyle. If you’re sitting, stand up and stretch to improve coordination, balance, and muscle strength. Stretching helps boost circulation, re-energises the body, and lessens the risk of injury. Stand up for calls and walk to a co-worker’s desk instead of making a call or sending a text.
In Summary
Ergonomics fits perfectly as a tool to help improve the quality of work life. It has the goal of fitting the workplace to the worker. Thus, allowing employees to have a better experience, enjoy their work, and feel that there is quality in what they do. With the help of this content, both employers and employees can make meaningful ergonomic changes for a healthy lifestyle.