The term ‘ergonomics’ refers to the process of redesigning the work environment to fit the worker. It is a science that has received significant investment, and it’s not hard to see why when you consider how uncomfortable offices used to be.
If you are interested in improving your office and designing it ergonomically, start with your furniture. The furniture your employees use will have a direct impact on their experience working for you, and their comfort level at work.
This post explores eight ways in which you can create a healthier, ergonomic workspace.
Choose an Ergonomic Chair
Of all of the items on this list, ergonomic chairs are arguably the most important. It is impossible to achieve a truly ergonomic office design without ensuring each and every employee has access to their own ergonomic office chair, which can provide support while they are working and reduce the likelihood of workers developing back pain. Find chairs that offer lumbar support, so employees don’t end up having to contend with lower back pain. Lower back pain can be very hard to treat.
The chairs you buy must also be adjustable, so employees can ensure that their feet sit flat on the floor. When one’s feet are raised, it can cause serious postural issues, as well as aches and pains. Ideally, the chairs you buy should also be made out of breathable materials, so employees don’t end up soaking their chairs on hot days.
Buy Adjustable Desks
Adjustable desks are one of the most effective ways to improve employee comfort. These desks allow workers to switch between sitting and standing. Their height is also adjustable, so employees can maintain a natural posture while sitting. An added benefit of adjustable desks is that they can prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries, because a neutral wrist position can be held.
Neck pain is a problem a lot of office workers face, mainly because they either have to look up or down at computer monitors, which puts their neck in an awkward position. Adjustable desks allow workers to keep screens at eye level, which prevents neck pain. Eye-level screens can also reduce eye strain and even headaches caused by uncomfortable neck positioning.
Computer Monitor Positioning
Computer monitor positioning isn’t something you get much say over as an office manager. Employees will position monitors however they want to. Still, it is a good idea to remind employees that proper computer monitor positioning can have a direct impact on their physical health and reduce the chances of headaches, neck pain, and eye strain.
Monitors should always be positioned at eye-level, which adjustable desks can support. You may want to invest in adjustable stands for monitors, too. This is so employees of all sizes can still work comfortably. Also advise employees to use amber filters, so as to reduce eye strain and exposure to blue light.
Use Ergonomic Computer Equipment
Ergonomics doesn’t stop at desks and chairs–you can also buy ergonomic computer equipment, like keyboards and mouses. The best keyboards and mouses are curved or split, as designs of this nature can provide better wrist support. Good wrist support reduces the chances of employees developing carpal tunnel syndrome, which is a common condition among office workers.
Instruct employees to keep their mouses and keyboards close together, so they do not have to stretch to use them. Also ensure that they keep their wrists straight. Bending one’s wrists while performing repetitive motions can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and other injuries.
Replace Indoor Lighting
The lighting used in your office can have an impact on employee comfort. If employees are forced to work under bright neon lights, they will go on to develop headaches and may have a negative perception of your office. For your office’s light bulbs, choose a warm colour.
As much as you are able to, use natural light. If you are in the process of building an office, start by installing large windows. The larger the windows, the better the light. The last thing you want is for your office to be dark all of the time, because this will have a negative effect on the wellbeing of your employees.
Improve Air Quality
Indoor air quality is another consideration you need to make if you want to create a comfortable workspace. If your office is situated in a large town or city, opening the windows isn’t necessarily the best way to improve indoor air quality, because pollution from outside is likely to get in.
You can improve the air quality by investing in an HVAC system, though. An HVAC system will clean, purify, and refresh the air in your office. HVAC systems can keep offices warm in the winter without becoming stuffy, and cool and airy in the summer.
Encourage Posture
As much as you are able to, encourage employees to adopt and maintain good working posture. One of the worst habits of office workers is slouching or hunching over. While some strain, aches, and pains are to be expected when you spend all day sitting down in front of a desk, long-term health conditions like carpal tunnel aren’t guaranteed.
If you encourage employees to adopt better posture, you will help them to help themselves. Consider putting signs and posters up around your office emphasizing the importance of good posture. Don’t try too hard to enforce good posture, though.
Individual Organization
As well as encouraging your employees to adopt healthier postures, you should also encourage individual organization and desk efficiency. Recommend employees keep everything they use and need in arm’s reach, so they don’t have to overstretch in order to grab and use things.
Also recommend that employees maintain a clean workspace. Studies show that clean workspaces are better for the mental health of employees. By ensuring that your employees have clean desks, you are in a way cleaning their minds and improving their focus at work.
Ergonomics is something that every office manager needs to think about. Whether you manage an office with a team full of people, or you simply manage yourself and your own home office, ergonomic design is very important. Use the guidance given here to transform your office from a place of stress and anxiety to one of focus and relaxation.
