Ergonomics is an amalgamation of two Greek words: Ergon and Nomos. Ergon means to work, and Nomos means law. So the word ergonomic is a combination of the two, and the word itself tends to refer to tools or equipment which are designed with workers in mind. They aim to increase worker comfort and, therefore, their productivity. In short, it is all about making the workplace safer and more efficient. Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Classed As Ergonomic?
As mentioned above, ergonomics is all about the experience of the worker. It encompasses office equipment like chairs, desks, computers – essentially your entire workstation. It also includes the environment as a whole, like the heating and air conditioning, lighting, and even aesthetics. It can be a confusing concept at times, and if you require further clarification, you should check out Branch’s guide to ergonomics. In addition to their guide, they also have some pieces of furniture to improve your workstation ergonomics too.
How To Tell Whether The Ergonomics Of Your Workstation Need Improving
If the ergonomics within your workspace aren’t working, you will be able to tell. You might feel more pressure on your joints or muscles; you might also find yourself struggling to get comfortable and fidgeting frequently. It can result in unnecessary eye or muscle strain, and your posture is likely to suffer too. If you are too cold or too hot and the air quality is compromised, this is also a sign of poor ergonomics.
Why Does Ergonomics Matter?
Ergonomics carry significance for every worker. If they aren’t taken into account, the effects on a worker’s daily life can be far-reaching. Firstly, working in a well-designed environment that is geared towards the comfort of its employees can do wonders for staff morale. It shows them that they are appreciated and that their physical and mental comfort is important to the business.
When a workplace is designed without considering ergonomics, it can lead to more absences which have a huge impact on a business. This is because the staff are more likely to experience health problems or potentially get injured. When the ergonomics are kept in mind, it is apparent in the results of the staff. They tend to be more productive, and productivity leads to better output and higher profits.
Elements to Focus on
Ergonomics, as mentioned above, does encompass most aspects of the working environment; however, some elements are more critical than others. Firstly, the chairs. Staff need a chair that is going to support the curves of their spine. Adjustable chairs are often a better option because the staff can adjust them as they like. Some companies also offer their staff a footrest, but this is mainly for those who have chairs that aren’t adjustable or desks that are too high. When working at a desk, your feet should be flat on the floor.
The desk itself is quite important too. Most people choose to work sitting down at a desk, but other options are. For example, those who suffer from a bad back might prefer a standing desk, or those who find themselves with a lot of excess energy might prefer a treadmill desk. Sitting desks, however, are the default. If your staff have traditional desks, then they need to be aware of desk etiquette. Firstly, the desks should be tall enough to have the clearance underneath for the legs to fit comfortably. Arguably it is better to have a desk that is too high than too low.
In addition to the desk itself, its layout matters too. Most people use a computer when they work. The monitor should be on the desk around an arms-length away, with the keyboard and mouse being directly in front of it. The screen needs to be around eye level. It may also be worth considering the effect that the blue light can have on your eyes. If your monitor is too bright, your eyes may be damaged. When you are using your computer via the keyboard or mouse, your posture is important.
It would help if you weren’t overextended; the wrists should be straight with the elbows at a ninety-degree angle. Finally, if the role also entails talking on the phone a lot, then headsets are a must. They are the more efficient option allowing workers to have their hands free, but they are also more comfortable.
In Conclusion
The employees are arguably the lifeblood of a business; their health and comfort are paramount to the success of the business. Whether you are setting up a home office for yourself or your own business and setting up an office for your staff, comfort needs to be a priority. When designing the space, be sure to keep the above advice in mind.
