Workplace Ergonomics: Helpful Tips To Make Your Office More Productive

Most of us have already heard about ergonomics and the benefits it can bring to our lives. It's good if you're applying ergonomics in your daily home chores and work tasks. If so, you are promoting better health and wellness for yourself and the people around you. Apart from helping us to learn how to work properly and aim for better health, workplace ergonomics is proven to be imperative in improving productivity in the office.

Benefits of Ergonomics in the Workplace

Working in an office can be daunting, exciting, and overwhelming. There are times we may feel that we accomplish less in long hours. This may be due to procrastinating, poor time management, and lack of skills when it comes to applying proper ergonomics in the work area. Every worker needs to learn how ergonomics can provide a lot of benefits to people who are working at home or in offices. Summarized below are the benefits of ergonomics in the workplace: 

#1 Ergonomics helps in reducing costs. The risk of having musculoskeletal disorders is lessened when ergonomics is applied correctly in workplaces. The company will save on workers' compensation costs due to the effects of poor posture, uncomfortable work areas, and improper usage of tools and equipment. Employers can also avoid expenses for employees who may suffer from injuries caused by accidents. They can also see a noticeable decrease in absenteeism and tardiness of employees because they are safer and healthier with proper ergonomics applied in the workplace.

#2 Ergonomics aids in ensuring a higher quality of work results. Poor ergonomics can result in a poor quality of work. This can also make employees experience fatigue and other posture-related issues. When a task is given to an employee, but an uncomfortable workstation is provided, then that employee may feel less motivated to work the whole day. If management wants their employees to produce amazing work results, then they should ensure to provide a healthy and comfortable work environment. 

#3 Ergonomics can help in creating a safer and better work culture. Employees become more committed and motivated when they are valued and recognized in the workplace. We should remember that people are the most important asset of any company. When proper ergonomics is applied and implemented, then there will be a safer health and safety work culture. Failure to apply proper ergonomics, the company may not be able to foster better camaraderie and relationships in the workplace.

#4 Ergonomics also helps in improving productivity among employees. Various ergonomic solutions contribute to an improved productivity level at work. For instance, using standing desks and ergonomic chairs can help workers to achieve good posture and prevent the adverse effects of too much sitting. The workstation becomes more efficient in aiding the worker to actively accomplish tasks and promote productivity among the members of an organization. A healthy worker can perform tasks more efficiently because there are no ailments or other issues that may hinder high-quality work results.

#5 Ergonomics develops and improves employee engagement. When all members of the organization feel that their health and safety are given value in the workplace, then it is easier to develop employee engagement. Workers in the work environment will have open and effective communication. Apart from that, they will not experience fatigue and discomfort at work. Instead, it can reduce the employees' absenteeism and turnover, as well as improve the morale of employees. A healthy work environment can also boost the motivation of the members of the organization, which ensures them to work more effectively in achieving the goals of the company.

Helpful Tips To Be More Productive at Work with the Help of Workplace Ergonomics

Every company that is planning to implement proper ergonomics in the workplace must first identify the challenges that the company is facing. Of course, every office is different; thus, it may require a different approach when it comes to applying ergonomic solutions. One critical step to optimize a workplace is to find out what ergonomic problems are affecting the employees, such as the factors that are causing accidents and injuries. After a thorough evaluation, you will be able to know which one needs to be fixed.

The best way to get such information is merely asking employees the kind of issues they are having and what they think needs to be changed. Below are some of the helpful tips that can improve the levels of productivity at work. 

#1 Develop and maintain the right posture. As we all know, working with a bad posture such as slouching, can lead to various adverse effects on the body. That is why every worker should learn how to develop and maintain the correct posture when working, both when standing or sitting. Make sure to stand in a neutral posture. It is the natural alignment posture of the spine.

In that way, you can prevent yourself from slouching, hunching, and slumping. Experts have mentioned already that bad posture is a factor to blame for experiencing neck pain and back pain.

It is imperative to invest in equipment and tools that will help workers to improve their work performances. Use an ergonomic office chair to support proper posture. There are also other tools and equipment that can ensure proper posture in the workplace. Standing desks and desk converters, for instance, help in preventing the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle. Sitting and standing for long hours can be both a threat to our health. Thus, alternating between sitting and standing can be a big help.

To establish an ergonomically-friendly workplace, companies must start creating sit-stand workstations. As previously mentioned, a standing desk can help in hampering the adverse effects of a sedentary work lifestyle. That is why it is advisable to incorporate standing desks in the workplace to avoid experiencing conditions such as having back and neck pain. You may also need to invest in wearing the right footwear or use an anti-fatigue mat to reduce discomfort while standing.

Anthrodesk offers standing desks and accessories to ensure that workers can create productive results from their tasks. Our anti-fatigue mat helps reduce fatigue while using standing desks. 

#2 Invest in a good and quality office chair. Workers who are required to be in a sitting position for several hours need to have a quality ergonomic chair. This type of chair provides features that can promote better posture. Some of the top features of an ergonomic chair include having armrests, adjustable height options, headrest, and lumbar support. 

#3 Position your computer monitor at the right distance and height. Positioning your computer screen at the right height and distance can make a significant impact on improving productivity levels in the workplace. Not only that, but it can also prevent eye strain and neck pain.

Consider the following reminders to avoid eye strain at work:

- Place your computer monitor at an arm-length or more away from you

- Reduce the effects of screen glare by setting up your monitor away from a too bright background or near a window

- Take a break from time to time to rest your eyes

These are applicable, especially for those people who are working on computer-related tasks such as typing, encoding, writing, graphic designing, and more.

Other tips to remember are the following:

- Make sure to place your keyboard and mouse properly in front of you. Avoid positioning them too far from you that you need to extend your arms too much

- Position the screen at an eye level so you can tilt your neck and head, preventing neck pains and headaches

It is essential to have a good posture while working to avoid conditions such as computer vision syndrome.

#4 Use an ergonomic mouse. Using an ergonomic mouse can aid in preventing carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injuries. Of course, when employees are not experiencing such conditions, they will be able to work effectively, resulting in a higher level of productivity at work.

Anthrodesk offers two types of an ergonomic mouse: the wired and the wireless ergonomic mouse. Both provide features that help ease working on computer jobs, preventing the risks of musculoskeletal problems. (insert links to ergonomic mouse)

#5 Check the work settings in the workplace. The work environment that you are in plays a significant role in the results of your work performance. The workplace must be well-equipped with the right tools and equipment. Make sure also to evaluate the place to have good lighting, humidity level, and temperature level to ensure a good work experience.

#6 Make accessing documents systematic and organized. One of the common issues employees are facing is the difficulty of finding their files needed for work. Time is wasted when records are not easily found. That is why it is essential to organize your essential files in your computer and filing cabinets. Create designated folders for all the files on your computer. Besides, you should also have a filing cabinet and container for all your essential documents. Label them accordingly, so finding a specific file will be easier and convenient.

#7 Make sure to take breaks to reduce stress. Sometimes tasks can be overwhelming and stressful. There can be pressures due to deadlines that need to beat or complicated tasks that need to be accomplished. When that happens, productivity can be affected, as well. Take a break every after 20 minutes of working. Do some stretching and exercises to minimize fatigue, reduce the risks of work-related musculoskeletal diseases, establish a healthier work environment, and of course, improve productivity.

#8 Conduct employee training about workplace ergonomics. To ensure the success of the application of ergonomics in the workplace, it would be helpful if employees will also be well-informed. Conduct seminars and training on how they can take part in the company's endeavour to become more productive with the help of workplace ergonomics.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating ergonomics in the workplace will be very helpful in making workstations safe and healthy for employees. Workplace ergonomics aids in ensuring a work environment that's much safer, healthier, and more productive. Invest in ergonomic tools and equipment that will help in creating solutions that will contribute to the company's more progress and achievements.