In today’s competitive business landscape, where having the best team can improve productivity, innovation and overall success, boosting employee wellbeing is more important than ever. One key aspect of this is ensuring employee comfort and safety in the workplace, and ergonomics isn’t something that businesses should be overlooking.
Improving the physical work environment and ensuring workstations are strategically designed can be more beneficial than you may initially realise. Ergonomics can have a direct impact on everything from employee physical and mental wellbeing to job satisfaction, and as a business owner, it’s worth assessing your workplace and making any required adjustments. Below we have explored the benefits of improving workplace ergonomics in more detail.
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics involves an understanding of the link between employees and other elements of the workplace. This discipline aims to improve the physical work environment in a way that acknowledges the impact it has on the human body. It encompasses everything from the correct office chair height, appropriate desk size, placement of a monitor and the layout of a workstation to bigger elements such as lighting and noise levels.
Benefits of Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace
Improving ergonomics in the workplace isn't just about improving comfort, it’s a strategic approach to employee wellbeing that offers several benefits. From boosting employee productivity to enhancing job satisfaction, the impacts are significant for both employees and their employers;
Boosts Productivity - Good ergonomics leads to better workplace productivity and performance. By designing workstations that allow for good posture, fewer motions and better reaches, they become more efficient and reduce employee exertion. Enhanced comfort can prevent the need for frequent breaks and support longer periods of activity too, directly impacting employee output.
Improves Quality - Poor ergonomics results in frustrated and fatigued employees who don’t do their best work. When a task is too physically taxing, employees might not perform how they were trained to. By improving ergonomic conditions, employees can complete tasks to the best of their ability. This leads to fewer errors, higher quality of work and an improved sense of job satisfaction.
Engages Employees - Employees notice when their employer is prioritising their health and wellbeing in the workplace. By actively improving ergonomics, it can increase engagement across the business. When employees are engaged, they are more likely to remain loyal, reducing turnover rates and both the costs and hassle associated with training new employees.
Creates a Safety Culture - Ergonomics shows your commitment to safety as a core value. Healthy and happy employees are your most valuable asset, so creating a culture that prioritises health and safety at work can lead to better performance across the business. This culture not only improves compliance with regulations but also enhances the overall atmosphere in the workplace.
Reduces Costs - By reducing ergonomic risk factors, you can prevent costly sickness absences. With less money spent on sick days and temporary staff, you can allocate funds to other key initiatives. Not to mention, reduced sickness rates can also impact insurance premiums and reduce spending on compensation claims, making ergonomics an investment for your business.
How Corporate Wellbeing Companies Help with Ergonomics
Corporate wellbeing companies specialise in improving the health and safety of businesses. They can help you evaluate your ergonomics and make some changes to improve the physical work environment for employees. Often, DSE Workstation Ergonomic Assessments are used to ensure employees are kept safe. When Display Screen Equipment is used for more than an hour a day, the workstation should be set up to support employees’ body shapes and habits.
Both in-person and remote assessments can be conducted. An assessor will inspect the workstations and provide tailored feedback to help ensure workstations are well-equipped and properly set up for different tasks. These assessments typically include analysing the suitability of key equipment like;
Desks
Chairs
Monitors
Keyboards
Mouse
These professional assessments are essential for identifying potential risk factors that could cause discomfort or lead to injury, and recommending practical solutions that can be implemented immediately. Corporate wellbeing companies have a wealth of experience and often provide follow-up services to ensure ergonomic solutions are sustainable and effective.
Working with Corporate Wellbeing Companies
It’s fair to say that improving workplace ergonomics is not just about health and safety, but also about enhancing performance. When you invest in ergonomics, your business will directly benefit. So, if you have an office space, contact a corporate wellbeing company to help you assess your workstations. With their help, you can create a healthier, happier and more productive workplace where employees can thrive.
Here at Precision Heath, we provide a range of workplace health and wellbeing services, and we will happily assist you with ergonomics. We understand how important it is for both physical and mental health to have a comfortable workstation, and we can provide the expert recommendations you need. Since 2014, we have partnered with businesses of all sizes across Ireland and our team of medical professionals and health educators are here to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss enhancing employee wellbeing in more detail.
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