What is Ergonomics
Are you slouching in your chair? Is your neck sore at the end of the day from sitting at your desk? Are your eyes tired from staring at a screen all day? This is why ergonomic solutions are key to improving employee productivity in the workplace!
Ergonomics is designing your workspace to improve safety and efficiency. Making small changes like adjusting your chair or monitor can help put less stress on your body. Implementing ergonomic solutions in your workplace can have astounding benefits such as:
- Increased productivity and efficiency
- Boosted morale
- Improved workplace safety
- Reduced muscle fatigue
- Lower employee turnover
- Reduced absenteeism
Here is a comprehensive guide on changes you can start making to your workplace to improve the safety and efficiency of your workforce.
Ergonomic Solutions to Implement
1. Desk and Chair
Your desk should rest at a height where your elbows are at 90 degrees and your wrists are in a neutral position. If you have a tall desk, sit in a taller chair or add pillows to your chair. Make sure your feet rest comfortably on the floor or use a footrest. Getting a chair with adjustable height settings is helpful. It is also important for your chair to support your back.
2. Monitor, Keyboard, and Mouse
Your eyes should be level with the top of your monitor. Position your keyboard and mouse so your wrists can rest in a neutral position. Make sure anything else you use frequently is within reach.
3. Lighting
Don’t work in the dark- make sure your workplace is well-lit! Inadequate lighting can cause eye fatigue, headaches, and possible injuries.
4. Stand Up
Don’t forget to get your steps in! Research shows that sitting for hours upon hours every day is not good for your health. When you prioritize movement during the workday, you’ll increase your energy, clear your mind, feel more focused, and improve your mood. Try to get up once every 30-60 minutes to walk around a little bit. Investing in a standing desk is another great way to spend less time sitting throughout the day!
5. Stretch
Sitting for long periods of time can make your muscles a bit stiff. Taking stretch breaks is a great way to combat neck and back pain so you can feel your best while you work. Here are some great stretches you can do at your desk!
6. Lifting
If you have a physically demanding job, it’s important to practice proper techniques when lifting heavy things. If you don’t do it properly, you can end up straining the muscles in your back. Always lift with your knees! Reminding your employees to do the same can help prevent injuries.
7. Give Your Eyes a Break
Making sure your monitor is at the correct heigh and angle is key to reducing eye strain. Keep it around arms length away from your face. Also, position your monitor in a way that reduces glare from the windows. Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at an object that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Employee Training
Encouraging your employees to make these ergonomic changes will help transform your workforce into a safer and more productive organization. Offering a training program is a great way to empower your employees to start making these changes. B.Komplete not only offers a seminar/webinar on ergnomics, we also offer Ergonomic Workspace Assessments so your employees can receive individualized tools and techniques to optimize their workspace for safety and productivity. Connect with us to learn more about our ergonomics services!