The Importance of Ergonomics in the Workplace

What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics or ‘human engineering’ is the study of people in their everyday environments, with a focus on the equipment they use and how they move around the space they are in. While this particularly applies to the workplace environment, ergonomic theories and design are also likely to be incorporated in all objects designed to be used by humans in the home and outdoors.

When purchasing contract furniture you are likely to see many items described as ‘ergonomic’, with very little explanation as to the importance of ergonomics in the workplace. So what is the purpose of ergonomics and why does it matter so much? Let’s find out.

What are the benefits of good ergonomics?

Good ergonomics allow people to undergo repetitive tasks without suffering discomfort and can help to protect them from injury. Good ergonomics can increase employee engagement as they are not frequently distracted by physical discomfort or trying to achieve proper positioning.

Incorporating ergonomics into workplace design and daily work routines helps people to take responsibility for their own health and safety, when supported with the correct furniture and tools.

In addition, the right ergonomic furniture helps people to maintain the optimal bodily position for productive work, especially when the work is of a repetitive nature.

An awareness of good ergonomic practice in the office can help employers to:

• Adhere to legal requirements – as an employer you have certain obligations to reduce risk to employee’s health.
• Reduce health care costs and worker sick days due to work-related musculoskeletal conditions.
• Improve employee productivity by keeping them comfortable and engaged.
• Improve quality of work by reducing mental and physical stress for workers.
• Install a culture of ‘people first’ and health and safety awareness throughout the business.

Ergonomic desk chairs

The piece of office furniture that most people will recognise as ergonomic is the desk chair. Desk chair is a term that covers a wide range of office seating, from receptionist chairs to task or operator chairs, to executive chairs. The one thing they all have in common is that people will likely be seated in them for long periods of time, often undertaking repetitive movements and probably in front of a screen.

Height-adjustable desks

Another way to help to tailor the workspace to the individual is by use of a height-adjustable desk. (Where desks do not adjust in height, it is good practice to provide a footstool so that once the chair has been adjusted, the worker’s feet can be placed flat if they then do not reach the floor). Forward-thinking employers will consider the flexible needs of employees and look for desks in a variety of sizes and desks that can automatically be adjusted in height, from seated working height to standing height.