Working ergonomically: the key to success
Working ergonomically means designing your workplace so that your body is optimally supported and you can work more comfortably, more productively and more efficiently. In today's working world, this goes beyond just having the right chair and desk at the right height. Because only when your workplace and working environment are properly adjusted can you perform optimally.
Why is it important?
Working ergonomically has many benefits for both the employee and the employer. For instance, it helps prevent injuries; working in poor posture for long periods of time can lead to complaints such as back and neck pain, RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) and other musculoskeletal disorders (Punnett & Wegman, 2004). In addition, a well-appointed workplace leads to improved productivity by reducing fatigue and increasing your concentration and efficiency (Hedge, 2016). Also, comfortable working contributes to a more positive work climate and less absenteeism, which significantly increases job satisfaction (Buckle & Devereux, 2002). So encouraging employees to work ergonomically has many positive effects.
How do you work ergonomically?
To work properly ergonomically, you obviously need a good desk and the right chair. But it goes much further than that. Is your screen at the right height and distance so as not to strain your neck? Do your feet have enough rest? And is it not too dark? True ergonomic working means that you not only sit or stand comfortably, but also feel comfortable. This may sound a bit vague, but we are going to help you. After all, ergonomic working can easily be broken down into three pillars: workplace, environment and activity.
Workplace
When we talk about ergonomic working, we should of course talk about the workplace itself. The right sitting height, foot placement, desk height, screen height and depth, keyboard placement... You can do a lot for your health.
Learn all about it hereSurrounding
Not only the workplace you work at, but also the conditions you work in have a lot of influence on ergonomics. You have probably had a discussion about the temperature in the office or deliberately chosen a flexi-place close to the window. There are many factors that (subconsciously) influence how you work. So don't forget to optimise your environment.
We explain how
Activity
Your walk to the coffee machine may be more important than you think. In fact, exercise during your working day is essential. To make sure you get enough exercise, there are some simple steps you can take, for example, are you already familiar with the 20-10-8 rule?
Read more hereErgonomic work, better work
There are plenty more examples on the benefits of ergonomic working. But simply put, investing in the right ergonomic workstation will pay off handsomely by providing a healthier and more productive workplace. Companies that invest in ergonomic adaptations report up to 33% fewer work-related discomforts (Van Niekerk et al., 2012). Absenteeism costs go down, employee retention goes up (Dul & Weerdmeester, 2008). What are you waiting for?
Curious to know more?
Have you become curious about the ideal ergonomic solution for your company? We would be happy to advise you.
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