Use of Ergonomic Furniture to Improve Workplace Health
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, 07-16-2014 at 09:11 AM (1314 Views)
In order to hire and keep the best employees, employers have to be aware of their staff's working environment. Organizations now pay attention to workplace health due to the rising number of workers suffering from repetitive strain injury. Almost a third of an average worker's day is spent sitting at the desk. There are adverse possible risks of spending many years hunching over a desk in the same position. It is advisable for employers to invest in ergonomic furniture to alleviate the aches and pains suffered by employees, thus improving overall comfort and health.
The benefits of installing ergonomic office furniture such as electric height-adjustable desks greatly outweigh the initial cost. Lower back pain is a major cause of absence from the workplace. In today's competitive job markets, ergonomic furniture plays a crucial role in giving an organization an edge.
Health Benefits
The biggest advantage of investing in ergonomic office furniture is the positive effect it has on employees' health. The ergonomic elements of office furniture will over time keep employees feeling healthy. In addition, it will preserve their joints and spines from unnecessary injury. Furniture such as adjustable computer monitors and ergonomic desks, spine-friendly ergonomic chairs, as well as ergonomic keyboard trays can help workers avoid pains and aches that are work-related.
Work-related injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders, bad backs and repetitive strain injury can cost companies millions of pounds each year Employers pay a lot of money in the form of worker's compensation costs and sick pay. Being proactive, as opposed to reactive to potential compensation claims can significantly decrease an organization's costs in the long run. Certain changes in the workplace atmosphere like installing adjustable monitor stands and posture-friendly chairs can make quite a difference.
Increase in Productivity
Improved efficiency and productivity are positive side effects of investing in ergonomic furniture at the workplace. This is because such furniture enables workers to organize and manage their day-to-day workloads properly. In addition, staff members will spend more time going about their jobs and less time massaging their painful backs. If employers invest in ergonomic workplace furniture, workers would feel healthier and thus unlikely to take sick leaves. This would spur the organization's workforce to become more mobilised and efficient. According to studies, increases in productivity for firms with ergonomic furniture have ranged between 5% and 50%.
Increase in Physical Energy
In addition to reducing the risk of injury, ergonomic furniture can also boost physical energy. Such furniture supports physical positioning while also reducing certain movements. This has the potential to give the worker more energy, hence increasing their productivity. Arranging workplace furniture in a way that curtails unnecessary movement can be of help. Additionally, posture-improving office furniture can make a significant impact. Generally, a better posture has been proven to decrease the amount of energy required in certain movements. This allows more oxygen to be taken into the body.
Victoria Andrea’s Author bio:
Victoria Andrea lives in Bristol, UK and is an avid reader and blogger. Since her early years she’s had a passion for writing. Her articles have been published in leading UK newspapers. Her areas of interest are food, reviews (Book/Movie), Travel, Fashion, Lifestyle, Fitness and Health. She works as a guest blogger on her chosen areas of interest and currently writes on behalf of Turkey visa.