The Importance of an Ergonomic Office
Has the idea of creating an ergonomic office ever come up? While on the surface it may seem like a waste of money, it actually has been shown to produce a number of benefits. Below are the top five reasons you should consider investing in an ergonomic office.
Improves Safety
Not only does taking ergonomics seriously show your employees that you care and are committed to their health and safety, it helps to build company culture. Since your employees are your most valuable asset, keeping them happy and healthy is just good business.
Reduced Cost
Workers compensation is expensive. By implementing changes to create a more efficient workplace, you are reducing ergonomic risk factors like musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders occur because of movement repetition and poor posture. Almost one-third of all workers compensation cases are caused by musculoskeletal disorders. A simple change such as investing in ergonomics can reduce medical costs and thus save you money over time.
Improves Productivity
An ergonomic workstation promotes:
- Good posture
- Less repetitive motions
- Fewer motions
- Better heights and reaches
- Less exertion
A more efficient workstation has been shown to increase productivity.
Improves Work Quality
A poorly designed workstation can lead to frustration and fatigue (think easily irritated), often causing workers to do less than their best. Sloppy work may lead to an employee missing an important detail or forgetting to return a patient’s call.
Reduce Employee Turnover
While we are not delusional enough to tell you that having a well laid out office will keep employees there long term, it certainty helps. Many have found that having an area that works for the employee helps them produce their best work and will reduce turnover, lessen their amount of absences, boost their morale and increase their involvement.
An ergonomic office is something that should be taken seriously. If you do not have someone in-house that can assess your office and suggest changes, consider hiring a consultant. This small investment will pay off with happier, healthier and harder working employees.