Over the years, technology has morphed through different stages. But one thing that has remained consistent is its evolution; it provides the drive for humans to progress further. Basically, technology can be dubbed the pivot of human development, especially in recent times.
As humans, we always have the insatiable desire to make our lives better, hence, the innovations that scientists create to tackle our ever-changing needs. Whether at home or work, technology improves our lives in several ways.
Specifically, with the rise of ergonomics, coping with stressors in our workplace has become significantly easier. Ergonomic office items, such as back-support chairs, height-adjustable desks, and height-adjustable wobble stools, are excellent products of technology and its advancement.
Join FlexiSpot to celebrate technology and its contribution to humanity on Tech Day - from the 7th to the 9th of September.
In this article, we’ll look at the technological and professional nature of FlexiSpot and its products, explaining the relationship between ergonomics and technology.
The History of Ergonomics
To see how the concept of ergonomics started, you would have to travel through time and back to the beginning of civilisation. In that age, manufacturers designed tools and items to enhance users' grip, safety, and experience - a foundation on which modern-day ergonomics is built.
A perfect example is the theatre seats in Ancient Greece, which were shaped to create a curved indentation to comfort the lower legs and allow foot movement during extended renditions, enhancing blood circulation and preventing numbness. While there may be no proven link, the theatre seats can be deemed inspirations for the contoured seats in our offices today.
Now, it must be said that the word ‘ergonomics’ is not as old as the concept, as it was first used in 1857 by Polish scholar Wojciech Jastrzębowksi, one of the fathers of ergonomics. He focused on improving the working conditions and practices of outdoor labourers. But today, you will find that the focus of ergonomics has shifted to various forms of work, including office jobs.
The 1900s proved to be particularly pivotal in the rise of office ergonomics. From the introduction of the open plan office design to the Schnelle brothers’ principle of office design, it is fair to say that today’s dynamic workspaces are a product of long years of both ergonomic and technological evolution.
The Relationship between Ergonomics and Technology
Technology refers to the practical application of scientific knowledge to create solutions. It can be complex like computer codes and programs, but also as simple as a file management system or even simpler - as in office chairs and desks.
In 1998, a Denmark company developed the world’s first set of lifting columns to produce the electrically height-adjustable desk - such is the inventiveness of technology in creating innovative and ergonomic solutions.
Before the creation of these lifting columns, technology went through constant evolution for nearly a century. So, it is fair to say the steady growth of technology and the ability of scientists to use technical information in people’s lives and work has helped produce necessary solutions.
For instance, ergonomics is the science of designing workspaces and office items to accommodate the limitations and abilities of employees. With the proper technological application, ergonomics have improved our lives in several ways.
The concept of ergonomics addresses various aspects of work life, including office equipment, workspace plan - the height, angle, proximity of office equipment to the body, work habits, office atmosphere, and so on. Most importantly, it promotes a culture of excellent well-being amongst workers in an office.
And after years of strong research, it has been found that prolonged sitting, poor postures, forceful exertion, and repetitive motion put workers at risk of injuries and harm in their workplace. For this reason, we must treat office ergonomics with utmost seriousness.
How FlexiSpot Contributes to the Growth of Technology
FlexiSpot Ergonomic Co., Ltd. explores the world of innovative technology, creating quality furniture products to improve the health of individuals who have to sit and work for an extended period.
We offer exceptional ergonomic items with a durability of up to 10 years, displaying our commitment to helping clients reach new heights of wellness through ergonomic solutions.
At FlexiSpot, we take the research and development of our products very seriously. In fact, over 600 R&D engineers - in our employ - constantly generate and implement new ergonomic workplace solutions. Thanks to our steady evolution and R&D engineers, we have 1000 authorised and 72 invention patents.
In 2017, FlexiSpot ushered in a brilliant technological innovation with the twin-motor table frame, which has made our table faster and gentler in operation. This development led to an enhancement in user experience - which is the goal of ergonomics and our company.
Some of our newer technological exploits include the innovation of our first permanent-magnet brushed direct current (PMDC) in 2019 and the improved brushless direct current (BLDC) in 2020, which are used on the FlexiSpot‘s height-adjustable desk.
Impact of Ergonomics on Workplace Health and Productivity
As already said, technology provides solutions that make our lives better. Office ergonomics is one of those solutions. FlexiSpot ergonomic products, for example, have helped over ten million people avoid spine problems and other health issues.
Besides keeping physical health problems away, implementing an adequate ergonomic plan in your workplace can benefit you and your employees in numerous other ways. So, let's look at the impact of ergonomics and, by extension, technology in your office.
1. Improves physical well-being
Setting up an ergonomic workstation will help enhance different aspects of your physical health. Unlike in a standard work environment, your body will experience less stress, strain, and pain working in a space specifically designed for its comfort.
2. Boosts mental health
Comfort can improve your attention span and ability to focus on your work tasks. Additionally, ergonomics can help reduce your risk of stress-related anxiety, boosting your awareness and overall mood.
3. Increases productivity
Of course, due to the enhanced focus and comfort it offers, ergonomics can help your productivity levels soar. Moreover, an ergonomic workstation will improve your workflow, causing easy and quick execution of your work duties.
4. Eliminates injury risks
Ergonomics aims to create a safe and healthy work environment for employees. And one of the ways to ensure employees’ safety is by removing hazards. In essence, establishing an ergonomic plan for your office can reduce your risk of injuries and physical harm.
Conclusion
The significance of technology in human lives can’t be overemphasised. From making your work lives easier to ensure you stay healthy in your office, ergonomics and its technological application offer invaluable benefits to the overall well-being.
If you are looking to create an ergonomic workstation, visit our online catalogue at Flexispot today!
