Your office employees spend a large portion of their lives in your office, so as an employer you definitely own them comfort as much as possible while they work. With comfort, we do not mean to provide them with a setting that they fall asleep. Of course, they’re in office to work but working for 8-hour shift in an uncomfortable environment can affect their productivity as well. There are plenty of things that you can consider to provide them with comfy environment and multiply their efficiency level.
Wondering how? Ergonomic office layout or design is the answer. When you are going to design the workstation keeping ergonomics in mind, it will minimize the chances lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and prevent many other common workplace complaints.
Before we go into the details of the ergonomic office design, let’s first understand its significance.
Why Do You Need an Ergonomic Office Layout?
Modern office designs are seen to be critically dependent on the usage of appropriate ergonomics. The finest workplaces are built with and around people in mind. An ideal office layout supports a more open and lively work environment and steers clear of enclosed spaces like cubicles. It's a good idea to involve the staff in the design process.
According to studies, employees who participate in the design of their workstations have a better degree of commitment and are more productive. The significance of ergonomics cannot be over-emphasized. Organizations can more successfully incorporate ergonomics into workplace design when they engage professional services, like CAD Services to have a deeper grasp of office interiors.
Precisely, an ergonomically built workplace will go a long way toward improving employee attitudes while preserving an environment that is favorable to achieving organizational goals.
Tip No. 1: An Open Layout Can Help with Office Ergonomics
The principle step to create an ergonomic workstation design is to make sure that your employees have enough space to work. All of your employees will have to move awkwardly if they are huddled up close to one another, and that may also cause or aggravate injuries.
To make it easier for your staff to move about, keep the area clutter-free and provide clear corridors between the desks and cubicles. In addition to being dangerous, office clutters can be distracting too. Also, when your staff is surrounded by chaos, it will become harder for them to focus on the task at hand, which might reduce production. Everyone will be more productive and get more done each day if their workspace is organized and free of clutter.
Tip No. 2: Choose Comfortable Ergonomic Seating
Since every employee will require a chair for their desk, so it is always better to install ergonomic design in the first place. Your team members will probably be sitting on the chairs you choose for quite some time, so they should also be comfortable. To reduce stress on joints and pressure points, the chair's seat and back should be cushioned, which is frequently the case with ergonomic mesh office chair designs.
But cushioning alone won't solve the problem; the chairs also need to be supportive. Your employees may endure back stiffness and muscle weariness from prolonged sitting. Therefore, your workplace chairs should offer sufficient back support, particularly throughout the lower spine's lumbar region.
To avoid hunching and slouching during the day, support is particularly important for this area of the back. You can also add more lumbar cushions to the seats for even better back support. In ergonomic chairs, there are features that even allow your staff to choose the level of help.
Workplace ergonomics cannot be approached in a one-size-fits-all manner, and your staff will appreciate your consideration to their unique requirements. Ensure that the chairs are also completely adjustable. Your staff will be able to adjust the chair configuration as necessary to meet their individual demands thanks to this.
For the best customizability, the height of the seat, backrest, and height of the armrest should all be movable. Everyone in your organization will be able to obtain the comfortable seating position they deserve in this manner.
Tip No. 3: Complement Your Office with Lighting
Fluorescent lighting is commonly found in offices but that doesn’t mean that you do not have other options. Instead, you must try using lighting that is closer to appearance of the natural light whenever it is possible. Your employees will also appreciate this as it will be much easier on their eyes, making it simpler for them to keep up with the job duties.
If it seems possible in your office space, you should also let natural light come into your office as much as possible. It is great for providing light throughout the day and can also do wonders for the employees’ morale and well-being. Also, you can provide lamps to every employee at their desks. They can customize the lighting as per their preference and even change lighting conditions throughout the day.
Tip No. 4: Include Adjustable Desks in Office
A typical stationary desk is designed for use by people around 2 meters tall. These workstations can be ideal for people who fall in this category, but tall and short employees may not be sitting in appropriate position throughout the day on such desks. On the other hand, those employees who use computers, it is mandatory for them to have their screen, keyboard, and mouse in the correct position to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive-use injuries.
As an employer, you must ensure that your team is given desks that are adjustable in height. With this advantage, your employees will be able to move the desk’ surface in any direction as they like. The idea must be for everyone to have a desk that has the right height based on their need and preference. With these desks, they will get the best way to maintain ergonomics in the workplace.
Another modern form of desks, also known as sit-stand desks can be ideal for ergonomic workstations. These desks are adjustable as they can quickly and easily switch between standing and sitting. Employees don’t have to force themselves to sit on the chair all day long, but they can also get the chance to stand, work and stretch their legs.
Now that you know a few important tips to design ergonomic office layout, it’s time to redesign your office and multiply your workplace efficiency.
