When a workplace is safe and healthy, the environment is more productive. Regardless of an enterprises’ size or nature of business, it should strive to create an ergonomically sound office space for all employees. It is both productive and profitable. Poor ergonomic workstations can lead to decreased productivity and can also lead to physical injury of employees, which is definitely bad for business owners.
No matter how well an organization is designed, employees must also ensure that they use good ergonomics at their workstations. Those fancy chairs, desks, and equipment tools are never going to be helpful if an employee slumps or slouches quite often at their desk. Let’s unveil quick ways to create a healthy, productive, and ergonomic working environment.
1. Good Working Posture
Whether employees work in a corporate office or a factory floor, establishing a good working posture at the workstation is the number one priority. Employees should be able to sit or stand without any stressful angles or in a neutral body position with a relaxed posture. A good working posture means that employees must sit with hands, wrists, and arms that are straight in line and parallel to the flooring. Make sure that the head is level and in line with the torso.
Additionally, standing at the workstation can also be a good posture and is suggested. It is considered ergonomically sound; however, employees must stand straight ensuring that their arms and wrists are in a neutral position. However, a standing position is not ideal if you have to spend long hours.
2. Window Arrangement Setup
According to a study, natural light encourages alertness, improves mood, decreases stress and anxiety, and multiplies productivity. Also, when one looks out of the window after every 20-30 minutes, it is a great way to give eyes a break from the monitor screen. If your organization doesn’t have an access to a window, you can keep the workstation bright using artificial lighting. Invest in bulbs that look like natural light.
Also, instead of going for overhead lighting, opt for floor lamps. These lamps can be modified to any position you want, reducing glare on the computer screen. If it gets harder for you to stay focused because of glare or eye strain, customize the lamps as required.
3. Invest in an Ergonomic
If you want to sustain your employees’ productivity, it’s necessary to invest in a high-quality chair. An ergonomic chair is one of the best options that reduce physical discomfort and also detract your ability to stay focused. The right chair for you can be customized and it can be adjusted to your body and desk. When investing in an ergonomics chair, make sure that your employees follow the below practices:
· Your thighs must be parallel to the floor and your knees must rest at approximately 90 degrees with flat feet on the floor.
· The chair should include lumbar support that encourages proper posture.
· Elbows should also rest on the desktop at a 90-degree angle as it reduces the wrist and arm strain.
· When you sit in the chair, the computer’s monitor or top of the laptop should be even with your eyes.
With several benefits, ergonomics chair and desk definitely improves employees’ productivity as a whole.
4. Standing Desk Setup
If your organization doesn’t have much sitting work required, consider investing in a standing desk setup. You may have heard several benefits of standing desks. For beginners, they assist in fight the negative effects of sitting all day, including increased blood sugar, blood pressure, poor cholesterol levels, and more chances of cardiovascular disease.
Moreover, if an employee doesn’t feel like standing for long hours, they can easily convert the standing position to a sit-stand desk. However, one must note standing on their feet all day. Employers who have lesser sitting work can invest in such kinds of standing desks.
5. Move Mouse and Keyboard Closer
Many employees have a habit of leaning forward over their desks as they work. This is also called a slouching position. With an ergonomics workstation, employees can help mitigate leaning forward over their desks as they work. Studies suggest that this slouching position can result in back or neck injuries over time. So, learning to sit with more support can reduce risk and make working at the computer more comfortable.
One of the best ways to achieve better posture through an ergonomics workstation is to move the keyboard and mouse closer to oneself. It can reduce employees' slouching habits and permit them to sit back in their chairs while they work.
6. Set the Right Temperature
Since temperature preferences of every employee vary significantly, there is no standard temperature unit that can satisfy everyone. If the workstation is too warn, it can make employees feel groggy and tired. On the other hand, if the office space is too cold, it can make one feel easily distracted or restless.
However, research studies suggest that winter temperatures in a workstation should range between 68oF to 73oF while summer temperature must be between 73oF to 78oF. Finding the ideal temperature for the working space is necessary to keep up a productive study or work pace, so employers should experiment to find out their optimal range.
7. Standing Up and Moving Around
All office workers must keep in mind that this is one of the most important tips – to get up and move around. It is just that simple. At least once an hour, employees must take a few minutes out to walk, drink water, look out of the window, and do a little warm-up. This is considered an ergonomic technique. Those employers who discourage this technique and want their employees to work for straight 8 hours are definitely wrong-headed.
Always remember that a healthy working environment is the most productive one. The mentioned practice of standing up and moving around can keep employees active and motivated, resulting in more production.
Final Word
A good ergonomically sound workstation is essential for a productive and healthy workforce. Follow the above-mentioned ways to set up a workstation that increases the productivity level of your employees.
