You may have heard of ergonomics. You may have even got a thing or two to make it work around you. But do you know that apart from adding to your overall wellness, ergonomics in the workplace is quintessential for increasing productivity too?
Well, put simply, 'Ergonomics in the Workplace' is the science of designing or arranging a workplace in such a manner that it fits the one who uses it. Thus, it encompasses a lot more than your desk and computer. After all, we all use a number of things while spending those eight (or even longer) hours at our offices every working day.
While technology has made a lot of our work easier, it does impact our posture and comes with its own set of challenges that can lead to physical conditions in the absence of proper ergonomics.
So, what can you do to improve ergonomics in your office and give a boost to your productivity? It's time to find out!
1. Focus on the right posture - Working in a particular position for hours straight can take a toll on your body posture. That's why it makes absolute sense to keep checking your working posture and correct it whenever required. Sit or stand in a neutral posture and avoid hunching, slumping or slouching at all costs. Bad posture is one of the main reasons for neck and shoulder pain at work, according to experts.
Your work tasks should be so designed that your posture is comfortable and doesn't cause any stress to your body. When you work comfortably, you tend to be less fatigued and work faster and better as well.
2. Invest in a good office chair - Those who perform most of their work in a sitting position, need a good office chair that's ergonomically designed. If you are one of them, then get a chair that comes with multiple features and adjustability options to suit your needs.
Check this list of best office chairs which are ergonomically designed to make a wise choice.
Investing money in chairs that have adjustable height options, armrests, lumbar support, along with seat pan depth settings is a must for those who seek comfort, increased productivity and proper posture. To top things off, a good chair should be so designed that it puts no pressure on your spinal cord, neck and shoulder muscles.
3. Place the monitor at proper height and distance - Improving productivity at work is no mean feat. You have to try several methods to know what works best for you. One tip is to place the monitors and other display devices at angles that don't put a strain on your eyes or neck. The screen should be placed directly above the keyboard. Also, the top of the screen shouldn't go higher than your eye level. Ensuring these basic guidelines will avoid unnecessary and frequent tilting of your head and neck, reducing fatigue and improving productivity.
4. Put the keyboard and mouse in the right place - These days, we are increasingly getting dependent on input devices, and rightfully so. However, to maintain a neutral body position, one of the most critical things that require your attention is the right configuration of the keyboard and mouse. Thus, ensure that these devices are easily accessible to avoid excessive tiredness and improve efficiency.
5. Eliminate repetitive movements - Studies reveal that repetitive motions give birth to most of the musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Repetitive tasks not only cause stress but may also result in injury. So, begin by reducing repetitive motions at first, and then gradually eliminate them, and you will find that achieving an impeccable level of comfort at the workplace is not a myth.
6. Check the work setting - The work environment around you can make or mar your performance, and it plays a significant role in preventing MSD injuries too. Therefore, if you haven't been paying attention, there is a grave need to work in an environment that's conducive and well-equipped with conveniences like good lighting, optimal temperature, and humidity level, amongst others.
7. Accessing documents - Many of us have to type something or the other on the computer screen while looking at documents. Now, doing this on a regular basis, may strain our neck muscles and hamper the productivity if not done correctly. To avoid the negative impact of improper document accessibility, it's essential to place the document between the keyboard and the computer screen. One can even use a document holder to place the paper on the side of the computer screen and read it conveniently.
8. Positioning armrest and wrist rest - Similar to a headrest, the importance of a good armrest and wrist rest can't be denied. In fact, failure to support your arms and wrists properly can lead to an unnecessary burden on your shoulder and neck. Consequently, keep your arms and wrists in a straight and natural position and take frequent breaks while typing to avoid muscle-straining.
9. Eye care - Staring at a computer all day long can lead to excessive eye fatigue. Preventing work-related eyestrain can boost workers' productivity by relaxing eye muscles. Thus, a computer user needs to look away from the computer screen every 10-20 minutes to rest their eyes. Also, the screen should be position at an arm-length distance. Reducing glare is also necessary. This can be done by placing the monitor away from a direct source of light or a bright background.
10. Employee training - When it comes to making ergonomics in the workplace a real success, the importance of training is gainsaid. No number of special equipment will work if the users don't know how to make the best possible use of them. That's why employees must be trained well when it comes to implementing ergonomics in their offices.
Our Final Take
Incorporating ergonomics in the workplace has become a norm today. And it's something that deserves the top priority in every type of office setting. Including ergonomics into your work setting can help in ensuring a work environment that's much more productive, healthy, and safe.
Follow the tips mentioned above, no matter what's the size or nature of your business, and you will witness a significant improvement in your business productivity in times to come.
And, in case you have some suggestions related to ergonomics, then please leave a comment and let the community take benefit from it.
Happy ergo-working to you!
