Why Good Ergonomics in the Workplace Is so Important for Employees

Did you know there's a one in three chance you'll become disabled before you even reach retirement?

Maybe it starts with a little back pain or a slight twinge. Over time, however, bad posture can lead to major musculoskeletal problems and other big health concerns.

An unhealthy work environment could leave your entire staff at risk! Even the chair you're sitting in right now could cause these problems.

Improving ergonomics in the workplace can boost productivity, performance, and health for everyone. Ergonomics involves design with comfort in mind. By making a few changes to your work environment, you can make your business a better place to work.

Keep reading to discover the importance of proper ergonomics in the workplace!

 

Reduce Costs

Not many businesses realize that paying for ergonomic workstations early on can help them save money in the future.

For example, creating an ergonomic workplace can help your team from developing musculoskeletal injuries. Reducing the risk that they'll develop these injuries will reduce absences. When people miss work due to an injury, production will drop.

You might even lose employees as a result of these injuries.

In fact, back pain accounts for over 264 million lost workdays each year. That's two days for every full-time employee. Back problems are one of the most common reasons for missed work.

It's also the leading cause of disability, preventing people from engaging in work and everyday activities.

Those chiropractors and doctor appointments can add up quickly. In time, those work absences can become costly for employees and employers. In fact, workers' compensation expenses can cause businesses between $15 and $20 billion a year.

Don't leave your employees to miss work because of their unrelenting back pain. Instead, consider creating an ergonomic workplace. Then, you can cut costs and avoid working through the day in pain, too.

 

Boost Productivity

One of the greatest benefits of ergonomics in the workplace for business owners is its ability to boost productivity. Products designed with ergonomics in mind are built for the worker.

An ergonomic workstation can make it easier for your employees to maintain proper posture.

At the same time, they'll have to exert themselves less. Making fewer motions will allow them to work more efficiently. They won't have to worry about heights and reaches, either, which can also boost their productivity.

With ergonomics training, you can learn how to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in your workplace. This can make it easier for employees to become more efficient and productive. They'll experience greater job satisfaction, too!

 

Improve Work Quality

Are your employees frustrated or fatigued throughout the day? Pain and discomfort can make it difficult for them to produce their best work. An office space with negative ergonomics can impact work quality.

Don't let job tasks become too physically taxing for your employees. When it's painful for your employees to do their work, they won't perform the way they were trained to.

An ergonomic workstation can reduce errors as well.

As those errors stack up, they can become costly and impact productivity.

By providing your employees with ergonomic tools, such as standing desks, you can improve their cardiometabolic health. Standing more often can reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels. This can prevent weight gain among your employees, too.

Improving your workspace with proper ergonomics will reduce anxiety and fatigue within the office. As a result, employees will begin to feel happier and healthier. Then, they'll have a better time focusing on their work.

Sitting at a desk all day, however, can become taxing on the body and mind. Then, employees won't produce their best work.

Help your team feel comfortable and happy by providing them with the proper ergonomics. When they're comfortable, they'll have an easier time focusing. Then, they can do a better job producing work at a higher caliber.

 

Grow a Happy, Healthy Team

Your team is the backbone of your business. When your employees aren't happy and healthy, your business will suffer for it. If they feel miserable every time they come into work, they might consider looking for a new job.

Losing employees because you lack ergonomics in the workplace could increase turnover. Then, you'll have to waste time and money searching for talent and training your new employees. Productivity will fall, hurting your ROI.

Sitting at a desk all day can cause a number of issues, including fatigue, discomfort, and back pain. Remember, that back pain can build over time, causing long-term musculoskeletal issues.

If your employees are unhappy, it can hurt office morale, too. Instead of losing one employee, that discontent can spread. You might lose more people, increasing absenteeism and turnover.

Improving your workplace ergonomics will boost morale.

By paying attention to your team's comfort and health, you're showing them how much you care. Your employees will feel valued because you're taking the time to consider their needs. When their workspace becomes safer, they'll show their gratitude by putting more effort into their work.

Instead of spreading discontent, your team will share their appreciation and happiness. Then, productivity will increase, benefiting your ROI!

 

Keep It Safe

A safer work environment will reduce absenteeism due to back pain. By implementing ergonomic improvements, you can reduce risk factors that might otherwise cause discomfort.

Your team might experience a number of stressors in the workplace, including:

• Bent, awkward posture


• Sitting in seats that provide minimal support


• Lacking neck support or padding under their bodies


• Bent posture and extended reach

There are a number of ergonomic solutions available for different work environments. For example, let's say your team members use a manual screwdriver. This can cause a bent wrist.

A powered, in-line screwdriver will keep their wrist straight, reducing discomfort.

By prioritizing ergonomics in the workplace, you can make small adjustments that have a big impact on your team.

Prioritizing workspace ergonomics creates a better safety culture, too. If you're committed to health and safety, show it by creating a better work environment for your team.

 

Happy, Healthy, and Working Harder With Ergonomics in the Workplace

Ready to create a safer work environment? By focusing on ergonomics in the workplace, you can boost productivity and morale while reducing costs and absenteeism.

Worried about overspending? Discover how to create a functional small business budget today!