In today’s modern work environment, many employees spend a significant amount of time sitting at a desk, using a computer, or performing other tasks that require them to remain sedentary for extended periods of time. This sedentary lifestyle can cause a number of health problems, such as back pain, neck pain, and poor posture. Not only are employees experiencing more injuries and illnesses than ever before as a result of their workplace design, but research has shown that many of these injuries are preventable with improved design and workplace health and safety changes. Every component of your office setup, from sit-stand desks and chairs to keyboards and monitor stands, has the potential to improve the ergonomics of your working space.
Ergonomic furniture can boost staff comfort and morale in addition to improving posture and reducing strain on the body. Employees who are at ease are happier, more motivated, and more productive. By investing in good ergonomic furniture, employers can demonstrate that they value their employees’ well-being and are committed to creating a healthy work environment.
COS recently conducted a new study of over 1,000 Australian office workers on Health, Safety, and Ergonomics. According to the report, 57% of office workers have an ergonomic setup in their company’s main office, but 37% do not have a proper setup which can have a negative impact on their health. In 2023, nearly half (44%) are still working from home, with one quarter (25%) hybrid and one in five (19%) fully remote, while (56%) are workin7g full time in the office or workplace.
According to the study, the average Australian spends $450 on their at-home work setup, and now more than 61% of employees are asking that their employers not only subsidise their WFH setup, but also focus on ergonomics, including everyday items and office supplies.
4 Reasons Why Ergonomic Furniture is Essential
Ergonomic furniture, which is designed with the user in mind, benefits both the employer and the employee.
Increases Productivity
One of the most significant benefits of ergonomic office furniture is increased productivity. The benefits of an ergonomic workplace extend beyond physical health. Ergonomic office furniture can make employees feel more at ease and focused, leading to increased productivity, higher quality work, and fewer errors. Ergonomic furniture promotes good posture while also boosting breathing and blood circulation.
Improved Posture
One of the most serious consequences of prolonged sitting is back and neck pain. As most workers sit at their desks with poor posture, it can lead to serious health problems, particularly in the back and neck. Ergonomic chairs, desks, and accessories are designed to encourage a neutral posture, which can reduce strain on the neck, shoulders, and back. Ergonomic chairs typically have adjustable height and lumbar support, as well as armrests that can be adjusted to the proper height and angle. Similarly, an adjustable-height desk can help reduce the risk of neck and shoulder pain by allowing the employee to position the monitor at the proper height and angle.
Cost Savings
Even though ergonomic office furniture can be more expensive than conventional office furniture, it also has the potential to lower healthcare costs, workers’ compensation claims, training costs, and absenteeism from accidents or discomfort. Employers can help prevent injuries and lower the chance of lost productivity due to discomfort or pain by investing in ergonomic furniture. Over time, this may result in cost savings for employers, making ergonomic furniture a smart investment.
Reduced Risk of Injury
As mentioned above, despite the initial costs, ergonomic furniture is well worth investing in, as it lowers the risk of musculoskeletal injuries like back pain, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. These problems are hard to avoid due to the habits inherent to office life, namely repetitive motion, bad posture, and stress on the muscles and joints caused by excessive sitting. By encouraging proper body mechanics, ergonomic furniture can be the difference between a day spent comfortably and one plagued by chronic issues. An ergonomic keyboard and mouse, for example, can help reduce the risk of wrist and hand injuries by allowing the user to keep their wrists in a neutral position while working.
