October is National Ergonomics Month, which promotes the science, application and profession through teaching, learning, networking and service.
Ergonomics emerged as a science during the 1800s, but its popularity in the workplace stretches back just a few decades.
By definition, ergonomics is the science behind design that allows people to work efficiently and safely. While ergonomics can be applied to any occupation, it’s most often associated with desk-based office workers. Is their posture good? Does their chair provide enough support and comfort? Is their computer and keyboard positioned at the appropriate height?
OFDC Commercial Interiors offers a multitude of professional consulting services for businesses, including recommendations for ergonomics-focused office furniture.
For an employer, the benefits to prioritizing ergonomics are wide ranging and include the following:
- Productivity: Discomfort, physical pain and mental fatigue can impact the number of tasks an employee can complete during the workday. Healthy employees have fewer aches, pains and injuries, and miss fewer days of work each year.
- Work quality: A strong body and focused mind allow an employee to operate at optimum capacity, and employees operating on all cylinders means a company is operating on all cylinders.
- Legal and medical claims: Nearly one-third of workers’ compensation claims are related to musculoskeletal disorders, which include muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) touts ergonomics as a key in preventing musculoskeletal disorders.
- Morale: Employee satisfaction thrives in workplaces where workers feel valued for what they do as an employee, but also who they are as a person. Employees who recognize that an employer generally cares for their well-being are intrinsically motivated to perform at high levels.
- Culture: A focus on ergonomics is a focus on safety. Employees are a company’s most valuable asset, so protecting their health creates a strong safety-focused culture that thrives.
- Retention: Employees who feel valued and are able to successfully accomplish challenging tasks are more likely to stay on the job. For an employer, that means fewer unfilled positions and less time spent searching for and training new employees.
There is a cost to focusing on ergonomics, but the costs of not focusing on ergonomics are even greater.
OFDC offers ergonomic solutions for all types of office-based work environments, including:
- Desks
- Office Chairs
- Conference Tables
- Conference Chairs
- Cubicles and Storage
Contact us today to begin creating an ergonomics-friendly workplace that benefits both your company and your employees.
