Ergonomics is about ensuring a fit between products and systems and the people who use them. When we hear of ergonomics we tend to think it is something related to the way you sit at work, but it is much more than that. There are three broad areas of ergonomics: Physical ergonomics, which includes working postures and workplace layout and environment. Psychological ergonomics, including mental workload, stress, and motivation. Lastly, organizational ergonomics, this one comprehends communication, work design, and organizational culture.
Why are ergonomics important?
The purpose of ergonomics is to create a productive, comfortable, and safe workspace by taking into consideration human abilities and limitations. Some of the major benefits of ergonomics are:
- Increase in productivity.
- Improve the quality of work.
- Increment employee morale.
- Reduce costs.
Several studies show that providing employees with a comfortable and suitable workspace reduces the risk of having injuries during their careers. It also gives employees a sense of importance within the company as they know their best interests are considered.
Some studies suggest that, given the same job offer, employees will choose ergonomic friendly companies over the non-ergonomic friendly ones. This is because when a company cares about its employees to the point of investing in furniture, employees (current and future) perceive it as a company willing to do much more for their overall wellbeing.
Statistics show that the average adult spends approximately 70% of their working hours sitting and have minimum physical activities. Spending a long period sitting has multiple negative consequences for your employees’ health. Make sure to invest in functional design to have productive and healthy employees in an office adapted to them and not the other way around.
