The current conditions of working have been altered forever as businesses start to hybridizing working environments that safeguard the average employees mental and as well as physical health whilst simultaneously optimizing employee productivity levels.
This in essence is the new normal. Employees around the world spend an approximate 8 hours each day sitting on chair at their desks performing their assigned duties which has resulted in workplace furniture (office furniture) being deemed as a significant contributor to both employee productivity and their health.
The need for ergonomic workstations has become a critical element of the work environment to not just keep employees healthy and productive, but also happy and comfortable in the current post-pandemic period especially after employees return to their offices after working from home during the pandemic when productivity sky rocketed due to the home environment where employees were able to work under their own desired conditions and comfort.
Sitting for long hours on standard quality office chairs in work stations at regular office desks have been found to lead to a variety of health complications due to the prolonged hours of sitting. Studies have indicated that extended use of improper or poor quality office furniture such as office chairs, keyboards, mouse and other office elements could lead to chronic diseases which include MSD (musculoskeletal disorders), FHP (Forward Head Posture) and UCS (Upper-Crossed Syndrome) among others.
Studies reveal that almost a billion office workers are afflicted by musculoskeletal disorders at varying degrees of complication (mild to severe) and the cost to treat musculoskeletal disorders cost employers billions of dollars annually.
Good quality ergonomic office furniture such as ergonomic chairs, desks, tables, cabinets and other equipment are critical towards the comfort and health of employees as otherwise poor working conditions which generally mean cluttered office spaces with regular office chairs and tables do not just have an impact on the employee’s health but these poor conditions also have a negative impact on employee productivity which ultimately result in the increase of healthcare spending.
Ergonomics is in fact the new office norm and business owners must focus on ramping up employee productivity by providing employees with workstations that are enticing, pleasing, comfortable and healthy, where employees will be motivated to work for long hours without stress to the mind or body. It is crucial for offices to be set up as ergonomically as possible and doing due diligence on the space and design of the office is the first step.
Ergonomic chairs, ergonomic desks that are adjustable in terms of desk height from the floor should be prioritized and subsequently the arrangement of the workstations and only then the lighting and décor. The placement of filing cabinets, rest areas well stocked pantry and well maintained restrooms are all part and parcel of the modern work environment that will encourage employees to be more engaged with their work.
Even for those who work from home, an ergonomic home office is also necessary to keep your healthy as those who work from home generally use computers and using a standard office chair instead of an ergonomic chair will result in hunching and back issues.
