The shift towards work-from-home or hybrid arrangements has highlighted the importance of comfort in the workplace. If employees can customise their home office to suit their preferences, why should they feel motivated to go to the office where the furniture causes discomfort?
Therefore, many companies are considering the value of workplace ergonomics. Read on to learn about ergonomics and how they benefit your organisation.
What is workplace ergonomics?
Workplace ergonomics ensure that employees function healthily and safely in the workplace.
Ergonomic furniture balances comfort with efficiency. Compared to standard office furniture, ergonomic designs support and keep your body in an ideal posture, reducing strain on your back, neck, and hips.
Some ways of improving workplace ergonomics include:
- Identifying and minimising sources of workplace stress.
- Investing in ergonomic chairs that support the spine’s natural curve and encourage individuals to adopt healthier postures.
- Investing in height-adjustable desks that allow individuals to work at the most suitable height.
Cost savings
Poor ergonomic practices lead to employees sitting in awkward and uncomfortable positions for hours at a time. Poor posture, especially when maintained for prolonged periods, is a common cause of workplace injuries like tendonitis and musculoskeletal disorders. Such illnesses and injuries may result in increased absenteeism.
Investing in ergonomic tables and chairs allows you to control the factors that cause injuries and illnesses. Therefore, you can save costs that would otherwise be spent on lost workdays or workers’ compensation.
Increases productivity
Sitting for the whole day may result in muscle fatigue and increased stress on the lower back, leading to discomfort that distracts employees from their tasks.
As such, it is beneficial to get ergonomic chairs and height-adjustable tables that allow employees to sit or stand, depending on their preference. Hence, employees can adopt better postures, reduce exertion, and work more efficiently.
Improves quality of work
Ensuring all employees are completely attentive when working on their tasks is crucial.
Employees who are uncomfortable and frustrated due to poor ergonomics are more likely to make mistakes. On the other hand, good ergonomic practices support employees physically, reducing their fatigue and aches. This allows employees to focus on their tasks and produce higher-quality work.
Improves employee engagement
Over time, fatigue and physical strain take a toll on employees. As poor ergonomic practices hurt employees’ back and neck, they may feel demotivated and become less likely to stay involved.
Reducing discomfort by investing in ergonomic furniture is an excellent way to boost employee morale and encourage them to participate actively in high-value tasks. High engagement is especially beneficial for work requiring creativity and problem-solving.
Additionally, comfortable and motivated employees likely have higher job satisfaction and loyalty, thus reducing the organisation’s turnover rate.
Promotes a culture of health and safety
It is essential for all companies to foster a culture that prioritises safety and health as healthy and comfortable employees produce better quality work.
Furthermore, expressing commitment to safety and health shows employees they are valued. Therefore, employees are more likely to stay loyal, and the organisation may be able to attract new talent more easily.
Conclusion
Most adults spend the majority of their day at work. Therefore, it is crucial for organisations to create a healthy and comfortable work environment where employees can produce good quality work without discomfort.
Eng Hin Construction offers height-adjustable desks and ergonomic training chairs in Singapore. We also offer custom furniture, including canteen tables and chairs and science lab chairs. If you’re interested, please get in touch with us or visit our furniture warehouse in Toa Payoh.