The value of ergonomics

Ergonomics is an essential consideration for business owners who want to create a safe, healthy and productive work environment

Ergonomics can have a significant impact on productivity and employee health and wellbeing; dealers need to understand the value of ergonomics for their customers and why it should be a key consideration in any workplace design or equipment purchase.

According to a report by the Health and Safety Executive, 470,000 workers suffer from musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in Britain. This has a long-term impact on businesses, affecting areas such as employee well-being, absence due to illness and overall productivity.  

Investing in ergonomic designs brings many improvements – such as:

• Health and well-being of employees: ensuring that workspaces, chairs and other workplace equipment are designed ergonomically can help to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, back pain and other MSK disorders which can eventually lead to long-term disabilities. 
• Productivity: when employees work in an environment designed to support their physical and mental wellbeing they are more likely to be engaged, motivated and focused. Overall, this can lead to increased productivity, better quality work and improved morale. 
• Reduced workplace accidents: by designing workspaces and equipment with safety in mind, the risk of falls, trips and other accidents will be minimised.
• Reputation: an ergonomic workplace demonstrates to employees, customers and other stakeholders that you are committed to creating a safe, healthy and productive work environment. This can help to attract and retain top talent as well as improving the company’s image and reputation.

What is ergonomic design? 

For a product to be considered ergonomic, it must:

• enhance the natural flow of the human body;
• support the natural ‘S’ posture of the spine, rather than forcing it into a ‘C’ shape;
• be able to be adjusted easily to accommodate a diverse range of people;
• encourage physical movement in the day where possible;
• prioritise usability over aesthetics and convenience;
• reduce the stress on joints, bones and muscles.

Examples of ergonomic product features in the market include:

• height adjustability to ensure hips are parallel to knees when seated;
• pivotal screen monitors (with filtered screens to help prevent glare and eye damage);
• keyboards and mice that reduce problems like carpal tunnel syndrome;
• chair arms with 180-degree adjustments to mimic the movement of a human limb;
• weight-activated mechanisms in seats for appropriate support.

However, ergonomics isn’t just about workplace design, it also includes considerations such as work schedules, workload and job demands. By paying attention to these factors, and designing work schedules and tasks that are aligned with employees’ abilities and preferences, you can further enhance productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.

For dealers looking to sell to business owners, encourage them to keep ergonomics in mind and make sure customers can see the benefit of these products for their workforce and keep them coming back for more!