Improving ergonomics in the workplace can seem like a hefty investment. Ergonomic furniture, tools, and aids can be expensive. But those investments can be well worth it in the long run. Effective workplace ergonomics helps create a healthier workplace, which can boost employee engagement—and in turn, boost the business’s bottom line.

Workplace ergonomics is one of the most important employee perks: it fosters a safety and health culture as a core value. People recognize the value of walking into a safe workplace; with the knowledge that their employer wants to keep their team healthy, employees are likely to be happier at work. Reducing ergonomic problems leads to fewer sick days, fewer injuries, and can reduce long-term, cumulative issues that can shorten a worker’s career.

Why Ergonomics?

First of all, when you incorporate ergonomics, you demonstrate that you care about your employees; that their health and well-being are important to you. With the knowledge that you want to keep your team healthy, they are likely to be happier at work. Workplace ergonomics fosters a safety and health culture as a core value. People appreciate they are walking into a safe workplace, and recognize the value of being taken care of in this way.

Ergonomics improves productivity and employee engagement. Poor workplace ergonomics leads to fatigue, aches and pains, and injury. When your team is physically uncomfortable, they won’t perform well—and they may even begin cutting corners, which could put product quality at risk.

Think about it. When you’ve got aches and pains, you aren’t at your best. Your attitude tends toward the negative, and you aren’t able to concentrate well. Consider the last time you were tired, in pain, or otherwise uncomfortable at work. You may have taken extra breaks, worked more slowly, or even left early because you weren’t feeling well. Imagine what your performance would be like over time if every workday caused fatigue or discomfort. What would it be like if the whole team felt that way every day?

Improving workplace ergonomics can boost problem-solving skills and overall creativity while reducing mistakes. In other words, your team will be better able to do their jobs because they won’t be distracted by muscle strain or other physical discomfort. And if you engage your team in the process of evaluating how to improve ergonomics in the workplace, they’ll know that you value their feedback and contributions—which in turn can improve overall morale. You may be surprised to find that your employees have insights into improving the workplace that you never considered.

When the workplace keeps ergonomics like good posture, controlling screen glare, ideal heights and reaches, and reduced motions in mind, the worker becomes more efficient and more engaged. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says office workers can help prevent back pain by standing at least once every hour to move around—at least stretch, if not walk around a little. These are great tips—after all, when your team isn’t fatigued and uncomfortable while performing their job functions, employee engagement increases, because they have more energy during the workday. And that ultimately leads to improving the company’s profitability.

Benefits of Ergonomics for the Work Site

Workplace ergonomics fosters a safety and health culture as a core value. People recognize the value of walking into a safe workplace; with the knowledge that their employer wants to keep their team healthy, employees are likely to be happier at work. Reducing ergonomic problems leads to fewer sick days, fewer injuries, and can reduce long-term, cumulative issues that can shorten a worker’s career.

One aim of ergonomics is to help reduce accidents and injuries. That’s why you see construction and factory workers wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like hard hats, safety glasses, and back belts. Ergonomic tools for these workers are designed to reduce or prevent repetitive stress injuries, awkward gripping positions, excessive bending or stooping, exposure to excessive vibration, and more.

Ergonomic PPE protects workers from injuries and also helps make their jobs easier. For example, an ergonomic glove should fit perfectly, protect the hand, and enhance the wearer’s grip. When ergonomic equipment doesn’t fit right, it can be as dangerous as not using any protective equipment at all.

Instead of straight-backed office chairs and carpal tunnel-inducing office desks, an increasing number of workplaces are adding ergonomic office furniture to not only modernize their décor, but also to improve workplace ergonomics.

Conclusion

Ergonomic furniture, tools, and aids can be a hefty investment, but those investments can be well worth it over time. Companies that incorporate products like ergonomic computer desks into their offices demonstrate that they care about their employees, proving that their health and well-being are important. Savvy companies know that it pays to improve workplace ergonomics. It’s not just an employee perk—it’s a tangible benefit that enhances employee’s lives.

Your employees are your company’s greatest investment. It pays to improve workplace ergonomics because it’s a tangible benefit that enhances employee’s lives. Reducing ergonomic problems leads to fewer sick days, fewer injuries, and can reduce long-term, cumulative issues that can shorten a worker’s career. Over time, investing in workplace ergonomics more than pays for itself.