Workplace Efficiency

Through the years I can't remember how many times people have said 'investing' in ergonomics is just another way of getting more money out your customer. How more wrong could they be?

The science of ergonomics is now such a serious subject employers are sitting up and taking notice. After all, if your employees aren't comfortable in their workplace, it's ultimately going to have a detrimental effect on their efficiency, productivity and of course, your bottom line.

It's an area that has been studied and researched for more than a decade, with findings that would make any employer think twice about saving money by buying average office furnishings or not investing in a better quality lighting or air conditioning systems. In fact, in Sweden and many other western countries, laws have been passed that mean offices must reach a certain standard of ergonomics in order to be able to operate.

As a subject it has many facets, and dependent on how involved in it you want to get, it can run very deep. The effects of bad ergonomics can result in both physical and psychological damage to your well-being, just by sitting at your desk!

There will be hundreds upon thousands of businesses around the world that don't consider ergonomics a threat. These businesses need to take a step back and critically assess how efficient their workplace really is. It often amazes me how businesses don't associate loss of employee workdays, through sickness, with ergonomics. As I said before, with the correct application in any working environment, ergonomics can make a business more cost-efficient and employees more productive, and although there is the initial cost outlay, the business will benefit in the long term.

Consider posture at your desk. By ensuring your comfort is not compromised during your working day, you won't be more prone to the manifestations that can come about, such as; musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders (UEMSDs) and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). RSIs come about due to repetitive motion, which can ultimately cause injury to spinal discs, muscles, nerves, ligaments and joints to name but a few and play havoc on backs, necks, wrists and even vision. You know, in the US alone more than 93 million working days are lost every year due to back pain, around 2.5million people are totally disabled from it and around US$17 million is spent annually on treatment and diagnosis alone. The figures speak for themselves; I just hope employers realize this. Address the issues, implement where necessary and reap the benefit, that is all we can say.

Also as mentioned earlier, it's not only how you work that can effect your day, where you work can have a major impact too. The building you work in could be aiding in the demise of your physical and mental health. You have probably heard of Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), and affecting many new office structures, ailments include dizziness, headaches, sore eyes, fatigue, soar throat, hand and foot spasms, colds, coughs, dry and itchy skin. Such illnesses come as a result of a number of attributes to your office. For example, poor air conditioning, poor air circulation - which includes tobacco smoke, the office heating system, keeping windows closed and even the plastic casing and VDU screens of computers. Improving the different systems within your building can be a straightforward task and one that just requires regular cleaning and ensuring all the systems are working efficiently and effectively.

Still on offices themselves, a company must consider furnishings and equipment as well. Natural light is essential, and a decent amount of it should be present throughout the office. Harsh overhead electric lighting on the other hand can give you a headache, eyestrain and fatigue, but can be rectified by using filters or even lower indirect lighting. Look at the furniture around your office, what condition is it in? It really can make a difference you know, I know of incidences where individuals have taken jobs because they liked the look of the office, the new furnishings, the new PCs and so on. They are in fact willing to take a lower paid job as long as they know they will be happy and comfortable there.

Now being comfortable also means reducing audible distractions. Think how many times you've been sitting at your desk trying to concentrate on your work and wishing that you could have a bit more privacy and less office noise. You must ensure you have access to use a separate room, be it a meeting room or office, to get away from it all. In terms of the office structure itself, noise can be rectified by the use of acoustical panels fitted to absorb sound.

OK, so we know how important it is to be comfortable in your office surroundings and although this plays a huge part in how your day goes, there are more factors you need to consider. Having a healthy workplace also means having a healthy mental state of mind. Which brings me on to stress. Stress comes in two forms, physical and psychological, both of which if not addressed can manifest themselves in to musculoskeletal disorders and can result in tight, tense and aching muscles, back pain, exhaustion, high blood pressure and stomach ulcers. Emotionally, stress can cause many different symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, moodiness and lack of focus.

Overcoming stress and creating a healthier state of mind whilst at work can be overcome by various means. There are numerous organizations out there that offer stress management courses and relaxation courses that will enable you to focus on stress effects and eradicate them. One of the cheapest and most effective ways of overcoming stress is simply, breathing. Again there are various techniques that can be used but next time you feel stress coming on, take two slow breaths and you will find the second breathe has the relaxing effect. It's amazing how this can help. Then there is nutrition, what you eat during the day is just another factor directly related to stress. Careful planning of your daily dietary intake can reduce the levels of stress you are prone to and reduce fatigue, headaches and irritability. Ensuring you have breakfast and lunch dramatically increases energy levels and reduces stress. Overcoming stress will inevitably increase your efficiency and dramatically improve your work energy levels.

Another was to increase energy levels is a more obvious solution... rest. Ensuring you have the opportunity to rest and recharge your batteries is essential. In this day and age, a lot is expected from a days work and all to often we expect to be able to push our bodies to the limit, and do more than we actually can. Rest is vital, and taking it is not a sign of weakness but a sign that we are at our limit and just need time to relax and recharge. Finding a place that enables you to do this, such as the beach, somewhere you can walk away from and feel refreshed.

There are a number of different sources of information out there that can help you and your company become more effective. A simple search on the Internet will reveal a plethora of organization you can contact. In our drive and commitment to providing the best solutions and educating we established the Healthy Workplace Campaign to address such issues and express how with a little consideration, time and effort each and every employee could be leading a happier, healthier working life.