4 valuable benefits of an ergonomic office space

An ergonomic office space is crucial, and the benefits should never be underestimated. This is because it ensures safety and efficiency so that employees will be able to work to their full potential without the worry of dealing with eye, back, neck, hip, and general body strain. After all, discomfort is one of the main reasons why people cannot give their best whilst working as it can affect the mindset and impact concentration.

It is said that 65% of employees at the average company suffer from work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) pain. This is because around 82% of all workers spend the majority of their working day seated – often in a chair not suitable to be endured for long hours. Health problems such as MSK not only affect employee productivity but also leads to increased employee absences, so it should not be taken lightly.

In this article, we will explore the 4 most valuable benefits of an ergonomic office.

What is ergonomics?

Before we begin, we will go over what ergonomics is and where it originates from. The word ‘ergonomics’ is derived from Greek roots and translates to “the science of work”. This science focuses on interactions between humans and other elements of a working system to optimise wellbeing and performance.

Ergonomics aims is to reduce the physical stress that results in injuries. For example, in an office, overuse injuries are common due to poor posture while sitting in front of a computer. This can lead to office workers developing a misaligned spine, having trouble with their wrists and elbows, and experiencing neck and back pain due to sitting for long periods. Ergonomics also prevents various musculoskeletal disorders that lead to poor job performance and missed workdays.

Below we’ll explore the 4 valuable benefits of ergonomic office space.

1. Ergonomic offices result in cost savings!

Did you know that investing in ergonomic office furniture can save you money in the long run?

As we have said, poor ergonomics often causes MSK issues, which can carry a hefty financial burden for employers. In fact, the total costs of workplace injuries and ill health was £18.8 billion in the UK, with around 40% of the costs being due to workplace injury.  

2.6% of a workforce will require time off work for issues like back pain every year, and workplace personal injury and health and safety negligence lawsuits can reach seven-figure settlements! This only further reinforces how important ergonomic office furniture is for a business. By implementing ergonomic office furniture, you could be saving the business money in the long run.

If budget is a concern, we would suggest our Webb 2.0 task chair a high-quality product with the same ergonomic requirements, but for a reasonable price. The Webb 2.0 features an ergonomic design that is both supportive and comfortable with a seat-slide, a 6-position lockable backrest and 3D armrests. It also has a self-synchro mechanism so that the chair automatically adjusts itself to the users weight, ensuring superior comfort.

2. Ergonomic offices lead to increased productivity

Did you know that a study conducted by the Washington State Department of Labour and Industries reported a 40% increase in productivity in a group of 4,000 employees after they started using ergonomic furniture? There’s more where that came from too. For example, a year-long study revealed that 77 employees felt less tired and more engaged when using ergonomic height-adjustable desks, whilst also reporting improvements in musculoskeletal problems.

It has also been reported that those who reduced their sitting time by 66 minutes per day with a height-adjustable desk, had reduced neck and back pain by as much as 54%. With reduced pain, it meant that employees could now put their full attention back into their work.

To improve productivity in the office, we recommend our ergonomic Wolfe four height-adjustable desk as it is robust and has an almost inaudible motor operation ensuring zero disturbance to surrounding colleagues. Alternatively, our height-adjustable Flexure desk also has endless options for flexibility and is easily adaptable with the option to adjust working positions based on different team members or work assignments.

3. Ergonomic offices result in increased job satisfaction

A recent study by Paychex showed that over 60% of employees consider wellbeing benefits including a good workplace setup a top priority when it comes to applying for a new job. Unsurprisingly, employees with MSK pain are also 64% less likely to view their job as rewarding!

Employees who have good posture in a comfortable workspace generally have a higher level of confidence and feel much happier while they work. By implementing ergonomic office furniture, you will be reinforcing a culture of wellness and thus showing that you care about your employee’s health and safety – which looks good when looking to recruit future talent too!

This brings us to our next point.

4. Ergonomic offices promote a safe culture

An ergonomic office space promotes a safe culture where employees can work comfortably, which in turn will have a positive impact on their mental health and wellbeing. After all, a healthy employee contributes to the success of a business.

A workspace that is ergonomic will also result in employees having a more positive attitude regarding the company as they are able to work without any strain. As we have mentioned, employers who invest in good ergonomics can help to reduce sick days, improve productivity, and enhance the quality and amount of work being produced. All of which benefit the success of the company and shows that you truly care about your staff.

Creating an ergonomic office space with Haiken

At Haiken, we recognise how crucial office furniture is when it comes to ensuring a happy and healthy office environment. Whether it be by implementing our ergonomic office task seating, or investing in our height-adjustable desks, we can help you create an ergonomic working environment that satisfies current and upcoming talent.

Please contact our friendly office furniture team today for more information.