Ergonomic office furniture is designed to provide maximum comfort and prevent common injuries associated with sitting, standing, and repetitive motion. Many of us spend more than 6 hours a day sitting at work, but did you know that sitting in the same position exerts pressure on your spine? The way you sit at your desk influences your health and this is the reason why ergonomic office furniture is an important component of workplace safety.
But does ergonomic office furniture actually work?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, days lost from repetitive strain injuries dropped almost two full days per 10,000 workers between 2012 and 2013.
Implementing ergonomic furniture in your office will benefit you immensely and here’s how:
Ergonomic Furniture Improves Productivity
Office ergonomics can increase productivity on average by 11%
Ergonomic office furniture eliminates unnecessary movement and awkward resting and working positions. The chair you sit in every day should be user-friendly and adjustable to your individual needs. On average, 95% of an office worker’s day is spent sitting in front of the computer. With the help of ergonomic furniture you can help increase comfort, productivity, and job satisfaction.
A study by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries showed productivity gains as high as 15% when ergonomic styles of seating and other furniture were implemented. In the same study, an army engineering office reported a 20% increase in productivity after an ergonomic office re-design. After the re-design was completed, the payback for the project took less than a year!
Ergonomic Furniture Reduces Costs
Reports state that employers pay between $15-$18 billion in workers’ compensation costs in the United States.
Ergonomic office furniture is an investment and requires you to be proactive. The amount of costs you avoid accruing from improper safety practices, sick leave, lost work time, and potential claims will significantly reduce your company’s costs in the long run.
Ergonomic Furniture Provides Safety
A healthy work environment ensures workplace safety. It may not seem like a safety hazard to have furniture that isn’t ergonomic, however, you can guarantee that office furniture will impact the health and safety of your employees over the years. According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
- Carpal tunnel syndrome accounts for 15% of all workplace injuries;
- 42% of carpal tunnel cases result in more than 30 days away from work; and
- Musculoskeletal injuries resulting from poor workplace ergonomics account for 34% of all workday injuries and illnesses.
“Although ergonomic furniture is paramount, it is not the only solution to all work-related health problems” states Dr Jahnavi Acharya, consultant physiotherapist at Revival Bone and Joint Hospital, in Mumbai. Apart from ergonomic furniture in the workplace, you should always be mindful of your posture while sitting.
Healthy employees are your most valuable asset; creating and fostering the safety and health culture at your company will lead to better performance for your organization. Keep your workplace safe and take preventative measures through ergonomic office design today! Speak to a qualified technician today and learn more about our ergonomic office furniture solutions.
