5 Important Benefits Of Ergonomics In The Workplace

Ergonomics in the workplace is the science of ensuring that the things that people use the most are set up in a way which makes them both safe and efficient. Many big companies embed ergonomics deep into their operations, and it’s obvious why when you take a look more closely at the benefits of ergonomics in the workplace. 

1. Ergonomics shows concern for employee wellbeing and safety
   Although employers have a legal responsibility to provide a safe work environment, investing in ergonomics displays a clear concern for the wellbeing of your employees and helps to instil a better culture of safety in the workplace. Creating and maintaining a culture of safety can help to lower the risk of injury at work and will reduce the number of sick days needed by employees as a result of a poorly set up workplace environment. Ergonomic analysis of your workplace can also help reduce the instances of employees developing musculoskeletal injuries from poor posture which can have a life long effect on their health and wellbeing.

2. Increases productivity
   By optimising your employee's working environment, be that a desk, product line or office, you are empowering them to be better at their job, increasing their productivity. A properly adjusted screen height and mesh office chairs provide comfort and better posture, which is vital for job roles which involve a lot of time seated at a desk. Sit-stand desks provide employees with a greater range of motion and encourage more activity. Setting up the work station correctly to allow for fewer motions, better comfort and less exertion means that your employees can focus on the task at hand and not the constant readjustment of their surroundings. Happy, healthy and comfortable employees are better employees.

3. Makes you more attractive to potential new talent
   In this competitive hiring market, a company who invests in ergonomics is more attractive to the top talent. A company that ensures the ergonomic efficiency of the environment for its employees shows that they care and are willing to invest in their people. This can make the company more attractive to new hires and the top talent, as these people will recognise you as someone who values their employees and is willing to invest in their health and wellbeing at work.

4. Ergonomics can help you accommodate people of varying abilities
   People come in many different shapes and sizes and with different physical and cognitive abilities. It’s a legal requirement to be able to provide for and accommodate those with different needs and an ergonomic assessment of each individual on a case by case basis will ensure that you are able to do so. 

5. Ergonomics can save you money
   Although a commitment to workplace ergonomics can seem like a significant investment for many companies, it’s an investment that will not only benefit your people but your bottom line. Ergonomics can save companies money by preventing injury which can then result in employees needing time off. Ergonomics can also improve employee retention reducing hiring costs and can cut your employee healthcare bills.