Invest in ergonomics because it matters
In these pages we present a fair amount of content dealing with reducing stress, making the workplace less violent, and encouraging a tolerant attitude towards fellow workers. All great morale builders.
At least one study found that if given a choice, nine out of ten workers believed their productivity would benefit more from a workspace designed around good ergonomics than from company-wide morale building programs.
The study involved employees at Microsoft Hardware, Redmond, Washington, a group within the Microsoft Corporation that makes keyboards, mouse devices, and other ergonomically “correct” components for computer users.*
Office workers often neglect the importance of moving around. Instead of taking frequent breaks and maintaining a relaxed and natural posture, they may sit for hours tightly focused on the computer. A fair proportion of these desk-bouind workers spend as much as six to ten hours without a break from their work at the computer.
Workers who deal with computer data of all kinds are valuable employees, and they need extra attention to be sure they aren’t endangering the muscles, bones, and nerves while they grind out work. They need breaks to walk around. They need glare-free screens and seating that supports the lower back.
We hope that nine out of ten readers of this Web page believe that giving office workers an ergonomically correct workspace is one of the best ways your company can improve morale—and productivity.
*The company also gives advice about providing a "healthy workplace" using their devices.
Copyright © 2008 by Griffith Publishing
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THINKING POINTS...
“Years of research have shown us that providing ergonomically sound furniture is a fundamental first step in providing employees a better physical experience at work, which can subsequently benefit the company in terms of efficiency and productivity.” David Trippany, corporate ergonomist for Steelcase.