Ergonomics refers to designing and organizing tools, furniture, and workspaces to match human capabilities and limitations. The goal is to promote employee health, comfort, safety, and productivity. However, neglecting ergonomics contributes to costly and disabling musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like back pain, tendinitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Implementing ergonomic principles is an investment in your most valuable asset – your people.

Ignoring ergonomics has major costs for employers. MSDs from repetitive strain, awkward postures, improper workstation setups, and other issues account for over $20 billion per year in workers compensation in the US according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Alongside direct medical and insurance costs, MSDs reduce productivity from missed workdays and “presenteeism” where employees work at reduced capacity due to pain.

On an individual level, employees working in offices with poor ergonomics suffer from sore backs, eyes, wrists, and hands. Over time this leads to chronic issues like spinal disc herniations, tendinitis, arthritis, bursitis, neuropathy, migraines, blurry vision, and carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome. No one should have to choose between their health and a paycheck.

Evidence-based ergonomic design can prevent and relieve most MSD issues. Ergonomics aims to create a user-centric workspace aligned with employees’ capabilities through adjustments like:

• Sit-stand desks allowing changes in posture
• Monitor arms positioning screens at eye-level
• Adjustable ergonomic chairs providing lumbar and arm support
• Keyboard trays and wrist pads preventing strain
• Task lighting reducing eyestrain
• Regular break reminders interrupting repetition

This holistic perspective considers variables influencing comfort, health, satisfaction, and productivity. Studies show a 60-100% decrease in neck, shoulder, forearm, and hand issues following such ergonomic changes. Optimizing ergonomics also boosts worker satisfaction - 80% reported feeling happier, healthier, and more productive in one survey.

At Workscape Designs, we customize our process to your workplace needs. Our assessments analyze potential MSD risk factors across physical, environmental, organizational, cognitive, and emotional variables. We then advise adjustable furniture, accessories, layout revisions, and equipment interventions tailored to your people and environment. Our user-centric approach combines ergonomic best practices with human-centred design thinking to create offices where your team can thrive.

Want to invest in your employees’ wellbeing? Contact Us  to learn more or request an ergonomic consultation.