As a business leader, you pour considerable resources into finding the right people, creating a safe workplace, and building a positive company culture.
But a fundamental element that often gets missed is workplace ergonomics. Frequently, ergonomic specialists are called in only after a problem has already led to an employee’s discomfort or even time off work.
A forward-thinking approach to ergonomics can spot and resolve potential risks before they translate into lost productivity and absenteeism. Weaving ergonomics into your employee onboarding, health and safety practices, and wellness efforts is more than just a thoughtful gesture; it’s a sound business strategy.
The Real Cost of Overlooking Ergonomics
Ignoring ergonomics can hit businesses hard, no matter the industry. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), like back pain, repetitive strain injuries, and carpal tunnel, are big reasons why employees are out of work and on long-term disability.
For example, in Europe, a huge chunk of workers deal with back, shoulder, neck, or limb pain. These issues make up a large portion of recognized occupational diseases and cause most work absences lasting over three days. Just last year, in 2023, back injuries were the most frequently reported non-fatal incident among workers.
But the effects of these problems spill over into employees’ personal lives too. Chronic pain can really mess with someone’s quality of life, leading to financial stress and mental distress for them and their families.
What’s truly concerning is that less than half of those who are off work for more than six months due to MSDs ever return to their jobs. This highlights the long-term economic and social damage these conditions cause. As people live and work longer, we expect to see even more of these issues, making a proactive focus on ergonomics more crucial than ever. By getting ahead of the curve, you can significantly cut down on absenteeism, boost employee retention, and ramp up overall workplace efficiency.
So, where exactly does ergonomics fit into your business strategy? Let’s explore three areas where it should be a natural fit.
Integrating Ergonomics Across Your Business
1. Ergonomics in Employee Onboarding
From their very first day, new employees should be familiarized with the best ergonomic practices for all their tasks. A well-structured onboarding process that includes guidance on display screen equipment, workstation assessments, and proper posture helps new team members start their journey with your company on the right foot.
Why This Matters
New hires are often keen to make a good impression and might ignore personal discomfort or a poorly set up workstation, which can lead to problems down the road. Early education helps to build a culture of self-awareness and personal responsibility for ergonomic health. Employees who are physically comfortable while performing their duties are naturally more engaged and productive.
Implementation Tips
- Provide a simple ergonomic checklist during onboarding with information on adjusting their chair, positioning their screen, and setting up their desk correctly.
- Carry out an ergonomic assessment of their workstation within the first few weeks to identify any potential issues and make necessary adjustments.
- Offer short, engaging training materials, like video tutorials or interactive guides, that cover posture, screen placement, and desk organization.
- Give employees the tools to look after their own ergonomic well-being, such as self-assessment guides they can use independently.
- Make sure every new hire knows how to report faulty equipment or any discomfort they may be experiencing.
2. Ergonomics in Health and Safety Policies
Your health and safety policies should do more than just meet basic regulations. They should actively protect your employees from avoidable injuries by considering the individual capabilities and needs of the people performing the tasks. It’s important to remember that one size does not fit all, and a compliant workspace isn’t always the best fit for every employee. Ergonomics should be a central part of your risk assessment procedures, making sure that workspaces are designed to reduce physical strain and discomfort.
Why This Matters
Failing to address ergonomic risks can result in workplace injuries, compensation claims, higher employee turnover, and even regulatory fines, all of which increase your business costs. A well-thought-out ergonomics program reduces risk factors like awkward postures, excessive force, and repetitive movements, helping to prevent long-term health issues for your staff. Investing in ergonomics also demonstrates a genuine commitment to your employees’ well-being, which can strengthen your reputation as an employer and help you attract top talent.
Implementation Tips
- Make ergonomic assessments a standard part of your regular health and safety audits.
- Provide adjustable furniture and equipment, such as desks, chairs, and monitor stands, to suit different body types and work preferences.
- Involve employees in the process of designing their work areas and selecting equipment to ensure the solutions are practical for those using them.
- Establish a straightforward system for employees to report ergonomic concerns and request adjustments to their workstations.
- Train your managers and team leaders to spot early signs of physical discomfort and address them proactively before they become bigger problems.
3. Ergonomics in Workplace Wellness Programs
Wellness initiatives frequently concentrate on mental health, fitness, and nutrition, but physical comfort at work is just as important. Discomfort and pain stemming from a poor workstation setup can lead to stress, reduced focus, and even contribute to chronic health conditions.
Why This Matters
Employees who are experiencing physical discomfort are less likely to be engaged in their work and more likely to take sick days, which affects the entire team’s performance. A comfortable work environment supports mental clarity, which can reduce workplace stress and help employees maintain their focus throughout the day. An investment in ergonomic wellness leads to higher productivity, greater employee satisfaction, and can lower healthcare-related costs for your organization.
Implementation Tips
- Organize “Ergonomics Awareness” events with hands-on workshops and posture coaching, where employees can learn from experts and apply what they’ve learned in real-time.
- Offer access to online resources like instructional videos, infographics, and self-assessment tools to empower employees to manage their own well-being.
- Encourage regular movement and dynamic work habits, such as alternating between sitting and standing with sit-stand desks or rotating tasks to reduce fatigue.
- Incorporate ergonomically-friendly habits into your wellness challenges, such as reminders to stretch every hour or quick posture check-ins.
Is an Ergonomics Program Worth the Cost?
So, is investing in an ergonomics process worth it? The evidence is overwhelmingly positive. Not only is ergonomics good for your business, but it’s also a clear demonstration of commitment to your people. Good managers often weigh decisions by asking:
- Will this increase our revenues?
- Will this decrease our costs?
- Is this the right thing to do?
When considering a dedicated workplace ergonomics process, you can answer with an emphatic “YES!” to all three questions.
At Ergo Global, we specialize in helping businesses unlock these benefits. We provide expert ergonomic consultation and solutions, including comprehensive workplace assessments, tailored to your specific environment. We help you create a workplace that is not only safer but also more productive and profitable.
Chat with us to learn how we can help you build a better, more efficient workplace.
