The Importance of Ergonomically Designed Office Furniture
The workplace of today differs quite a lot from the workplace of a decade ago. While a lot of business premises still require hours of sitting during an office day, business managers are now more aware of the needs of their employees, and they are more willing to invest in office furniture that will not only make the office look better, but also make their employees feel better. Ergonomically designed office furniture is no longer a luxury; it is a necessity, and there is a range of advantages associated with ergonomic design.
What is Ergonomic Design?
Ergonomics centre on the understanding of how the human body and psyche interact with other elements in a situation, and design is adapted to take certain factors into consideration. The aim of ergonomics is to optimise the wellbeing of people, while interacting with an object, such as a chair, table, desk, backpack, and many others. The design takes into consideration the tasks and movements of the person and the object while specific tasks are performed, and how the interaction between the object and the person affects the individual and the object. Generally speaking, ergonomics helps to improve system performance and helps the individual to be comfortable and safe while interacting with the object.
6 Top Benefits of Ergonomically Designed Office Furniture
- Health: Sitting at a desk for hours at a time and working with certain equipment, such as computers, often creates a situation where people are forced to maintain uncomfortable or unsuitable postures, and this may lead to injuries and health complications in the future. Ergonomically designed office furniture helps to minimise discomfort and injuries, and also helps to stabilise posture to improve health and movement in the office environment. Certain pieces of furniture are even designed to assist people in dealing with particular conditions and injuries while at work.
- Safety of employees: One of the first and most important things in a work environment is safety. Ergonomically designed office furniture helps to keep the work environment safe, and helps to prevent certain events, such as falling over backwards, or a chair rolling away from underneath a person. The seats are also adjustable to ensure that the employee is as comfortable as possible while performing their job.
- Higher productivity: Ergonomically designed office furniture can increase the performance and productivity of employees. Because well-designed furniture decreases the need to move around, and increases the comfort of resting and working positions, it reduces fatigue and makes the employee more efficient. It also means that the employee will typically spend a shorter time to complete certain tasks.
- Increased morale: When employees feel that the company cares about their wellbeing, and is willing to spend money to ensure their safety and comfort, they feel validated by the business. This means that they are willing to invest more of themselves in the business, because they are rewarded for it.
- Attractive design: Ergonomically designed office furniture has come a long way, and modern pieces are now created that are not only cleverly designed, but also very attractive. In the contemporary office environment, these pieces are easy on the eye, and can complement any office’s interior and workplace culture.
- Cost effective: Ergonomically designed office furniture will typically cost more than non-ergonomically designed pieces. There are, however, savings along the line in the medium and long term that will make up for the higher initial cost. You have to see the purchase of these items as an investment. Not only does it help employees to be more productive, but they are less likely to miss days at work because of injuries sustained at work. Improper safety practices can also lead to employees suing the business for injuries – which can cost quite a lot more than well-designed office furniture!
At Quantum Office Furniture, we have a wide range of ergonomically designed office furniture that will help your employees to become more productive. On top of that, our wide range of furniture, canteen furniture and other office items come highly recommended by many of our clients. Take the chance to invest in your employees and give our team a call today to find out more.
