An ergonomic workspace is essential for startup success – it can boost productivity by 25% and slash work errors by 67%. Ergonomic workspaces are essentially designed to maximize comfort and efficiency, while also reducing risk of injury. By taking care to create an ergonomic workspace, you can ensure your employees stay safe, comfortable, and productive at all times.
Go open plan
An open-plan layout is the foundation of an ergonomic office. With open plan, your employees have all the space they need to perform their jobs comfortably and safely. Cramped and restricted employees are naturally at a higher risk of injury. Be sure to create clear aisles between desks and cubicles, so employees can navigate their way around easily. It’s also important to keep your office free from clutter: a prime slipping hazard. In fact, simple trips and falls are the second leading cause of accidental deaths. Not only is clutter dangerous, but it also increases stress and anxiety, which drastically hampers workflow and productivity.
Design ergonomic workstations
Ergonomic workstations support the body, so employees can sit at the computer for hours without discomfort or pain. A height adjustable desk, in particular, can effectively support health and wellbeing. Adjustable desks allow employees to alternate between sitting and standing as needed, which can help prevent back pain, burn calories, and beat inactivity throughout the work day. An adjustable ergonomic keyboard is also beneficial. Whereas regular keyboards push the hands inward, and cause shoulders to hunch, ergonomic keyboards, on the other hand, allow your hands to be shoulder-width apart and your shoulders to relax as you type.
Choose the right lighting
Fluorescent lighting is a poor choice for an office; it can “wash out” computer screens, and make it harder to accurately see work. In turn, this causes eye strain and headaches. Ergonomic lighting, on the other hand, can ensure employee wellbeing and productivity. The ideal office should have between 300–500 lux of illumination – opting for bulbs with higher lumens can ensure brighter light. Maximizing natural light is also essential – it’s kinder on your employees’ eyes, and can also boost mood. So, position desks and work pods near windows, and ensure windows are clear of any obstructions.
An ergonomic workspace is key to business success. By opting for an open plan layout, ergonomic workstations, and right lighting, you can keep your employees comfortable, happy, and productive.
