What are Ergonomic Features?
Do you ever wonder why one chair might offer more support than another or why some desks are adjustable? These are built-in ergonomic features. Ergonomics is the study of making everyday objects easier, more comfortable, and more efficient to use. Ergonomic features such as supportive seating and adjustable desks with keyboard trays allow workers to perform their job duties while limiting distractions caused by discomfort.
Along with providing comfort and increased efficiency, ergonomic features can help improve health, limit stress on the body, and decrease fatigue. Incorporating ergonomic office furniture and devices into the workplace can lead to a better working environment and increased efficiency. Along with office furniture, ergonomic features can be found in other things such as keyboards, lighting, and monitor displays.
Ergonomic features aren’t limited to the design of an object. Ergonomics also takes into account the arrangement and placement of objects in the office. Ultimately, ergonomic features create a better working experience and environment for employees.
Ergonomic Features in the Hybrid Workplace
As companies transition to the hybrid model, shared workspaces continue to grow in popularity. Several employees might use the same workspace at different times. However, the employees who use the space have different needs, preferences, and requirements to help them work comfortably and efficiently. There is no one-size-fits-all workstation solution.
Ergonomic features built into desks, seating, keyboards, and monitors can help workers tailor their workspace to their needs. Being able to easily tilt the chair, raise or lower the monitor, and reposition the keyboard tray makes it possible to transform their work environment.
The versatility of an ergonomically designed office lets workers easily adapt to their in-office work while using the same furniture.
The versatility of an ergonomically designed office lets workers easily adapt to their in-office work while using the same furniture. This eliminates excess furniture needed to accommodate multiple employees. While a workplace isn’t one size fits all, ergonomic features can create a one-size-fits-all solution.
These features extend into the technology used in the office. With employees working remotely, there has been an increased need for communication solutions. For example, strategically placed two-way cameras and office layouts provide an experience comparable to an in-person meeting. Incorporating ergonomic features into the hybrid workplace can help address the most common issues that come with working remotely. By using the tools and ergonomic features available, the hybrid workplace is becoming an easier place to navigate.
Ergonomic Furniture
Something that all workers want out of their office furniture is comfort but comfort doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good for you. That big, soft office chair can be comfortable but it might be contributing to back issues. The traditional office workstation might be good enough but an adjustable-height desk allows you to work longer periods of time while maintaining proper posture. It might not seem like a little extra support or an adjustable desk can have that much of an impact but ergonomic features let you change the way you work.
Ergonomic office furniture isn’t limited to desks and desk chairs. These features are found in cubicles, conference tables, keyboards, monitors, and various seating solutions. The ergonomic features of a workstation can meet the needs of its employees.
Desks and Chairs
The workplace is evolving. What we once viewed as unusual or non-traditional is becoming more common in the workplace. For example, sit-stand desks are becoming more popular and it isn’t just because they look cool. These pieces of furniture let people work for extended periods of time without sacrificing their bodies or comfort to do so. Some pieces of furniture like the sit-stand desk help counter the sedentary nature of office work.
Ergonomic desk chairs allow employees to work in a way that is unique to them. These features found in office chairs let workers adjust the height of the chair and armrests, the tilt of the chair, and the amount of lumbar support. The support an ergonomically designed desk chair can offer can help reduce the risk of physical and mental strain that poor posture can create. This doesn’t only have an impact on the employee but can also lead to decreased productivity which can affect the employer.
Ergonomic Desks
Desks with ergonomic features are ideal for cubicles, traditional desks, and adjustable-height desks. This can be something as simple as a cubicle desk with a keyboard tray or as complex as a sit-stand desk with many adjustable features. Healthline reports that ergonomic features found in sit-stand desks can help lower blood sugar levels, lower the risk of heart disease, and improve mood and mental clarity.
Ergonomic features put workers in the best position to succeed.
Aside from personal workstations, ergonomic features are the perfect addition to shared spaces like conference rooms. The same adjustable ergonomic features found in desks are making their way into the board room. Adjustable conference tables that can accommodate groups or adjustable chairs used in shared spaces provide a level a comfort for all workers that spend time in the conference room. Most of the time a worker spends in the office is at a workstation and sitting in their office chair. It only makes sense that the furniture being used should provide a high level of comfort and accommodation.
Why Should You Incorporate Ergonomic Features?
There are many reasons that ergonomic features should be incorporated wherever possible. It is important to create an environment for workers that they enjoy. This is especially true for hybrid employees. It can be difficult at times to get hybrid employees to leave the comfort of their home office and come into the workplace especially if their workstation is less than perfect.
Providing workers with a workspace that can accommodate their needs can go a long way. Making simple changes to the office with the addition of ergonomic desks and chairs can improve the working experience. People are able to work more efficiently and for longer periods of time when there is less physical strain on the mind and the body. The preventative health benefits that ergonomic furniture provides can keep workers in the office. Ergonomic features are putting workers in the best position to succeed.
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