~by Dixie Somers~
To get the most out of your workers, you need to make sure that they feel comfortable while they are on the job. One of the best ways to do this is to look for ergonomic fixes you can make to the office. If your employees are comfortable as they work, they are bound to be more productive.
Get the Right Chairs
One of the first ergonomic fixes you should look at in your office is changing up the chairs you use. Because your employees are sitting at their desks for 8 or more hours a day, it is important that they have chairs that encourage proper posture. Ergonomic chairs will reduce back, neck, arm, and shoulder fatigue and injury. They will keep workers more alert as well.
Get Ergonomic Keyboards
Since so many desk jobs involve massive amounts of typing, it is crucial that you give your employees ergonomic keyboards. These keyboards are designed to support the wrists. This support keeps the tension of typing from running up the wrists to the shoulders and can also help to prevent repetitive use injuries.
Set the Right Temperature
One of the more overlooked aspects of providing an ergonomic office environment is keeping the temperature pleasant. Workers who constantly feel hot or cold will see their performances suffer. Make sure that you get an accurate thermostat that can constantly adjust the temperature to keep the office climate as pleasant as possible. If your system is outdated, contact a company like Cape Fear Air Conditioning & Heating Co., Inc. for an inspection.
Encourage Proper Monitor Use
Eye strain is a big problem for people who stare into their monitors all day at work. To prevent this, you need to make sure that all of your workers have monitors that are placed at eye level. You should also educate workers on the proper ergonomics of using their monitors. They should be advised to look away from their screens periodically to relieve the strain on their eyes.
Encourage Breaks
If you want to keep your employees productive, it is important to encourage them to take regular breaks. Sitting at their desks for hours on end is very bad for their bodies. Employees should be encouraged to get up and move around every hour to keep their bodies from getting stiff and sore. Stretching during these breaks will further help their bodies stand up to the demands of working at a desk all day. You might also consider providing employees with standing desks as an option.
Keeping your employees comfortable will help to make them as efficient as possible. Following these ergonomic fixes is a great place to start. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your staff for suggestions on ways to make the office more ergonomic. They might have noticed something you missed.
Meet the Author: Dixie Somers
Dixie Somers is a freelance writer who loves writing for business, finance, and those with an entrepreneurial spirit. She lives in Arizona with her husband and three beautiful daughters.
