Ergonomics is the study and application of equipment and furniture in a certain way that people can do work or any other activities more efficiently and effectively. In the work or office space context, ergonomics is about making the work environment and conditions as conducive as possible to avoid injuries, stress, and other long term health conditions that may have an effect on the well-being of employees. Here is a thorough overview on the relevance of ergonomics for organisational success.
Reduces Cost
Effective financial management is a key component for organisational success and facilitating profitable investments. By considering ergonomics an organisation can prevent costly MSDs (Material Safety Data Sheets). It is estimated that on average companies spend at least $1 out of every $3 worker compensation cost on MSDs.
Besides this, with properly executed ergonomics organisations also benefit financially from an average 75% reduction in lost workdays, 53% reduction in restricted days, 68% reduction in worker’s compensation costs, 39% reduction in cost per claim, and 43% decrease in labour costs. These enable significant cost-savings for businesses, which in turn provides them with many opportunities to focus on investments that can benefit the success of an organisation.
Improves Productivity
As ergonomics allows workspaces to be designed with employee comfort in mind, it promotes good posture, less exertion, fewer motions and better heights and reaches which makes the workstation or coworking spaces more efficient.
The more convenient and comfortable employees feel when working, the fewer distractions and time spent adjusting posture or taking breaks to reduce sprains, which is estimated to roughly increase productivity by at least 25%. More productivity directly contributes to more performance levels and thereby success rates.
Improves Quality Of Work
One of the major reasons for deteriorating work quality comes from poor working conditions which have led to fatigued and frustrated workers who are not capable of performing their best. This increases the probability of making errors as well.
As one of the major benefits of workplace ergonomics is improving employee health and wellness, it reduces the rate at which employees feel physically exhausted at a workplace because of poor posture, thereby improving work quality and performance which is highly beneficial for organisational success. It is reported that ergonomics considerations at a workplace can reduce scrap and errors by at least 67%.
Improves Engagement
Employee engagement is the backbone of organisational success. As ergonomics improves the quality of work-life, health, and wellness, organisations approximately experience a 48% reduction in employee turnover and a 58% reduction in absenteeism. This has a significant positive impact on improving employee mood, consistency, morale and overall engagement.
Improves Innovation
Innovation and success go hand in hand in the corporate world. When made proper use in an office space, ergonomics make employees feel comfortable and at ease while working, which helps them focus better. It reduces pain, strengthens muscles, and increases blood flow which all when combined improve mental insights which are extremely crucial for innovative thinking.
With proper ergonomics, employees are also less likely to experience anxiety and stress which improves awareness, mood, and focus, together allowing them to concentrate better and cultivate innovative thinking patterns in a healthy environment.
