There are several adverse effects of office ergonomics and poor posture on workers, plus some remedy tips.
Did you know that one of the greatest mistakes in office design is not considering office ergonomics? Work-life in an office is already passive, which may cause health problems to develop in the long term. The harmful effects on employee wellness increase when poor office ergonomics overpowers a predominantly sedentary work environment. There are several adverse effects of office ergonomics and poor posture on workers, plus some remedy tips.
Signs of Physical Toll
More bodily and visible signs of neglecting well-being can occur with poor office ergonomics. For instance, sitting with a bad posture triggers muscle and joint pains that office workers are too familiar with. In addition, prolonged bad posture compresses digestive organs and lungs, causing breathing problems and stomach discomfort. These physical effects can also play a role in developing mental and emotional harm. Other physical signs of bad office ergonomics and prolonged sitting are the formation of varicose veins and bruises on the forearms and wrists.
Bad Mood and Stress
By sitting at a workspace with terrible office ergonomics, it may negatively impact an employee’s mood and mental strain. So, sitting hunched over at their office desk for long periods slows down internal processes. It also lowers energy levels. This is because excessive sitting and poor posture can cause our metabolic and cardiovascular systems not to perform correctly. Overall, this contributes to workers feeling depression, irritability, anxiety, and stress in the long term.
Low Work Performance
There is no doubt that these mental and physical strains on workers will diminish their work performance and output. In addition, poor productivity may further hurt employee self-esteem and burn out quickly. Furthermore, employers won’t be happy if productivity lowers. They can observe their workforce grow more unmotivated and tired, even though nothing operational has changed. Overall, poor office ergonomics may be a silent productivity killer.
Enhancing Wellness and Office Ergonomics
There are two tips to remedy bad office ergonomics if you start to notice these signs. The first step is to invest in ergonomic office furniture to create a more comfortable workspace. Secondly, it promotes employees’ health and wellness, even subtly. This may mean encouraging workers to take a break from their desks periodically. Also, checking in with each other can provide minutes of pleasant chatter, hoping they return to work more refreshed.
Choose Edwards & Hill for Your Office Furniture and Design Needs
Are you ready to redesign your office to maximize productivity and creative thinking? Edwards & Hill can help you design and install the perfect designs for your business. Edwards & Hill is a leading office, education, medical, and hospitality furniture provider with high-quality design and installation services for any style or scale. We have our headquarters in Annapolis Junction, Maryland, and another convenient office location in St. Louis, Missouri. If you are ready to get your office design started, contact us online or give us a call at 301-317-4250. For the St. Louis office, please call 314-797-5077. For more furniture design tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.