Proper back rest, seat cushion, viewing angles, and arm height are all factors in good ergonomics.
“Ergonomics” is a pretty big buzzword in the office furniture industry, and it’s one that often gets mis-defined. Ergonomics is often associated with comfort, when the reality is that the prime goal is efficiency. The two often go hand in hand, but are not necessarily identical. Confused? Keep reading to learn more about how ergonomic office furniture can drastically increase office efficiency and productivity.
Comfort = Efficiency
Like we said, the two do in fact go hand in hand, but only in specific ways. For example, a big puffy recliner is going to be supremely comfortable, but it won’t facilitate efficient deskwork. Comfort in the realm of ergonomic office furniture means comfort in proper viewing angles for your computer monitors and proper reaching motions to your keyboard, mouse, phone, and other desk items. This in turn leads to increased efficiency because uncomfortable workers are liable to be more distracted, become more fatigued more quickly, and become less motivated.
You may have heard the term “ergonomics” connected to a keyboard or computer mouse, where the goal is to allow for continued use without, in this instance, tiring or injuring the tendons and joints in your hands and wrists. Similarly, an ergonomic office chair allows for extended periods of sitting at your desk without injuring your back, hips, neck, and wrists from poor posturing.
The Benefits of Ergonomic Office Furniture
- Boost Quality Productivity. Ergonomic office furniture makes it easier for employees to work harder and longer without distracting discomfort. They’ll feel more energized, and they’ll be motivated by your efforts to enhance their safety and comfort. If a task as simple as sitting at a computer and typing become tiring and painful, you may end up with a group of unhappy and uncomfortable employees on your hands.
- Cut Costs. When your productivity goes up, your output goes up, and your cost per output goes down. The more productive your employees are, the more you get out of them in the same amount of time, that much is clear. It goes further than output though. Ergonomic desk chairs, for example, also reduce the risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), which can lead to costly workers compensation suits. Approximately $1 out of every $3 in workers comp costs are attributed to MSDs — avoid those costs as well with ergonomic office furniture.
- Improve Office Culture. Choosing ergonomic office furniture is a great display of your commitment to your employees’ well being. You’ll notice increased morale, increased engagement, reduced absenteeism, and reduced turnover.
Last we checked, these would all be great improvements to any company. If you’re looking to refresh your office furniture, just start a conversation with us. We’ll be happy to help you enter the world of ergonomic office furniture.
Find Ergonomic Office Furniture at Edwards & Hill
Edwards & Hill Office Furniture is proud to furnish corporate offices as well as providing quality furniture for hospitality businesses, educational settings, local casinos, and healthcare facilities. Tony Hill, Managing Partner, and Hans Edwards, Partner, have been working together since 1998 to provide quality multimedia and furniture products and services to a number of different businesses and industries.
To get started with Edwards & Hill, call us today at 301-317-4250. You can also fill out our online contact form to ask specific questions about one of our specific services.